Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1920-05-17
OUR GUESTS.

New Mexico welcomes the congressional dele
CATION now in our city.
We do not join in the criticism coming from some
sources that this is u mere junket-a vacation at the
expense of the people.
This trip WILL i'm fact. save the nation hundreds
of thousands of dollars in unnecessary apprOpria-
tons will add greatly the intelligence with
which appropriations in Indian matters are made.
we are delighted that these men may with
their eyes, the problems have confront
ing
They VIII find here highly efficient Indian
service which commands the confidence of the pub
lie and the Indians. I'm all its branches. Without any
desire TO discriminate obiectionably we feel I'M
PEELED to especially commend Indian Agent Leo
Crane, Supervisor Reuben Perry of the Indian
school, and H. f. Robinson of the Indian irrigation
service. @HN..
The Indian school should be enlarged 1t is so
well equipped that Its capacity can be doubled
one-third the cost of institution for SIM
liar number. .-...
Geographically and dramatically it is located at
the proper point for Indian school capable of
caring for 1880 pupils.
The Indian agency is Of the most important
in the United States both because of the number
of Indians under its charge and because of their
dependent character in mental fitness to cope with
their environment.
A curious problem is involved i'm the relation of
the Indian civilization to the white civilization in
New Mexico. Only by visit could this be under
stood ls,
The Indian must be protected. lie is not ready
for citizenship and allotment. Yet he holds in
mnnal form, with patented title fully rs per cent
of the cultiyabIc land in the Rio Grandc valley, In
this section.
The rising water table il drowning the crops of
Indian and white man alike Without drainage the
valley will. very shortly become worthless both.
Through lack of understanding the Indian is
opposed 10 drainage But the white man cannot
drain without the Indian joining in the projects.
Unoccupicd and unused Indian lands can be
leased by the Indian to pay the costs of drainage
under the supervision of the Indian office. But this
be done only with the Indians consent, and he
is disposed TO be obstinate and will give his
National help is not necessary in any large
degree If the Indian will try TO holp himself.
While thus bclser the white man and the In
dian arc drowning together.
The Indian does not want citizenship nor aiot-
ment. He wishes to be left alone in his traditional
communal life. With this idea the journal has full
sympathy, provided he does not use his position of
independent little principally within nation
10 destroy both the white man and himself.
Unless the Indian will come to agreement, by
and with the advice of the Indian office whereby
both he and the white may he saved their lands
i'm the valley, IL is necessary that the Carter Bill
continue to apply TO New Mexico Indian and a way
thus be provided to save him from himself.
This Is the position the Journal has taken and
the point for which ii will fight.
A conference with the Indians is TO be called
soon by those In authority at request. If the
Indian decides he will not block his own, and the |
publics welfare, unanimous i'm New Mexico
that the Carter Bill shonld he amended to exclude
the New Mexico Indian from its operation. i
The committee can help by going record
that the Indian must be sensible If he wants the
help for which he asks.