The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1914-12-10
u. S. OUGHT TO FREE
IT'S INDIAN WARDS
Declares Secretary of Interior Franklin
X. Lane of Interior Department in
Submitting His Annual
Report.

Report.
Washington, ID. c. Dec. l0.--A definite
constructive policy for the Indian, by
which he may be transformed from a
ward of the government to successful
and integral part of the American citi.
zenry; discussion of the development
of the West; and review of the achieve
ments of the last year are contained in
the annual report of Secretary Franklin
X. Lane of the interior department, sent
to-day to President Wilson.
"Three things" says Secretary Lane,
'of unusual purport have marked the life
of this department during the past year
the passing of the Cherokee nation, the
opening of Alaska, and the advancement
OF series OF measures aimed to promote
the further development of the West.
These things are apparently unrelated
yet they have made an appeal to me as
alike illustrative of the newness of our
country, the novelty of it's problems, and
the responsiveness of our government"
Secretary Lane discusses the Indian
problem at length and asks whether st
is for the benefit of the Indian himself
that the present almshouse policy" should
continue.
"The American conscience, our sense of
justice, our traditions, in fact, will not
permit the adoption of drastic course
that would cast the Indian upon world
for which he is iIl-prepared," he says
"Yet l am of the opinion that il would
be better. far better, to sever all ties be-
tween the Indian and the government
give every man his own and let him 90
his way to success or destruction, rather
than keep alive in the Indian the belief
that he is TO remain a ward of the gov.
eminent.
"The way out is gradually and wisely |
TO put the Indian out. Our goal is the |
free Indian. The orphan-asylum idea |
must he killed in the mind of Indian and /
white man. The Indian should know |
that he is upon the road 10 enjoy or suf
fer full capacity. He is 10 have his op-
portunity as forward looking man.
at is my conclusion, after as intimate
n study as practicable, of his nature and
needs. that we should henceforth make
positive and systematic effort to cast the
full burden of independence and respon-
sibility upon an increasing number of the
Indians Of all tribes. ] find that there is
! statute which significantly empowers
he secretary Of the interior to do this in
cases. That authority is ade-
guate. intend To use such authority.
In 1890 the problem was how to get
he Indian out Of the way. To-day the
problem i how 20 make him really
art Of the nation. The man who can do
or himself is the man 90 be- released
And he Il the man who thinks not in {
crms Of the Indians yesterday. but m !
erms 81 the Indians tomorrow. In one
hing we are short art Of inducing
mbition. This largely depends upon the :
.enius OF the teacher 10 ERE the imagina-
ion Of the pupil. That is the first step =
n al civilization.
In my report Of last year ] suggested :
series 81 measures for the development !
Z western resources which thought con ,
onant With the advancing spirit Of oar !
ime and would meet the demand of TIE 2
Vest There were Eve Of these meas .
res. one providing for a government .
silroad system in Alaska an Alaskan 2
lal leasing bill. 4 new reclama tiun act y
hii providing for q neu method of ]
reninn and developing coal phosphate. B
J. sni potash fields and Vahtsrpower 2
I'M All Of fhp=e measures have rassed &
BE- House 81 Representative. and the G
~ three alsn psssel the ~enate. and - q
1rf approval have herdsne laa fefi
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