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Show REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS. 49 Territory (84,750)a total population of 90,084. These Indians are often separated from the others in statistics because they have separate school and governmental systems. Prior to the first census of 1850 only small reliance can be placed upon the figures given, and the workof the "estimator" entered largely into the results after that date until about 1870 or 1880, when the importance of tha data became apparent. All estimates of Indians must contab som* element of doubt, by reason of the shifting about of the tribes, their ignorance of the English language, and disinclina-tion to be counted except for ration and annuity purposes. The table is an interesting one, and shows that since 1870 the Indian population has been nearly stationary. There has been a decrease, of course, but that may be accounted for by the numbers of Indians who have become citizens of the United States and lost their tribal iden-tity, and are counted in the regular census of American people. The census of 1890 shows 58,806 Indians as residents of various States, who are not counted on the Indian rolls as such. It is evident that with the humane treatment of this Government, and contrary to the predictions of many, the Indian is not dying out, is not becoming extinct. He is in our population, but not of it, and there is only one course to pursue, and that is so to educate each gen-eration that it will be a stepping-stone to the final achievemen6 of complete extinguishment of the Indian race by its absorption into the body politic of the country. EXHIBITION OF INDIANS. During the past year this office has refused to recommend to the Department that permission be granted for any persons or companies to take Indians for show and exhibition purposes. Among the appli-cants so refused was the well-known firm of'Cody (Buffalo Bill) & Salisbury, which has for several years past secured Indians for its "Wild West Show." In only two instances has permission been granted Indians to leave their reservation to take part in local celebrations. One was to attend the annual Frontier Day celebration at Cheyenne,Wyo. Indians from the Shoshone Agency, Wyo., have for several years past been allowed to participate in this celebration, and at the solicitation of Hon. Fixn-cis E. Warren, United Shtea Senate, permission was granted August 4,1900, for about thirty of them to do so this year. The conditions were that satisfactory arrangements would be made by the authorities having the celebration in charge for the care, protection, and expenses of the Indians; that the Government was to be at no cost whatever, and that the Indians could he spared from their homea without detri-ment to their interests. 686- |