Page:U.S. Department of the Interior Annual Report 1872.djvu/12

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The increase in value is from $751,183 in 1868, to $1,870,285 in 1872.

It is gratifying to be able to report the general and very encouraging success of the Indian policy. There is nothing in the sporadic incursions and outrages to weaken confidence in the final success of measures now in force for the treatment of the Indian tribes. So far from any change of policy being decided upon, or being indicated as necessary by the events of the year, there is abundant reason to take all proper steps to render the policy more efficient wherever it may be found necessary, and to extend it over tribes where it has not yet been established.

The aid and co-operation of the various religious associations of the country have been of the highest value. In no case has there been the slightest misunderstanding between them and the Department, and they have, in all cases, responded promptly to my wishes and suggestions. They are, without exception, doing all in their power to render the humane and peaceful policy of the Government as efficient as possible. In every missionary society having a part in this great work the Department recognizes a most valuable assistant, thus largely increasing the working force of the Government, and without expense.

The report of the Board of Indian Commissioners for the past year not yet having been received, I am unable to state anything with regard to their operations during that time. If the policy now in force with regard to the Indians can be maintained and perfected, until it reaches all the tribes now occupying our soil, I feel confident that it will result in the amelioration of their condition in every respect, make many of the tribes self-sustaining, elevate them morally and mentally, and greatly reduce the present expense of their maintenance. To effect this in the shortest time, it will be necessary to have the policy so clearly defined and established that it cannot be misunderstood, and to secure the completest co-operation of all the influences which have been invoked in its behalf.

The missionary authorities have done well in their portion of the work They have not only generally nominated, as agents, good men, whose hearts are in the work, but they have molded and directed a healthy public sentiment favorable to the Indian policy, without which no measure of governmental policy in this country can be entirely successful. They have done so well in their branch of the work that I am loth to