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Show . 140 REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS. portance of distinctively missionaey work for these people by virtue of which they may be weaned from their superstitions-and gross errors and be led to the practical acceptance of those fundamental truths which all thoughtful Christian men regard as essential to their welfare. Therefore it behooves the friends of the 111dians to consider with great tare the Indian questioi~ as it presents itself to-day, with the view of correcting whatever defects there may be in the existing ays-tem, and then of maintaining tlte system a11d carrying into si~ccessful exec~~tiothne presei~pt olicy of tbe Government. 1n.reviewiug t,lte past three yeas and looking forward to the future, I venture to suggest the following as my mature conclusions: First. The present policy of dealing with the Indians, wltioh is all summed up in the one word citizenship, should be accepted as final, and should be carried into execution as rapidly as practicable: The one great thought which should dominate Indian administration is that the end is in sight, and that everything reasona.blc should be done to hasten the winding up of the affairs of the Indian Bureau. It ought not, under wise management, to takemany years to complete this work Second. Whoever is chosen as Commissioner of Indim Affairs should be selected with particular reference to his administrative qualities his ability, and his willingness to assume the responsibilities of the position, with a single eye to the accomplishme~lt of the above result He should have a salary equal to that paid to other bureau officers in the Iuterior Depmtment; should have larger discretion in the dis-charge of his duties and greater authority in the selection of agents, appointments of commissions, and other matters that pertain so largely to the efficiency of his administration. He should, furthermore, have a suEcient force of clerks to enable him to transact the business with promptness and thoroughness. Third. It should be understood, proclaimed, and acted upon that hereafter the sole test for appointme~iat ud continuance in service of any employ6 shall be that of fitness. No inan should be selected for any position who is not competent to discharge its duties; no one should be continued in the service who has proven himself unfit, and no one should be dismissed so long as he is fully competent for the dis-charge of his duties. ' Very respectfully, T. J. MORGAN, Con~missioner. The SECRETAROYl? THE INTERIOR. |