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Show REPOET OF THE COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS. 21 last year urging the need of more serious attention to their home in-terests, particularly in the planting and harvest seasons and, while granting them the privileges of wholesome amusements and occa-sional feast days, earnest appeal was made that they shorten some-what the length of these gatherings and omit from them the use of harmful drugs, intoxicants, gambling, and degrtding ceremonials. The main purpose, however, was to draw their attention more closely to the industrial necessity of making their own living; of doing their work well at seasona6le times, caring for their crops and live stock; and of awakening in them a home-making interest with higher ideals of family life. LIBRARY. During the past year a set of mimeo raphed bulletins has been compiled by the library of the office, to wfichadditions will be made as the necessity arises. These bulletins consist of bibliography and short articles on various activities of the office, and some Indian cus-toms, which are of general interest to the public. Not only are they furnished to inquirers, but an effort is belng made to reach the li-braries and schools of the country, in order that they may receive first-hand information upon the subjects treated. Further research has also been made in perfecting a card catalogue of the library containing detailed reference. to publications on Indian history, biography, customs, and congressional reports, and comprehensive of practically every phase of tha Indian question. CONCLUSION. A closing word of genuine appreciation is due the personnel of this bureau for loyal, faithful, and, in the main, efficient cooperation in a complicated and difficult work. Many of these workers by their long service have become trustworthy students of Indian prob-lems and conditions. They are much more than job holders-they are uplifters; they are people of altruistic purposes. and they are invaluable helpers to any administrative head of Indian affairs. If space permitted, it would he a pleasure also to acknowledge atefully in each instance the assurance of confidence and support, gom both individuals and organizations, that has come to this office concerning its effort to discharge the functions required 1~ law and its views as to what is best for our Nation's wards. Indian af-fairs were widely discussed within the year, which was no misfor-tune, because discussion is a good thing. The liberty of opinion and speech under our Government has seldom harmed anything worth saving. Occasionally harsh things have been said about the Indian Service, but immediately there were well-informed people who knew some good things about it and mentioned them. In the give and take of controversy the real purpose of the self-seeking reformer has generally leaked out and the real merit of administra-tion has become better known. This bureau has stood for certain measures and policies respecting Indian welfare which it believed to be sound in principle and permanently beneficial to a backward peo- |
