| OCR Text |
Show 45 clear and plough than I had anticipated; besides, the construction of a canal for bringing the waters of the river upon the land for irrigating purposes, was a greater undertaking than at first supposed. But a capacious canal has been completed, rendering a large tract of fertile land susceptible of irrigation and cultivation. Its completion, however, was so late in the season, that a large portion of the crop seeded this spring failed to attain perfection. But the accompanying estimates of the crops will show an amount produced, amply sufficient to supply their immediate wants, and to encourage them in future efforts. The expenditures at Sanpete and Corn Creek have not been so great, it costing but little at either to bring the wate'r upon the lands, and at the latter place there had been some forty or fifty acres of land cleared last season. But the most encouraging feature in this new policy is the happy influence it has exerted upon the conduct and condition of the Indians. The frowning aspect of a discontent, portending mischief, has passed away, and a smile of joy now lights their dingy features giving strong assurances of a permanent change in their life and habits. Fifty percent of the amount expended this season will produce in another year twice the amount of crop, and all things considered, it does appear that it would be the most consummate folly to pursue any other policy with these Indians. Small agricultural plots had been opened for and with the Indians of southern,Utah, but-Hurt started the first Indian farms which were designated asvsuch, with permanence, order, and measurable productivity. The years from 1854 to i860 can be characterized as a time of search for a modus vivendi. Those who sought for the way to accomodate were the federal officials, the Mormons, and the defeated Indians, The attempt was meaningless from the start. The alternatives were 4Hurt to Young, September, ,1856, op. cit |
