The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1903-06-20
I0REM0VEARM men
Representative Stevens Thinks They
Should Not Be Appointed as
&c. Indian Agents.
He Will Introduce an Amendment to
the Present Law Forbidding
Such Appointment.

From The journal Bureau, Room IS, Post Build
ing, Washington
Washington, June Representative
Stevens will introduce an amendment to
the military appropriation bill next win
ter prohibiting army officers from serv-
ing as Indian agents. Mr.. Stevens says
that this Is no sudden determination on
his part and Is not intended primarily as
a slap at Major Scott, present agent at
Leech Lake, for interfering as he did in
the ratification Of the Red Lake treaty.
If it becomes a law, however, it will re-
suit In SCOTS being sent back to his
regiment, and a civilian agent being ap-
pointed to look after the Leech Lake
agency.
Mr.. Stevens says he would have pushed
this legislation two years ago had it not
been for the objection Of the war depart
ment: That department did not want to
restore Colonel Pratt, superintendent of
the Carlisle school, to active duty, be-
cause he had apparently passed the age
when he could perform such duty ac-
ceptably, while he was doing good work
at Carlisle.
Pratt Is now on the retired list. The
only objection the war department had
then is thus overcome, and it Is ex-
pected that Secretary Root will indorse
Stevens plan, in which event it is almost
certain to go thru.
The army Is In need Of all its officers.
according to Secretary Root, for active
service In non contiguous territory. So
many are detailed for duty with colleges
Indian agencies and other soft places that
some companies In the Philippines are
now In command Of second lieutenants.
the lowest rank of commissioned officer
Adoption of the Stevens amendment
would undoubtedly benefit the state school
fund, as it would result In the appoint
ment OF some one acquainted with the
needs of the state, who would not attempt
to thwart the will Of congress In advising
Indians to repect fair propositions, as it
is charged Scott did in the Red Lake
negotiations.
Should the Red Lake treaty finally be
adopted as proposed by congress, the
state will get twenty two sections of fine
agricultural land, which, when sold. will
result In a considerable addition to the
school fund. Then, it Is said, that the
adoption Of giving school sections to the
state will result In further enriohinE the
1und when the Indian question is finally
settled in Minnesota
According to those who are in touch
with the administration Of the Indian
bureau and interior department. It is only
question OF a few years when all Indians
will cease to own lands in common. and
Will have lands allotted to them as in
dividuals.
s s. a. /, y. -
When this is done they will become
citizens. Their children will attend the
| public schools and the state will be forced
to make an allowance for their education.
| This is one Of the arguments used by
| those who favor giving school sections to
| the state for insisting upon the Indians
accepting the Red Lake treaty now and
| other treaties with similar provision in
| the future.
| Recurring to the case of Major Scott
Representative Stevens said that Senator
Clapp Is not responsible for the move
ment to discipline that officer for alleged
interference In the Red Lake negotiations
Senatar Clapp was reputed to be the
author of charges made at the White
House last spring and no denial has beef
made since. This led to the continued
statement that Clapp was interested an6
would probably take further steps in the
! matter, now that the treaty. had beer
rejected. 4. ia
w. W. Jermane,