other drawback lies in the fact that each new Commissioner of Indian
Affairs, usually a man without special knowledge or experience in the
complex work over which he is called to preside, comes out with a scheme
for reforming the whole system. Perhaps he advocates doing away with
Carlisle and the schools of its class, and places all the emphasis upon
the little day schools in the Indian camps; or it may be vice versa. All
the advance we have made is through _all_ of these schools; we cannot
spare any of them. We should be a thousand times better off if the
reformers could rid us of the professional politicians, but I fear this
is impossible. I have abandoned all hope of it, after long experience
both in the field and in Washington. I would give up anything rather
than the schools, unmoral as many of them are. The pupils become every
year better fitted to choose and to combat the evil in their
environment. They will soon be able to prepare themselves for the new
life without taking notice of what does not concern them. I rejoice in
every real gain; and I predict that the Indian will soon adjust himself
fully to the requirements of the age, be able to appreciate its
magnificent achievements, and contribute his mite to the modern
development of the land of his ancestors.

CHAPTER VI

THE INDIAN AT HOME

Although among the graduates and ex-students of the Indian schools there
are now some in almost every modern occupation, including commerce, the
trades and professions, the great majority of these young people, as of
their fellow tribesmen who lack an English education, are farmers,
ranchers, and stockmen. Nearly all Indians own some land, either
individually or in common; and while it may generally be leased by those
who are either unable or for good reasons do not desire to work it
themselves, this is done under such troublesome restrictions and
conditions that it is, as a general rule, better for the owner to live
on and utilize his allotment. Of course this is a rule that admits of
many exceptions.

THE PROBLEM OF SELF-SUPPORT

Since most Indian reservations are in the arid belt and the greater
portion of the land is therefore unsuited to agriculture, at least
without extensive irrigation, perhaps the larger number of the men are
stock-raisers, an occupation well suited to the Plains Indians, who are
great riders and very fond of their horses. They raise both horses and
cattle, and many have become well-