OCR Text |
Show -21- the mining interests near by. The Atlantic and Pacific,- now known as the Santa Fe Railroad was built thru Needles in 1882. Indians in large numbers were employed on the construction of the railroad, and many are now employed in the Santa Fe shops, the Smelter, the Needles Light and Water Company, and Ice Factory. The Santa Fe Railway Company has accomplished much in the way of bringing about civilizing influences among its Indian employees. At the time the rail-road was constructed, the full dress for the Indian men was a breech cloth of very narrow proportions, and frequently this was dispensed with as a useless incumbrance. The Railway Company required each applicant to fit himself out with pants, shirt, hat and shoes, refusing employment to any who would not thus array themselves in the customary habiliments of civilization. The Agent in 1898, reports that about 200 Indians were employed by the Santa Fe Railway Company in their shops, yards and construction gangs etc., and that their wages, averaging 1.50 per day each, aggregate about $60,000.00 annually. He adds, however, that despite this, their condition is steadily growing worse because of the vices learned from the Whites with whom they come in contact. It is believed, however, that this latter statement is somewhat exaggerated as the Mojaves even before the advent of the Whites, never enjoyed an enviable reputation as to morality. On August 22, 1890, the Camp Mojave Military Reservation with its buildings, and hay and wood reservation was formally transferred to Supt. S. M. McCowan, representing the Interior Department, by Lieut. Hersey, U. S. A. representing the War Department. |
Source |
Original book: [State of Arizona, complainant v. State of California, Palo Verde Irrigation District, Coachella Valley County Water District, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, City of Los Angeles, California, City of San Diego, California, and County of San Diego, California, defendants, United States of America, State of Nevada, State of New Mexico, State of Utah, interveners] : California exhibits. |