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Show EEPOBT OF THE COMMISSI~NER OB INDIAN AFFBIBS. 63 HOSPITALS. There still exists among Indian tribes the same urgent and pitiful need for proper medical attendance and hospital service to which I re-ferred in my last annual report. It is simply absurd to attempt, with only onephysician, to care for the wants of more than 6,000 Indians, scattered over a territory almost as large as Connecticut, as at Pine Ridge, for instance; or as at Navajo where the Government provides one physician for 18,000 Indians scattered over a territory of 12,000 square miles. Indian reservations have no hospitals and no place to which persons suffering from acute diseases, severe accidents, contagious diseases, or any other physical malady can be taken, and in which they can receive the nursing and care and medical attendance which they sorely need, and which ought to be furnished them in the name of humanity. Left to themselves they suffer unnecessarily and miserably perish. I have again and again urged this matter, and have submitted estilnates for appropriations, which might be used in the establishment of hospitals among Indians, but thus far without success. Congress haa withheld appropriations, and I have been powerless to remedy a great evil, which in my view amounts to a national disgrace. It is also a source of regret and sorrow that there are no asylums or almshouses for the blind, deaf, insane, the incurables, and the agedand other helpless and destitute Indians. There is nothing for them but neglect, pain and exposure until death ends their sufferings. / INDIAN LANDS OCCUPIED BY BENEVOLENT SOCIETIES. Following its usual custom, the office during the past yeaz has set apart, with the consent of the Indians, specified tracts of land upon In. diau reservations for the use of religious denominations and benevolent societies so long as such traots may be needed by them for religious and educational purposes among the India~ls. The grants made during the year are as follows: Rosebud Reservation, 8. Dak., not exceeding 20 acres to the Episco-pal Church; also not exceeding 160 acres to the Catholic Church. Bantee Reservation, Nebr., not exceeding 480 acres to the American Missionary Association. Nee Per& Reservation, Idaho, not exceeding 20 acres to the Board of Foreign Missions of the Presbyterian Church. Fort Kerthold Reservation, N. Dak., not exceeding 160 &Ore8 to the American Missionary Association. Umatilla Reservation, Oregon, not exceeding 160 acres to the Oath-olic Ciuurch (relocation of previous grant). Cheyenne River Reservation, S. Dak., not to exceed 1 acre to the Missionary Society of the Protestant Episcopal Church, |