The Bemidji daily pioneer. [volume] (Bemidji, Minn.) 1904-1971, 1911-05-05

1
| ployes, and with Indians, in two
| of which personal encounters
| took place. s..
He was given another trial here
| and later an inspecting official re-
ported that a ...s..'. r.
refusal to get along with a man
OF his manifest unfitness for any
position in the Indian service
should challenge ones admir-
alton. No person with any
proper interest in the condition
OF the pupils, would try to har-
monte with his methods.
This shows the character of men
who are opposing the work here.
Notwithstanding the various re-
ports to the contrary, there has been
no serious suffering or want on this
reservation the past winter. II
needed, $25 at time has been given
to those who had funds to their
credit. The old and lnfirm, without
funds, have received rations from
the commissary, as usual; while
there has been work in the woods,
under the auspices of this agency,
for every able bodied Indian that
wanted it,
In February, Nayaytow ub a lead
ing chief, in answer to my question,
stated that all that needed rations
were getting them In the !. fore
part of April, while discussing with
Kay bay no din, the head chief,
the probability of a delay in. their
spring payment, he stated that the
delay would not matter, as the In
dams were getting. plenty of their
back money. 80,
Another strong proof that there
is no want, is the fact that there
is but very little inquiry as to the
time OF the spring payment. Two
years ago, the Indians began such in
quiries the latter part Of February,
and last year in March.
If the minors back payment
could be eliminated, there would
not be an unusual amount of dis
satisfaction among the Indians.
One is bound to incur some opposi-
ton, if he is at all progressive. but
as long as the opposition comes from
the source it does, have no OBJ
Ejectlon TO it. l consider it more of a
credit than otherwise.
Relative to the various charges
that have appeared against me, they
are all inspired by the above NEIL
toned trio, and are unworthy of
notice. Suffice is to say that when
meeting the Indians here in council
two months ago, Inspector McLough-
lin devoted half day to listening
to their charges, at the close of
which he told them in open coun-
Gil that he had heard more nom
sense talked that afternoon, than
in all his previous sixteen years
as inspector.
No one, with the most careful
scrunity, can find any dishonesty in
my work here. To be sure, there are
some so called irregularities" some
"red tape" cut out, some actions
taken without waiting to obtain
authority from the Office. But such
things are done at my own risk, and
with the full knowledge that if not
approved by the Office, it will mean
financial loss to myelf. and perhaps
censure. But such risks are, and
must be, taken by all agents at times.
Relative to the charge OF incom-
potency, superior officer, reporting
on my work here. stated
Mr.. Bishop is evidently a
llldu VI COIlSIFUcI-
i've ability. He is hard worker
and is endeavOring to carry out
the directions of the Indian Office
to the best of his ability.
would rate him good in general
efficiency"
If competency is measured by
the progress of the Indians and
schools under my charge, then l may
state without fear of successful
contradiction, that the past three
years will compare favorably with
any similar period in the history of
this reservation.
In the past year, about IS new
houses have been or are being
built,--small but comfortable, cost
ing from $4,000 to $4,000 each.
There have been purchased, or ar
ranged for, about SO head of cattle
mostly COWS, 80 teams, 90 wagons,
13 bobsleds, q sets of harness, s
plows, mowers and rakes, l drill,
% stoves and 6 sewing machines
while 35 have spent sums ranging
from $1,000 to $500 for household
furniture, and the end is not yet
Old fields, left uncultivated since
the big payment in 1905, are being
replowed, and a number of new
tracts cleared and broken. Quite a
| number are selecting lands-not
timber but agricultural and open.
ing homes with a view to claiming
| them for allotments. In fact, the
progressive Indians (and they are
many) are not promoting trouble
and disturbances, but are attending
to their own business and improving
tn ir condition.
| What the future may bring forth
know not. AS the furry has
! been caused entirely through ex
| ecuting the orders of the Department
| expect the Department to sustain
me. If they keep me here, all wei
and good. If they decide to transfer
me to some other field, I shall e
with the full consciousness of havin,
done my duty here, and of contri
buting my portion to the upbuildin,
of these Indians, and their pre-
paration for citizenship. e..
Mr.. Bishop has been superin
tendent of the Red Lake Agency tn,
] 20