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Show -~ 1 .REPOET OF COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS. XXXIX diate vicinit,~,a new, cbrrect, and complete census of these Indians will be taken, and if it is found that any have received more than their share of the tribal funds the difference will be adjusted in future payment. Some few of the members of the Wisconsin Winuebagoes still refuse to comply with the requirements of the act of 1581, so that their shares in the money provided by said act are still held for them. It is claimed by other members of the tribe, that, as these people have been properlr and r'epeatedly notified, and have failed to present themselves for their shares, or to receive and receipt for the same, the money should be re-turned w the general tribal fund and divided amongst those who have complied with the law and. are willing to receive it. This may finally be done, bat at present it is thought best to hold it. The fear expressed in my last report, that cash pajments to the Indians in Wisconsin were doing them little permanent good, is strengtiieued by reports since re-ceived; and, as I am informed that owing to the failure of the berry crop in that State much suffering is likely to ensue among them during the coming winter, I have recommended t.bat a part of their money be expended for them in the purchase of subsistence supplies,to be distributed to them by a special agent at several points in the Btate most convenient to them. The first clause of the second section of the act above referred to authorizes this manneer of applying their funds to their benefit. I may again request attention to the two smalI annuities referred to in my previous report, vie, $1,100 to the Eel River band of Miamies in htdiana and $400 to the Pottawatomies of Huron. These yearly pay. ments are so small, and the per capita share receired by each person so trifling, that, in my opinion, it would he wise economy to make a final settlement with these Indians, by paying in one payment such an amount as might be agreed upon between them and the Oosernment, thus saving to the Government considerable expense for making these yearly payments, and giving the Indians enough. at one time to be of some substantial benefit to them. The Indians themselves are anxious to have some such settlement, md I respectfully recommend that such action as may be necessary to effect it be authorized. INDIAN TRADE. The endeavor to regulate and supervise trade among the various India,n tribes has given rise to many perplexing questions. The de-mand for improvement in the management of this branch of the Indian service, has been emphatic, and careful study has been given the sub-ject, in the belief that changes could be made which would diminish the opportunities afforded uuscrupnlous traclers to take advmtage of the 1 odians. In accordance with the proposed policy outlined in my last report, Iudian agents have been instructed to submit to this office astatement of thc annual gross sales of each Indian trader upon their reservations, |
