East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1909-06-23


Indian department, Supervisor Charles
J.. Davis has been at work Of late up
ment Of land leasing upon the reser-
vation. At this time no regular set
OF rules has been promulgated, but
Mr.. Davis has drafted the following
with the purpose of submitting the
same to the commissioner at Wash
mgton. However he states that the
rules here given are not complete and
that those interested and desiring to
suggest changes are requested to con-
suit him upon the matter,
At this time Mr.. Davis expects TO
remain In the city for four or five
days. The following are the rules
that are being considered
General Policies.
The mere leasing Of lands Of allot-
tees for the highest price obtainable
Is not the prime purpose of the gov
ernment in maintaining leasing sys-
tenn
The highest object to be maintained
Is the up-building of the Indian popu-
lation by bringing among them good
farmers, with their families their CIV
of upright daily life.
To this must be added improvements
made on the allotments, the benefit to
the community at large by convert
ing vast idle or waste areas into pro-
ducing territory. and eventually the
other civil agencies.
As a matter of good government,
and to protect the rights of depend
ent allottees, II is an obligation on the
part OF the government to see that
the Indians get full market value for
the use OF their lands.
1t is also an obligation to break up
or repress all dishonest or fraudulent
practices, so far as can be. keep the
debt habit down to the minimum, and
in short repress whatever would op-
crate against the up-buildlng of the
allottees, or lead them into corrupt
or dishonest practices
RegiStcr OF IeSSeeS.
A register of acceptable lessees will
be maintained at the Agency office,
showing who will be permitted to lease
Indian lands. and the amount permit
ted each under the schedule appear
ing later
This register should include all
present lessees in good standing, and |
to be added to later by the names OF |
such applicants as may seek such |
privilege and who shall be found ac-
ceptable.
A perfect right of present tenants
(holders Of expiring leases) win be
recognized to extent set forth in the
rules governing leasing, and no fur
ther.
only men of good moral standing.
of approved business integrity and
with adequate financial backing TO
insure his ability to carry out his un-
dertakings will be acceptable. Ha-
btual drunkards or gamblers will not
be given registration.
Only actual farmers, who will per-
sonally conduct the operations under
their contracts will be regarded az
eligible. Minors and married women
will not be registered.
Widows, with minor sons old enough
to do actual farming, and who are
now leasing satisfactorily. and who
may be left widows during the lifetime
OF leases made to their husbands, may
continue on the same terms as men.
As condition to the registration
OF lessees now on the reservation each ,
such Lessee will be required to furnish
the Superintendent with a list of all ,
informal leases of lands belonging to ,
Indians, which Informal leases must
be included in the total amount al
lowed the leasee. t
This need not include lands which E
have passed from indian ownership. +
While the wishes of the Indians y
will be considered to some extent, the I
ecting through the Suped- G
intendent in charge, reserves the sole \
right to determine who is entitled to /
The registration of any lesees shalt q.
be cancelled in case he falls TO enter
into contract on any bid awarded him
or provide surety therefor, or ferfets y
through nonpayment of rents, aban-
donment, etc. 1t may be cancelled =
for conduct incompatible with reser-
yation life, continuous dscord, poor
etc.
The superintendent shall hear and .
determine complaints in all such cas- -
IS, but appeal may be taken to the ~
indian office.
Indians farming for themselves may
ease lands of other Indians on the u
iame terms os white lesees. a
Acreage Allowance. &c
A married man with family, which e'
amily actually resides on the lands dI
inder lease the entire year, shall be ia
United to $50 acres under lease.
To encourage lessees fthis class II
PROVISION is made under rules govern a
ng leasing for four-year leases, of the m
ease contracted shall include build as
ng Of good character. to
A married man with family, who bl