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Show VIII REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS. healthy, rugged people. Nothing can be further from the truth. They are the sport of disease, are well-nigh helpless in their struggles against the elements, are almost wholly ignorant of the laws of health, are care- .less of their persons, are dominated by senseless superstitions, are the victims of the crudest kinds of quackery, and perish by hundreds dur-ing the prevalence of an epidemic. (See page xm.) The modi~cationof the ration system.-Heretofore Indians receiving rations have been required to go to the agencies to get them, thus in-volving a great waste of time and strength. The plan of issuing ra-tions at snbstations, which is now beingput into ope,ration, is discussed moreat length under the head of Indian farming, pagc xarv. The common method of issuing live beeves to the Indians is a relic of barbarism, cruel and filthy. Stringent orders have been issued for the ,correction of this great evil (see Appendix, p. CLXVI), and proper fadli- 'ties for slaughtering are now being provided. Inculcation of patriotism.-On all Governm~nts chools the American flag has been displayed, national holidays have been duly celebrated, the pupils are learning patriotic songs and recitations, and are taught to love the great nation of which they are a part, and to feel that the people of the United States are their friends and not their enemies. (See page XVIII.) Discouraging the Wild West Ehow business.-I have refused to grant any more licenses for Indians to leave the reservations or to enter into any other contractts with showmen. I have instituted proceedings , against showmen and their bondsmen to compel the fulfillment of former contracts, which required them to treat their employBs with humanity and justice. (See page LVII.) EDUCATTOX. In my supplemental report of last year I set forth qnite in detail my views regarding Iudian education. These views have met with most gratifying acceptance, and have awakened a greatdeal of interest among all classes of citieens. The plan there outlined has reccived the indorse-ment of Dr. W. T. Harris, United States Commissioner of Education, and of General John Eaton, ex-Commissioner of Education, and has been heartily approved by the National Educational Association, the Amer-ican Institute of Instruction, the New York State Teachers1 Association, aud other leading educational bodies, besides receiving the warm corn- ' mendation of distinguished educators and philanthrophic organiza-tions, like the Mohonk Conference, the Indian Rights Association, etc. After a year's practical work in carrying out the ideas there expressed, I see no reason to modify them in any essential particular. TRAINING SCHOOLS. Under the fostering care of the Government a series of training schools has grown np off reservations where, in addition to the ordinary Eng-lish education, Indian pupils are trained to habits of industry. |