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Show COMMISSIONER OF 'INDIAN AFFAIRS. 25 This appears to have proven an incentive for the vendor immediately to reengage in the traffic to recoup his loss. The imposition of penitentiary sentences in a few aggravated cases in each jurisdiction will have a great influence upon the violators of the law and show that the Indian Office is in earnest in waging uncompromising war-fare upon all persons who carry intoxicants of any kind to the Indians. Position or influence should not be a factor in the enforcement of the law against the. introduction or sale of intoxicating liquors to Indians or in Indian country. It is an axiomatic and good principle that all men should stand equal before the law. In fact the institu-tions of our country are in no way bet,ter reflected than when this idea is faithfully executed. More than four years' experiencein an effort to minimize the use of liquor among Indians has persuaded me that they advance more rapidly and prosper more certainly when they are sober. It has been my observation that merchants and those who trade with Indians have ,enjoyed prosperity in proportion as the liquor traffic among them has been suppressed; that crime and disorder have been reduced to a minimum when we have been snccessfnl in eelimi-nating the bootlegger; that health conditions have been improved, social standards raised, and betterments generally effected not other-wise obtainable where the sale of liquor prevails. I sincerely believe that no appropriation of $150,000 made by Congress will be fraught with more lasting and beneficial results. FARMING. FOODC AMPAIGN.-Followingt he practice of the present adminis-tration, I issued on January 4, 1917, a letter to every superintendent regarding the necessity for early and thorough preparation by aU Indians desiring to farm this year. This letter outlined the essential steps to be taken in the selection of seeas and implements, indicated the proper methods and funds respecting the purchase thereof, the need for careful cleaning and testing of seed, the conditions under which the reimbursable plan would apply, the importance of larger gardening operations, etc. On April 9, 1917, less than a week after the passage of the con-gressional resolution recognizing a state of war between the United States and Germany, I sent the following telegram to 137 Indian Service superintendentg throughout the country: Wr situation makes it imperative that every tillable aew of land on Indian reserva-tione be intensively eullivs&d this seawon roabpply food demands, paniculruly what, beam, potatoes, corn, and meat. Call farmers and laadinv Indians tumrher immedi-ately for organised, united efforts under your continuo& wpervision. Thia is the highest importance and mquirea qgm&ve d o n . There muet be no delay in any-thing neceseary to insure results. Wire what may be expected and report progrm by letter. |