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Show 1 ' REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS. 37 process of becoming citizens, they are still in a state of quasi-independ-ence, because the Qeneral Government withholds from them for twenty-five years the power of alienating their lands, while by exempting them from taxation for the same period it practimlly excludes their children from the public schools. For these reasons it would seem that the Qovernment has not onlr the right, but is under obligation to make edncational provisions for them, and to secure to their children the benefits of those provisions. Seventh. I venture also to suggest wliether the time may not be near for the passage of an enabling act whereby the five civilized tribes may form either a Territorial or a State government and be represented on the floors of Congress. Eighth. That the time has come when the Pueblo Indians should be admitted by special act of Congress '' to the enjoyment of all the rights of citizens of the United States according to the principles of the Con. stitution," as contemplated by the treaty of Quadalupe Hidalgo. Ninth. The definite. determination by the highest authority of the actual political status of the Indians is necessary as a basis of wise legi~lat~ioann d to the satisfactory administration of Indian affairs. CHANGE OF TRIBAL RELATIONS. A matter requiring frequent attenti.)n is the desire of Indians to leave the tribes to which they beloug and join others. Their nomadic instincts are in a great measure responsible for this, but in some in-stances, especially among the mixed bloods, businesv interests or family connections constitute the ~uairi reason for the wish to change. The ilhportance of the subject in the aclministration of the affairs of the Indian may be readily appreciated wllen it is remembered that the tribes oceupyiug the various reservations are completely distinct from and independent of each other as to tribal citizeuship,property rights, etc., and that some are muob richer in lands and annuities than others. ' In each case the approval of the offlce is requisite for a change of tribe, and when the tribe into whioh incorporation is sought haa under treaty or law the exclusive right to its reservation, the request of the applieant is not granted unless he is able to secure a formal adoption by said tribe. It is also essential that he relinquish and renounce all rights, interests, and benefits in the tribe tie wishes to leave. Favorable action upon such applications is not taken as a matter of course upon the adoption of the applicant and his relinquishment of rights elsewhere, but each case is cousidered in all its beariugs tipon both parties involved, and is decided entirely on its own merits. INDIAN SOLDIERS. Indians now form an integral part of the Regular Army. The enlist-ment of not exceeding 1,000 scouts was anthorized by sections 1094 and 1112 of the Revised Statutes-take11 from the act of July 28,1866 (14 |