New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-02-23
RATION SYSTEM DISAPPROVED.
MISS HOWARD TELLS OF HER WORK AMONG
THE DAKOTA INDIANS.


The New-York Indian Association held its resu-
lar monthly meeting Monday morning at tho
Broadway Tabernacle. The first half hour was
devoted to business and then addresses were given
by Mrs A. s. Quinton. Of Philadelphia. president
OF the National Indian Association. and Miss Grace
Howard of South Dakota.
Miss Howard formerly a missionary among
the Sioux Indians OF South Dakota. and con-
Quoted a successful school there until her health
gave way The Government has now taken the
school, but Miss Howard still lives on the reser-
walton and does great deal Of work. She has
great influence with the Indians. and they take all
their disputes to her for settlement Miss Howard
said that the greatest need Of the reservation was
the removal OF the ration system. as the young
would not work as long as the Government
maintained them.
After having lived among the Indians for part
Of two years." Miss Howard said. II built small
house and took In six girls. had hoped they
would be able to do the work about the house but
they had sense OF responsibility OF being
often found It necessary to do most OF the work
myself. I even had at times to take care OF my
own team and my cattle. They were not lazy, but
II there was any attraction to call them on they
did not hesitate to go. They had no Idea OF money
consequently 1t offered little inducement to make
them work. After a while l went to Washington
and got help from the Government. which
enab ed to take thirtynve girls.
Il believe It is most important that the Indians
should learn that they must support themselves
I do believe If the rations were taken away from
the young and women 1t would be good
thing. They think IL Is not necessary FOR them
to work, they have their rations TO depend upon
The rations keep them right down. | don't object
to their having their own land and horses ana
cattle, but until the rations taken away the
people will be terribly handicapped.
The generosity OF the Indians Is wonderful In
my school, the children had fair and the only
people to buy were the Indians: yet we made $50.
The Indians are just like other people. but some
fnaeG
l have been among them there has been little
thieving and little drunkenness They have gone
ahead rapidly. owing 1t may be, TO the influence
OF nice white people in our town, who treat
them well; Tho Indians love for his child Is be-
yond anything / have seen in any country. No one
need ever feel that any work that is done for the
Indian Is lost II is the best seed that can be
sown."
Mrs. Quinton said: II agree with Miss Howard
about the rations. There is only place where
| should like to see them. and that Is among the
Old and feeble. who do nothing for themselves.
| want Il to be understood that the boxes We send
out to the Indians are for those who cannot help
themselves.
The Indian women becoming enthusiastic
over their sewing classes One day Indian
woman showed her husband little dress she was
making for her baby. and he was greatly delighted
with II. especially with the little sleeves. which
were wonder TO him..