Omaha daily bee., 1909-12-23
Two AGENCIES TO BE UNITED
Government Plans Better Conditions
for Omaha and winnsbago Indians.
WILL LEAVE SATURDAY
Senator Returns TO Nebraska for
speech At Omaha before Bar
Association-MOr Land
Segregated.
From a staff Correspondents


WASHINGTON, u. c., Dec. 22.-CSpecial
Telegram y Senator Brown is In receipt OF
a letter from Assistant Commissioned Of
Indian Affairs Fred II. Abbott regarding
the protest filed by the Walthill CONNER
clal club against the consolidation Of the
Omaha and Winnebago Indian agencies.
Commissions Abbott advises Senator
Brown that he is convinced this protest has
grown out Of a complete misunderstanding
Of the character Of the proposed so-called
consolidation. las a matter OF fact Com
missioner Abbott says, this office has
never contemplated real consolidation Of
the two reservations. A number of years
ago Omaha Indians were compelled to
transact their business at the Winnebago
agency, and at that time there was real
consolidation. Unfortunately the use OF the
word consolidation In connection with a
few minor changes proposed In the plan Of
administrator Of the affairs of the two
Indian tribes, has naturally led the minds
Of the people Of Thurston county back to
the former condition OF real consolidation.
"The Indian office simply proposes to
place one superintendent over two agencies,
all business of which is to be kept sep
arate and conducted in practically the same
manner as at present. A chief clerk at
Winnebago agency and another at the
Omaha agency will continue the business
Of the respective agencies, taking the place
really Of the present superintendents and
the superintendent by having this addi-
tional help will be able to give all Of his
time to the constructive side of the work
on the two reservations. In addition to this
change the purpose is to place two expert
farmers on each reservations who will give
all OF their attention to the needs of the
Individual Indians.
AT a certain point between the two res
ervations it is proposed to establish a
model farm or 52O acres to raise pure seed
and pure stock for distribution among the
Indians of the two tribes, and in connec-
ton herewith to establish an agricultural
fair to, encourage agricultural industry.
Makes New Citizens.
'"The economy of this plan, rather than
an attempt TO support separate farms on
two reservations, is apparent. Again, the
Indians OF these reservations will very
rapidly develop into Independent citizens
OF Nebraska and their direct relations with
the county authorities will rapidly increase.
The advantage, therefore. of having one
superintendent, with one personality and
one set Of policies with which to deal, both
with the local, authorities and Indian
offices, will be clear to all.
Another strong argument in favor of
this Capitalization of, administration Is
found in the fact that If a separate super
intendency is to be continued at Macy an
outlay OF a large amount Of money would
be necessary in order 20 make the repairs
necessary to put a rundown plant in any,
thing like fair condition.
Gas a matter Of fact, the Omaha Indians
will continue to transact their business at
Macy, and they VIII not know, so far as
any change in their manner of transactlng
BIT siness is Concerned, that there has been
any change. fhe only change will be In
greater attention 10 Individual needs of all
and more real economy In handling of all
Indian matters in Tharston county.
''Messrs. Cannon and Sloan of Pender
and Keefe and Cecil r.. Boighn of Walthnl
have been in my office this week" con-
tipued Assistant Commissioner Abbott,
end when l explained, fully the plans of
the bureau with reference to the Indians
affairs in Thursday county they gave their
absolute and unqualified endorsement.
That all people Of Thurston county who
are really interested unselflshly in the well
fare of these Indians will come to the same
conclusion 1 nave not the slightest doubt.
1T is absolutely impossible for this Of