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Show R E P O R T OP TEE COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS. OFFICE OF INDIAAFNFA IRS, Washington, D. C.,. October 16, 1908. SIR: The seventy-firtit Annual Report of the O5ce of Indian Affairs is respectfully submitted. PRECEPT AND PRACTICE. Cutting off Bations.-In previous reports some space was given to the discussion of the Indiin's progress and the di5culties to be over-come on his way to civilization. It was pointed out that among the obstaoles to his self-support the first and perhaps the principal one was the then prevailing ration system, which was justly condemned as encouraging idleness with its attendant vices and as foreign in its results to the very puipse for which it was designed. At the same time, while an evil, it was admitted to be a necessary evil, to be endured only while the Indian was learning the art of self-support, or at least put in a way where, by the .exercise of ordinary industry, he conld support himself. The continuance, however, of the practice of the indiscriminate insue of ratio& to all alike, without regard to their worldly coadition, was earnestly opposed, and it was laid down as a correct rule of action that only the old and helpless should be sup-ported, while the able-bodied, if not already self-supporting, should be given the opportunity to work and should then be required to take care of themselves. Faith without works is dead. Realizing this the oilice set to work to show by its acts the sinceritg of its belief. And here it is proper to say that this change in the manner of deal-ing with the Indians was not a hasty conception on the part of the 05ce. Indeed, it was not new at all. It has been the hope and desire of enlightened men for many years. But inasmuch asit has been.the subject of some harsh criticism and severe condemnation, and as the Indin O5ce has been freely charged with ignorance and blunders, it is simply fair that the motives which governed it and the principles which actuated it should be known and understood in order that the 9674-02--1 1 |