The Kadoka press and Kadoka reporter. [volume] (Kadoka, S.D.) 1910-1923, 1916-10-27
J.R.Brennan'S Record
Pine Ridge Head

Philip iew:-When the resigna.
tion OF John r. Brennan, superinten-
dent of the Pine Ridge Agency and
Schools, becomes effective by the as.
sumption of duties on the part OF his
successor, long and successful ad-
ministration OF Pine Ridge affairs will
have terminated. Mr.. Brennan as
sumed charge of Pine Ridge on No.
vember 1st, 1900, as United States In.
dian agent and since that date he has
fulfilled the duties of his office ener-
getically and conscientiousIy
When we compare the progress OF
the Indian from month to month or
from year to year the process of ad-
vancement appears to he veryslow,
but when we compare conditions as
they exist today and as Mr.. Brennan
found them, when he took charge of
this reservation, we find great
strides forward in education, self
support and wealth.
On taking up the reigns of govern
ment oyer the Pine Ridge Indians.
Mr.. Brennan found them Just finish
ing period of military supervision,
and administration which had for its
prime motives the subjugatiou and
conciliatiou OF the Sioux. Practical
ly every member OF the tribe was
carried Oh the ration roll. The reser.
walton was held in common and ef-
forts TO divide it into individual allot-
ments OF land were strenuously con-
tested by the majority of the Indians,
who lived in groups or villages along
the running water. Gardens were
very small and far betwean. The
cattle were scrubby and the horses
were of the pony type. Today only
about one-third OF the entire popula-
ton is carried on the ration roll and
rations have been considerably de-
creased. The reservation is now cut
up into over 5000 individual allot-
ments of land. Houses are scattered
all over the reservation and more and
more Indians are moving onto their
own land. There are nearly one hun.
dred gardens for every one that ap-
peared in 1900. Potatoes, corn and
garden vegetables are now raised by
a majority of Indian families to sup
/ ply their own needs. Hundreds OF
acres OF alfalfa can be found where
there were none. The cattle haye ad.
vanced in type and breeding until
they are credit to any cattle coun-
try. The horses, on the average,
have nearly doubled in weight. Fen
ces can he found weaving In every
direction on the reservation around
allotments. Frame houses are ap-
pearing in increasing number, while
board floors and shingle roofs on the
log houses, everywhere attest the
highest standard OF living. The great
majority of the Pine Ridge Indians
now clothe themselves like their
white friends and can speak, read and
write the English language fiuently.
On every side apr ears q quickening
sense Of the pressure OF civilization.
The savage need of enough food and
drink TO be satisfied, and clothing OF
any kind sufficient for warmth, has
been replaced, with education and
contact with the whites, by an in
creasing desire for better and cleaner
methods OF living and for higher
standards in every direction.
Everyone who has had the oppor.
tunity of viewing conditions in 1900
and at the present date cannot but be
impressed by this great advancement
in the physical living conditions aud
in the mental attitude OF the Pine
Ridge Indians. Mr.. Brennan has lust
canse to be proud OF the part he had
played in the wonderful progress un-
der this administration.
The employees who have worked
under him must deeply feel the loss
of his leadership and companionship.
He carries away with him the most
profound respect Of All who have
worked under. him and of those wh.
have had business contact with him.
including all OF the Indians OF the
reservation. All of these are his
friends and they all must join in wish
ing for HIM all happiness for the fut-
ure and success in whatever under-
taking he NAV venture.
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u~,... E. C.I