take. Should we devote ourselves largely to exposing the numerous
frauds committed upon Indians? Or should we keep clear of these matters,
avoid discussion of official methods and action, and simply aim at
arousing racial pride and ambition along new lines, holding up a modern
ideal for the support and encouragement of our youth? Should we petition
Congress and in general continue along the lines of the older Indian
associations? Or should we rather do intensive work among our people,
looking especially toward their moral and social welfare?

I stand for the latter plan. Others think differently; and, as a matter
of fact, a Washington office has been opened and much attention paid to
governmental affairs. It is a large task. The declared objects of the
society, in almost the words originally chosen by its six founders, are
as follows:

OBJECTS OF THE SOCIETY OF AMERICAN INDIANS

_First._ To promote and cooperate with all efforts looking to the
advancement of the Indian in enlightenment which leave him free, as a
man, to develop according to the natural laws of social evolution.

_Second._ To provide through our open conferences the means for a free
discussion on all subjects bearing on the welfare of the race.

_Third._ To present in a just light the true history of the race, to
preserve its records and emulate its distinguishing virtues.

_Fourth._ To promote citizenship and to obtain the rights thereof.

_Fifth._ To establish a legal department to investigate Indian problems
and to suggest and to obtain remedies.

_Sixth._ To exercise the right to oppose any movement that may be
detrimental to the race.

_Seventh._ To direct its energies exclusively to general principles and
universal interests, and not allow itself to be used for any personal or
private interest. _The honor of the race and the good of the country
shall be paramount._

CHAPTER IX

THE INDIAN'S HEALTH PROBLEM

The physical decline and alarming death-rate of the American Indian of
to-day is perhaps the most serious and urgent of the many problems that
confront him at the present time. The death-rate is stated by Government
officials at about thirty per thousand of the population--double the
average rate among white Americans. From the same source we learn that
about 70,000 Indians in the United States are suffering from trachoma, a
serious and contagious eye disease, and probably 30,000 have
tuberculosis in some form. The death-r