Page:U.S. Department of the Interior Annual Report 1876.djvu/7

 OF

, Washington, D. C, October 31, 1876.


 * I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of this Department during the past year, with such suggestions and recommendations as in my judgment would promote the efficiency of the public service:

INDIANS.

I beg to call your attention to the accompanying report of the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, which, together with the reports of the superintendent and agents, shows progress and steady improvement, giving most satisfactory evidence of the gradual advancement of the Indian in the habits of industry and development of agricultural ability and disposition. Each year adds greatly to the total number of acres cultivated by Indian labor and most gratifying results in the increasing number of laborers and amount of products. Personal industry, with its practical lessons of the benefits and increased comforts it secures, and a growing taste and desire for education, must be relied upon as the great elements in working out the problem of Indian civilization.

The evidence conveyed by a careful perusal of the reports of the different agents is most gratifying, as showing what steady advancement is being made in this direction.

Relying upon the sincerity of purpose and integrity of the officers in charge of the agencies, I think that it is a matter for congratulation that, in view of the sacrifice of home comforts and advantages which the agents must make, enduring the hardships and surroundings of a frontier-life for the very inadequate salaries allowed, so intelligent and capable men have been secured. For this result we are indebted to the various Christian organizations of the country, upon whose recommendation of fitness the appointments have been made.

The self-sacrificing spirit of the missionary has to be united to practical business ability, and, when secured in the slow and often disheartening task of Indian education, should be properly acknowledged and compensated. The Commissioner makes some earnest recommendations upon this subject which I most heartily commend; especially,