Page:U.S. Department of the Interior Annual Report 1881.djvu/15

Rh are not appropriated to pay for transporting them to the different agencies, where they are required?

The attention of Congress has repeatedly been called to the insufficient amount appropriated yearly for transporting the goods and supplies, audit is earnestly hoped that the efforts of this office in obtaining means to pay the old indebtedness incurred, as well as in securing sufficient funds for the pesentpresent [sic] and next fiscal year, will have better success than heretofore.

The Sioux, turned over by the War Department in July last, were prisoners of war, held as such until that time by the military authorities, and for whose support no estimates had been made by the Indian Office.

The administration of our Indian affairs is, at all times, and under all circumstances, embarrassing and difficult, but when to all other troubles is added that of insufficient appropriations, the embarrassment and difficulty are greatly increased.

SALARY OF COMMISSIONER AND APPOINTMENT OF ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER.

There is disbursed yearly, under the supervision of the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, in round numbers, the sum of about $6,000,000. Of this sum about $2,500,000 is paid for Indian supplies bought under contract, or in open market under his direction. The money and the supplies representing the whole amount are distributed at sixty-eight agencies scattered over our vast country between the Atlantic and the Pacific oceans. It is needless to say that to supervise this work requires a man of untiring industry, great business skill and training, and sterling integrity, because it is evident that upon the proper performance of this work depends not only the careful and economical expenditure of the public moneys, but to a great extent the preservation of peace among the Indian tribes. I submit that the government does not provide sufficient compensation for such service, when it is fortunate enough to have it, or to secure it at all times when it is needed. The salary now provided by law is $3,500 per annum. It is in my judgment wholly inadequate, and I earnestly recommend that it be increased to $4,500. I also recommend that provision be made for the appointment of an assistant commissioner, with a salary of $3,000 per annum. Such provision is in my judgment necessary for the prompt and proper discharge of the duties of the bureau, and I am convinced would prove of benefit to the public service.

PUBLIC LANDS.

During the year ending 30 June, 1881, public lands were disposed of as follows: