The Oskaloosa herald., 1901-11-28
INTERIOR AFFAIRS.
Secretary Hitchcock Presents His
Annual Report.

Washington, Nov. 25.-The annual re-
port Of Secretary Hitchcock, of the inte-
rior department, has been made public.
In indorses the conclusions submitted by
Commissioner of Indian Affairs Jones re-
garding the present Indian educational
system. The secretary says: The man
agement of the Indian service in the field
and in the schools, while satisfactory I'M
der existing conditions, is not deemed to
be the best for the welfare OF the In
dams, and different methods will hereaft-
er be adopted This policy COntempates
requiring the working by Indian allottees
able to do so of a fair portion OF lands
allotted them and the contributing by
their industry to their own support of all
not entirely disqualified by actual disa-
bility, physical or otherwise; the disCOn-
tinuanCe OF the issue of rations to those
able to support themselves, and the eX-
tension to the latter of every possible
aid for their well-being and encourage
ment; the inauguration Of industrial
training in all schools where not now es-
tabhshed, SO that such Indians of both
sexes may be taught the trades or indus
tries adapted to their circumstances"
Income Decreased.
The income Of the various Indian tribes
from all sources during the year aggrc-
gated $5.G3S $50, a falling of of $2OO,y52
mostly due 10 the expiration Of treaty
obligations.
in the future full leasing privileges will
be confined to those whose disability or
inability actually dIsqualiGes them from
working any part of thCir aIlOtments and
In d lesser degree to those whose disabili-
~ prevents their working more than
small part Of their allOtments, those con-
dJiOns to be clearly shown: all other al
lottees to be required to work at least
~ acres Of their allotment
Enrolment of Tribes.
The Dawes commission TO the five
civilized tribes in Indian Territory re-
ports that the rolls Of membership Of only
one nation. the SemiuOIes, so far have
been approved, and their lands have not
yet been entirely allotted. The time cam
not be fixed with certainty when the en-
To.ment OF the four remaining tribes will
be finished. There Is a vast amount OF
labor yet to be performed by the com
mission in investigating the claims Of ap-
plcants for enrolment and eQuallzing the
value Of the lands already classified, and
Secretary Hitchcock recommends that the
commission be increased by four mem
bers. He also favors a modification Of
the law requiring distribution OF lands
on the basis of equAlized valuation and
that definite period be fixed for the COM
pletion Of all work pertaining to the al
lotment of lands among the Indians in
the territory.
Danger TO the Forests.
The report says that the act Of June 3,
1887, known as the timber and stone act,
II not repealed or radically amended Will
result ultimately in the complete destruc-
zion Of the timber on the unappropriated
and unreservcd public lands. The time has
arrived, according to the secretary, when
reservoirs must be built and managed as
a part OF a national system Of forest and
water conservation. They cannot be sue
cussful II maintained, however. without
thorough system Of forest protection. The