The Beaver herald. [volume] (Beaver, O.T. [Okla.]) 1895-1923, 1900-11-01
S...OKLAHOMA...}
~ IMPORTANT EVENTS OF, THE TERRITORY.
important lind Lehaoa.

important Land Lenses.
Washington special to the Globe.
Democrat says: In his annual report
to the Secretary Of the Interior. Com.
missioner OF Indian Affairs william A.
Jones will recommend an important
change In the system Of leasing Indian
agricultural lands, which, tits believed
VIII operate greatly 10 the benefit Of
the Indians For years past all Indian
agricultural lands have been rented TO
white people for an annual cash con.
sideretion. The prices per acre re-
ceivcd by the Indians have ranged from
2jc to $3.50 per apnum. bottom lands
IN the reservations, which will produce
~ bushels Of wheat per acre, are now
beirs rented for 81. 80 per acre, and the
les'ees are not only reaping handsome
profits, but are exhausting the sub.
starce OF the soil by continued crops
OF wheat and corn yearly Aside from
the financial side Of the question, IL has
been found that this system has en-.
couraged idleness among the Indians.
VINO after receiving their pro rata
snare of the proceeds, devote
their time in dissipation until their
money Is gone, and are then left prac.
ticaliy penniless until the next pay
ment Is due.
AZ the suggestion OF Commissioner
Jones shortly after he assumed control
OF the office; the policy OF leasing Indi.
an reservation agricultural lands to
farmers upon the share system was in.
augrrsted Mt one or two Of the agencies.
AZ the kickapoo agency, In Oklahoma
the system was put in operation.
Leases were made to farmers, who
agreed to raise the crops and give to
the Indians two-ffths OF the produce,
the farmer taking three-fifths The
Indians were compelled to gather the
crops maturcd. This furnished them
employment and encouraged thrift
AIR ong the members Of the tribe, who
carefully watched the lcssccs TO zee
that they were not cheated out Of any
OF their share Of the grain and other
produce. The plan was at once found
to be no satisfactory that IL has been
continued In operation ON the Kicka.
poo reservation, where majority of
the leases are now made on the share
system, and not for money considera-
tion.
Commissioner Jones believes that IL
this same system is put into operation
on all Of the reservations IL will en-.
courage thrift and industry among the
Indians. and at the same time teach
them, by actua' experience, fr,igulity.
One OF the principal reasons for this
change Is the inccssunt complication.
arising from the present leasing rvs.
ten. During the last year probably
$4,000 individual allotment leases on
the various Indian reservations bnye
been approved by the department.
The lands leased have been among the
richest agricultural lands in the vuri.
Gus states and territories in which the
reservations are located. In nearly
every case there has been "a scrumble
among men In those sections to secure
the coveted prizes. This hus invuri.
ably resulted IN charges OF bribery
and corruption being submitted againf
the parties interested, and In some
cases against the agents. In some In.
s,nnces these charges have been found
well sustained, and the department.
has taken summary action.