have always believed that allotments of reservation lands to Indians
in severalty should be made sparingly, or at least slowly, and with
the utmost caution. In these days, when white agriculturists and stock
raisers of experience and intelligence find their lot a hard one, we
ought not to expect Indians, unless far advanced in civilization and
habits of industry, to support themselves on the small tracts of land
usually allotted to them.

If the self-supporting scheme by allotment fails, the wretched pauperism
of the allottees which results is worse than their original condition
of regulated dependence. It is evident that the evil consequences of
ill-advised allotment are intensified in cases where the false step
can not be retraced on account of the purchase by the Government
of reservation lands remaining after allotments are made and the
disposition of such remaining lands to settlers or purchasers from
the Government.

I am convinced that the proper solution of the Indian problem and the
success of every step taken in that direction depend to a very large
extent upon the intelligence and honesty of the reservation agents and
the interest they have in their work. An agent fitted for his place can
do much toward preparing the Indians under his charge for citizenship
and allotment of their lands, and his advice as to any matter concerning
their welfare will not mislead. An unfit agent will make no effort
to advance the Indians on his reservation toward civilization or
preparation for allotment of lands in severalty, and his opinion as to
their condition in this and other regards is heedless and valueless.

The indications are that the detail of army officers as Indian agents
will result in improved management on the reservations.

Whenever allotments are made and any Indian on the reservation has
previously settled upon a lot and cultivated it or shown a disposition
to improve it in any way, such lot should certainly be allotted to him,
and this should be made plainly obligatory by statute.

In the light of experience and considering the uncertainty of the Indian
situation and its exigencies in the future, I am not only disposed to
be very cautious in making allotments, but I incline to agree with the
Secretary of the Interior in the opinion that when allotments are made
the balance of reservation land remaining after allotment, instead of
being bought by the Government from the Indians and opened for
settlement w