ve had their shares assigned, and the
work is still continued. In directing the execution of this duty I have
not aimed so much at rapid dispatch as to secure just and fair
arrangements which shall best conduce to the objects of the law by
producing satisfaction with the results of the allotments made. No
measure of general effect has ever been entered on from which more may
be fairly hoped if it shall be discreetly administered. It proffers
opportunity and inducement to that independence of spirit and life which
the Indian peculiarly needs, while at the same time the inalienability
of title affords security against the risks his inexperience of affairs
or weakness of character may expose him to in dealing with others.
Whenever begun upon any reservation it should be made complete, so that
all are brought to the same condition, and as soon as possible community
in lands should cease by opening such as remain unallotted to
settlement. Contact with the ways of industrious and successful farmers
will perhaps add a healthy emulation which will both instruct and
stimulate.

But no agency for the amelioration of this people appears to me so
promising as the extension, urged by the Secretary, of such complete
facilities of education as shall at the earliest possible day embrace
all teachable Indian youth, of both sexes, and retain them with a kindly
and beneficent hold until their characters are formed and their
faculties and dispositions trained to the sure pursuit of some form of
useful industry. Capacity of the Indian no longer needs demonstration.
It is established. It remains to make the most of it, and when that
shall be done the curse will be lifted, the Indian race saved, and the
sin of their oppression redeemed. The time of its accomplishment depends
upon the spirit and justice with which it shall be prosecuted. It can
not be too soon for the Indian nor for the interests and good name of
the nation.

The average attendance of Indian pupils on the schools increased by over
900 during the year, and the total enrollment reached 15,212. The cost
of maintenance was not materially raised. The number of teachable Indian
youth is now estimated at 40,000, or nearly three times the enrollment
of the schools. It is believed the obstacles in the way of instructing
are all surmountable, and that the necessary expenditure would be a
measure of economy.

The Sioux tribes on the great reservation of Dakota refused to assent to
th