Little Falls herald. [volume] (Little Falls, Morrison County, Minn.) 1889-1950, 1905-11-10
MAJ. SCOTT MAY ACT
May Continue to be Indian
ARent IF De.
sired

Major G. L. Scott, acting Indian
agent for the reservation of Mime
sofa, excepting tie White Earth 70.
servation. has been retired from the
army after 80 years service. at his
on request. Major Scott has been in
active service in the army for thirty
years and is now major in the 10th
cavalry. Four years age he was ap-
pointed acting Indian agent and his
term In this osition expires Dec. 81.
1905. Major Scott will act as agent
until lis successor is appointed
Regarding whether OF not his 1e-
tirement from the ar1y would also
mean that he is to retire as Indian
agent, Maj. Scott makes the follow.
ing statement:
Il never sought the position, re.
piled the major. II was ordered to
take charge of the Leech Lake agen.
cy. and LETT the south to assume
charge of the reservation. I have
written the comm leeioner OF Indian
affairs that my retirement from the
army meant my relief from the acting
agency, and that I would remain an
til my successor is appointed and
qualified.
II am not seeking reappointment.
If am reappointed l shall continue
In the same course that have pursued
ein1e took charge of the matters at
Leech Lake. My course may not have
met with the approval of all inter-
ested. However. have done the best
could for the Indians under my
charge. No matter what criticism
may have been passed upon my con-
duct of affairs, am proud to cay
mona have teen expressed as to the
honest, fair and impartial manner in
which have carried on the duties of
my Office.
If I am reappointed I will serve !;
If am not 1t will not bother me in
the least. am willing TO remain If
the department of the Indian affairs
and the secretary of the Interior think
best. If I should be reappointed
shall continue to turn q deaf ear to the
interest of the politicians for appoint
ment of men who have not the ability
to fill the positions they seek. There
is much importance attached to the
successful handling Of the large
amount of timber. to be sold under the
1 have turned into the department
nearly $4,000, 0C0 and the work of
logging has only fairly commenced.
absolute necessity Of having employ ees
who are thoroughly qualified to Fill
the positions they seek: All depends
upon the accuracy of the scale Of the
men who are in the woods and the
Office force under me. So far I have
carried out the intricate rules and
lot khn k>oR
without any friction between the
different interests. was only ooina
my duty"
The honesty Of Major Scott has
that some people do not like his meth.
DDS, but there is evidence that their
opposition is creditable to Major
Scott. The opportunities for graft,
with q weak and plant or corrupt
Indian agent in charge of q reserva-
ton, are endless, and an honest and
able agent is always an obstacle to
those who want to handle Indian
timber In any way they see 6t. The
presidents personal wishes, it il an
agents instead of civilians. It is
likely that Major Scott will stay
where he ie.
Rev. J. T. B. Smith, formerly pas
tor Of the NJ. e. church at Little
Falls, sends the following tribute to
Major Scott to the Minneapolis Jour.
nal:
The report that Major George L.
Scott, Indian agent at Leech Lake,
will retire from the Indian service a.
agent and the reference to 1t in your
columns leads me to say that Major
Scott has justly been called The
Indian . Friend. For two years I
was pastor Of the Methodist church.
ut Csks Lake, and had ample oppor.s