Bonners Ferry herald. [volume] (Bonners Ferry, Idaho) 1904-current, 1912-02-17
LOCAL INDIANS
To GET SCHOOL
Superint andent Baker Recommends an
Appropriation Of $4,000 by Con-
. gresw for the New Institution,
WOULD LEARN TO SEW AND WRITE


Fred A. Baker. Superintendent
of Indian service, after d careful
personal inspection, has recommen-
ded that $4,000 be appropriated at
once by Congress, Tor the establish
ment Of a school for the Kootenai
indians, at the Mission, three miles
from Bonners Ferry.
A special meeting of the Indians,
at which all of the mission indians
were present was held here, Satur
day, for the purpose of laying the
matter before Mr.. Baker. The in
dams had evidently talked it over
among themselves, thoroughly, for
they were able to tell practically
what they wanted. Baker, who. has
charge of the establishing of schools
lin Montana, Idaho, Washington
and Oregon, made the following
recommendation, a copy of which
hak been forwarded to Congressman
French and Senator Borah.
There is hereby appropriated the
sum of fifteen thousand dollars
| $4,000 to be Immediately avail
able until expanded, and the Sec
rotary of the Interior is hereby
authorized to use this sum, under
such rules and regulations as he
may prescribe, in the purchase of
lands for a school and for admins
trative purposes in such areas as
he may deem necessary, IN the
4 erection of School buildings there
on, and providing the same with
equipment; in the purchase Of stock,
i'm elements, seeds and any other
articles which be may deem neces-
sary to promote the we'll being and
civilization of the indians residing
among and having tribal rights
with the Kootenai Indians in the
county Of Bonner, State of Idaho
under the jurisdiction Of the Super.
intendent OF the Spokane Indian
School, Spokane, Washington"
Mr.. Baker at first recommended
that $4,000 he appropriated, but
later, after a Sreful personal in
spection decided that $4,000 would
be more suitable. The bill Ia word
ed in such manner that the
money will become available, at
once, and can be used at any time
It can also be used for other pur-
poses than the school proper. Fol-
instance part of it can be expended
in the purchase and introduction
of small AMOUNT of blooded stocH
among the indians. from which
they could gradually raise th'
standard of stock in the surround
ing country, and in the purchase Q
improved farming implements anC
; in many other beneficial ways,
The Kootenai indians are espe
cially deserving of tits school, a
they have never received 6nancia
instruction of any kind from tn
y Government. They have lived OIL
= their allotments, consisting of from
= 70 to 1850 acres, quietly and sci
supporting. Their only training
. for the last forty years has bee
u the slight instructions the Priest
have been able to give them,
:. Mr.. Baker in short interview
y said; 81 am prohibited from takin
= this matter up, personally, bu
there is nothing to prohibit 20
people from taking it mp. 1t woul
please me very much il you woul
g. urge its passage. | am very niue
" gratified with the interest show
as in the indians, by the people
y Bonners Ferry.
k, "In my report will strongl
IS recommend the establishment of
is day school, with competant ma
&, and his rife in charge, the woma