Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1901-12-13
MONEY FOR IBE Indians
Representative Cousins Will Ask
Congress for Money to Meet
Smallpox Situation.
Has Enlisted Senator Allison's
Support.-Early Action on the
Bill Expected.
The Epidemic is Subsidine and
No New Cases Have Been
Reported.
Special to Times-Republican.


Tama, Dec. 13.-Congressman Cous-
ms is making an effort to secure an
appropriation to meet the present
smallpox situation on the reservation
and to meet any future contingency of
it's kind. Mr.. Cousins has written a
letter to A. w. Gurnsey, of this city.
explaining what is being done in the
matter, as follows:
Washington, d. c., Dec 4, 1901
A. w. Gurnsey, Esq, Tama, Iowa
My Dear Sir: Replying to your letter
of the goth ult., received on my arrival
here. 1 have to advise you that l have
done everything possible in the way of
setting on foot relief for the unfortu-
nate situation existing there among
the Indians and in the community I
have called at the interior department
and had a long interview with the
commissioner of Indian affairs and
others having knowledge of the situa-
ton there. Agent Malin has been
authorized by the department to expend
the sum of twenty-five dollars a day for
the immediate nteds. and | have had a
consultation with Senator Allison with
reference to securing an appropriation
to be made available by the Indian de-
partment. The senator is doing every
thing he can also in the matter, and we
hope to get sufficient funds to relieve
the situation, not only at present, but
in the future. OF course, but little, if
any, legislation can be expected be-
fore the holidays, but we are making
an effort to get the item into the Urg-
ency Deficiency Bill, which will prob
ably be the first to be considered by
congress. Yours Very Truly.
ROBERT G. COUSINS"
The report that six new cases of the
disease appears to have been an error
In consequence of the circulation of the
report the camp was thoroughly investi-
gated on Monday by Agent Malin, ac-
companied by Drs. S. Thompson, OF To-
ledo, and William Corns, of this city.
After thorough inspection of the in
fected district the physicians reported
that there were no new cases at the
camp. that there were eleven sick with
the disease all Of whom were GONZALES
cent with the possible exception of two
or three. There have been thirty
deaths among the Indians, from all
causes, since the outbreak of smallpox.
or the thirty-nine certainly four and
probably five died from diseases other
than smallpox. Four of the dead In
dams were Winnebagoes not enrolled a,
the agency. Since the advent of colder
weather the hospital tents have not been
comfortable, it being impossible to suf-
ficiently warm them for the occupancy
Of the sick. Such being the case it was
determined by the agent and the physi-
clans that it was advisable to build a
temporary hospital of boards. The work
was entrusted to Mayor Huber, a menu
Ter of the committee. who engaged
James Fife to erect the building. On
Tuesday the work was finished and the
house, 14x20 feet. was heated by large
wood heater. Seven Indians are now in
the hospital and nearly as many more
are receiving such attention as can be
given them outside of the hospital.
1t is thought that two or three weeks
more will see the last of the disease on
the reservation. Then will come the
task of cleaning house" That duty is
to be faithfully performed. All the
wickiups on the reservation will be de-
stroyed, together with large part of
the clothing of the Indians. The Indian
department will make restitution to the
Indians by building new houses and
buying them new blankets and clothing.
Bead work and valuable clothing will be
thoroughly fumigated and it's use per-
mitted. The cost of new houses and
clothing. etc. will be in the neighbour
hood of $1,000. but letter from Con-
gresham Cousins to Agent Malin indi
Gates that the government will be will
ing to go to any reasonable length in
necessary expenses South
Tama may we'll be happy that it is near
ing the end of the Indian smallpox Incl
dent