Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1901-11-28
W. A. JONES FOR NEW METHODS
Says Present System Of Educating
Indians Is a Failure.

ports ever maze TO the secretary OF
the interior, strongly but graphi-
cally condemns the present system
of Indian education.
He announces that in the last
twenty years fully $45,0O0,OO0 have
been spent by the government for
the education of Indian pupils, and
it Is liberal estimate to put the num-
Der Of those so educated at not over
10000. If the present rate is con-
tinued for another twenty years, he
declares that it will take over $70,-
100000 more.
notwithstanding the govern
ment's outlay of money for Indian
Improvement, the commissioner in
sists that but little practical benefit
to the Indian has resulted. He says
"There are in operation at the
present time lib boarding schools,
with an average attendance of some
thing over 1900 pupils, ranging from
3 to q years of age. These pupils are
gathered from the cabin and the
tepee. Partly by cajolery and part
~ by bribery and partly by fraud,
partly by persuasion and partly by
force, they are induced to leave their
homes and kindred to enter these
schools and take upon themselves
the outward semblance of civilized
life. They are chosen not on account
of any particular merit of their own,
not by reason of mental fitness.
Without regard to their worldly con-
dtion, without any preparation
whatever, they are transported to
the schools, sometimes thousands Of
miles away, without the slightest ex-
pense Of trouble to themselves or
their people.
The Indian youth finds himself
at once as if by magic translated
from a state of poverty to one of
a1luence He is well fed and
comfortably clothed and lodged.
Books and all the accessories of
learning are given him and teachers
provide to instruct him. He is edu-
Gated in the industrial arts on the
one hand and in the liberal arts on
the other. Beyond the three RS. he is
instructed in geography, grammar
and history, he is taught drawing,
algebra, and geometry, music and
astronomy, and receives lessons in
physiology, botany and etymology.
Matrons wait on him while he is well
and physicians and nurses attend
him when he is sick. "A steam laund-
ry does his washing, and the latest
modern appliances do his cooking.
A libary affords him relaxation for
his leisure hours athletic sports and
the gymnasium furnish him exercise
and recreation, while music enter
tains him in the evening. He has
hot and cold baths and steam heat
and electric light and all the modern
conveniences.
"All of the necessities OF life are
given him and many of the Injuries.
All of this without money and with
out price or the contribution OF
single effort of his own or his people.
His wants are all supplied almost
for the wish. The child OF the Wig
wan becomes a modern Aladdin
who has only to rub the government
lamp to crafty his desires.
Here he remains until his educa-
ton is flushed, when he iso'eturned
TO his home--w which by contrast must
seem squaiid indeed Ito the parents
vhom his education must make 1t
difficult TO honor, and left to make
his way against the ignorance
and bigotry of his tribe. Is 1T any
wonder he fails2 Is it surprising II
he lapses into barbarism3 Not
having earned his education 1t Is
not appreciated; having made no
sacrifice 70 obtain il, il is not valued.
1t is looked upon rs n right ana not
as a privilege; il Is accspteu as
favor 10 the government and not to
tie recipient, and the almost newt
able tendency is to encourage de-
pendunoe, foster pride and create
spirit OF arrogance and selfishness'
The commissioners says the Key oi
the whole situation is in the nome
The first and most important object
TO be attained is the elevation OF the
domestic life. and he insists ana de-
elales that until that is accomplished
!, i fn,ile 10 talk of higher educa-
ton. -
= 30