developed traits that are absolutely opposed to the racial
type. They become time-serving, beggarly, and apathetic. Some of their
finest characters, such as Chief Joseph, have really died of a broken
heart. These are men who could not submit to be degraded; the
politicians call them "incorrigible savages."

The distribution of rations to the Plains Indians was, as I have
explained, originally a peace measure, and apparently a necessity in
place of their buffalo which the white man had exterminated. For many
years Texas beef was issued monthly "on the hoof"; that is, the cattle
were driven out one by one upon the plain, and there surrounded and shot
down by representatives of the groups to which they belonged. Bacon,
flour, sugar, and coffee were doled out to the women, usually as often
as once in two weeks, thus requiring those who lived at a considerable
distance from the agency to spend several days of each month on the
road, neglecting their homes and gardens, if they had any. Once a year
there was a distribution of cheap blankets and shoddy clothing. The
self-respect of the people was almost fatally injured by these methods.
This demoralizing ration-giving has been gradually done away with as the
Indians progressed toward self-support, but is still found necessary in
many cases.

Not all features of reservation life are bad; for while many good things
are shut out and some evils flourish, others are excluded. Liquor
traffic among Indians has been forbidden by law since the colonial
period; and the law is fairly well enforced by a number of special
officers; yet in a few tribes there has been in recent years much
demoralization through liquor. It is generally admitted that there is
less crime and rowdyism on the reservations than in civilized
communities of equal size. In 1878 a force of native police was
authorized to keep order, eject intruders, act as truant officers, and
perform other duties under the direction of the agent. Though paid only
ten or twelve dollars a month, these men have been faithful and
efficient in the performance of duties involving considerable hardship
and sometimes danger. Their loyalty and patriotism are deserving of
special praise. In making arrests and bringing in desperate prisoners,
as in the case of Pretty Elk the Brule Sioux murderer, and of the chief,
Sitting Bull, the faithful police have sometimes lost their lives.

INDIAN CLAIMS

It is commonly admitted that the Indian tre