Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1906-05-01

and consequently were in no fit con-
dition to go to their distant fields
and work during the day. This mode
of procedure on their part was speed
lily changed by Mr.. Reynolds. The In
dians were ordered to live on their
respective farms and remain there
and attend to their work. The rule
was not so rigidly enforced that they
were shut off from their social pleas
ures altogether, by any means, but
they were taught that there is a time
to work and a time to play, and that
the two elements of their existence
could not be mixed So thoroughly as
in the past. The Indians did not take
kindly to the order at first, and were
disposed to be sullen and discomfort
ed, but after awhile the better class
of them came to a realization of its
wisdom. AS a result over 800 houses
have been erected on Indian farms
during the past three years. When
an Indian expresses a desire to build
for himself home he is rendered ev-
cry assistance by the agent and is en-
couraged in his work. He is required
to help in every instance, but carpen-
tiers are furnished him and whatever
he is unable to perform himself is
worked out for him by men more
skilled.
The Indians are gradually advanc-
ing along all of the lines of social
and industrial progress, but those who
know them best say that years will
be required to bring them into stage
of anything like perfection. While
the casual observer would never sus
pect it. yet it is true that the men
who are engaged in the work of bring
ing higher standards of civilization
to the Indian feel the weight of their
responsibility as deeply as the man
who is managing any of the great lines
of industry in the business world, and
the weight of this responsibility be-
comes heavy load at times.
First Indian Fair.
The first agricultural fair that was
ever held ON any Indian reservation
was that held by the Crows under the
direction of Major Reynolds, last year.
There have been alleged fairs on res
ervations, before. but these were only
occasions of jubilee and dancing. The
Crow fair grounds are located in a
bend of the Little Horn river contain
ing about 100 acres Of ground the
neck of the peninsula not being more
than 800 feet across. The grounds are
ideal and the selection of this loca-
tion obviated the expense and neces.
sity OF fencing. Last year the Indians
had an immense display of agriculture
al products as well as racing Of all
kinds. After the grounds were in
shape the agent placed the fair in
: their own hands, except the financia
end Of it. Indians acted as judges ir
of the various exhibits The fair prov
ed 10 be a success more lasting in its
effects than was hoped for. This sea
} son the Indian farmers will make pre-
parations early in the season for thei
exhibits and there is existing anon,
them, by reason of the fair of las
/ fnl frin ,i.it ,f l,
promises much for progress and Their
= is displayed already feeling of prid
that nothing else could have aroused
The Indian, like his white brother
likes anything in the way of public no
. tice, but he is not as adept in cover
ing up this weakness as his NOR,
highly educated brother in the ar
Discrimination.
At the agency there IS maintalne,
a school for the Indians which a
present contains about 100 pupils. Ii
connnection with this institution there
is a school farm, which is operated
altogether by the boys and girls of tn,
school, under the direction of com
petent gardener. Here all the vege
tables necessary for the maintenance,
of the schools are raised, and alread,
the ground is in first-class condition
for this seasons seeding 1t is SAT,
to say that there is not better ken
garden in the state
During the present agents regime
many new buildings have been erect
ed at the agency. Old building ma
: terials have been removed from tn