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Show 124 REPORT OP AGENT IN COLORADO. water rights for the section in question, I trust existing conditiom will soon be obliterated. Such conditions and surroundings are alike discouraging to Indians and those intrusted with the task of toiling to better their condition. Ignacio buil-.-The buildings at Ignacioembrace a conglomerate of structures that, as is shown by records in this office, have been repeatedly condemned for the past twelve years, hut as this has been merged or will he merged into a sub-agency, they can, with assistance of an appropriation in harmony with estimates previously submitted, be repaired to a habitable estant; atleast so repaired as to protect the employees and supplies from the elements. Deportment.-Since assuming charge thedeportment has been perfect, andemploy-ees assure me that it is but a continuation of the behavior of Indians for the past four years. Not a crime of anv character has been perpetrated since my incnm-beucy. I am informed by employees that theft is absolutely nn'mown among the Allotted Utes, and so great is the confidencs of assistants in their integrity that thereisnolimit prescribedor lines drawn. No doors leading to private apartments are ever locked, and no article of wearing apparel or other thing8 has ever been stolen or disturbed: Essianarymrk-The Presbyterian Board of Missions has a missionary stationed at this agency in. the peraou of A. J. Rodreqnes. But little evidences of success in evangelizing are perceptible, and as he has only been here a short time the work of redemption must necessarily be slow and discouraging. However, he raises a fair garden every year, which is asonrce of more or less instruction to the Indianswhoare strugglingin thedirectionof a se-sustaining b e . There is ample material for an evangelid at this agency, and we are in hopes of being able to report a more commendable showing in our next annual report. Employens and police.-The employees at this agency are, with exception of half-breeds, embraced in the civil service, and all are competent to attend to the duties in their respective departments, and assist in 811 work that is to be performed, regardless of specific duty. The farmer, assistant farmer, blacksmith, and hostler unite in aiding each other as occasion demands. The Indian police have been very obedient as to reporting when so ordered, but excellent deportment renders their duty light and the demand upon their time practically insignificant, but one being required on duty during the harvest season, and the others permitted to work at home or elsewhere. Educational.-No progress in way of education has been made at this agency during past few years, as it is a di5cult question and one that will nltimately demand force. We have less than a dozen pupils at the Fort Lewis Indian school, which joins the reservation at about the dividing line between the Allotted and Unallotted Utes, rendering it alike convenient to both. Death of Ute pupils in the past has unalterably prejudiced the Ute parents against schools, but time and pleading may in time overcome their hatred of nonreservation schools. After evidences of ownership of land are issued we will endeavor to force the State law as to attendance and thus secure at least the bulk of thechildrenof Allotted Utes for the Fort ~ e &ssch ool. Leasing lands.-No leases of allotments have as yet been made, principally for the reasons that applicants have so far been unable to advance the bond and certificate as to merit the agent demands of all. However, there are threeor four commend-able farmers who will no doubt select lands subjeot to lease during the fall. in order to devote the winter to clearing and fencing lauds. I am anxious to lease to clean thrifty farmers, as their labor will prove a source of industrial education to all 1Aians who will pattern after them. Conclnsion.-In concluding, I can only ask for such aid and consideration as will enable lue to carry out the work of reclaiming and civilizing the Southern Utes as has been extended tomy predecessor. I respectfully call your attention to the treaty of 1880 as to houses, etc., and plead with you to appeal to Congress for the funds essential to carry ont the various pledges therein made, so far as can be accomplished. Before closing this report I desire to express my gratitude to my predecessor, Col. David F. Day, for his patience and kindness in instructing me in the various and complicated duties as agent. Very respectfully submitted, WILLUX H. MEYER, United States Indian Agent. The COMMISSIONER OF INDIAbN~ ~ a s . |
