Opinion ID: 1473543
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Memorandum for Mr. [E. K.] Burlew, Administrative Assistant

Text: Reference is made to your memorandum of May 29th requesting certain information relating to the Palm Springs allotments. Upon examining our records we find that the allotment schedule was completed in the field and approved by the allotting agent and the Superintendent on June 21, 1923; that it was received in the Indian Office on July 11, 1923; and that it was submitted to the Department with the approval of the Commissioner on August 6, 1923. At a conference in the Secretary's Office on or about November 1, 1923, the conclusion was reached to withhold final approval of the schedule. (sgd) E. B. Meritt, Assistant Commissioner. May 31, 1924 Via Mr. Hauke The report of Mr. [Samuel] Blair [special inspector of the Department of the Interior] [R. 421] was carefully considered and much thought given it in the preparation of this letter. I have always believed that the best interests of the Indians lie in approving the allotments, but in view of present conditions it might be well to withhold such action until sometime in November. If we had approved the schedules promptly as they came in and issued patents, by this time all opposition would have vanished; but unfortunately we did not and we might as well wait until the latter part of the year as suggested by the Inspector.