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Show - . ~~. , . . ~. - . -, . - 232 REPORT OF AGENT IN COLORADO. ever before, and more pasture land preserved from the nhtimely encroachments of stock. Eduoation.-It is a source of gratification to me that my suggestion regarding the suitableness of the abandonedmilitary post at FortLewisfor soh001 purposes was followed up and that a flourishing school is now in operation at that point. Sixteen children of the SouthernUtes were secured for the school by Supervisor Keck during his visit last spring. All the assistants which could be was gladly given by myself and the agenev employ6s. 1 have reason to think that more might have been obtained but for the meddling of certain persons not connected with the service. No favorable opportunity is lost by myself or the employgs to speak a good word for the school, explain the benefits of education, and encour-age the Indians to permit their children to attend. rrissiansrp work.-1 can not learn that any missionary work has ever been at-tempted among these Indians. During the past year representatives of differ-ent churches have looked over the ground with aview to the estahlishyent of a mission, but so far as 1 know nothing definite has been decided upon. There is room for much good work in this direction. Courts.-No courts of Indian offenses have been established. Disputes between the Indians which would odl for its action are very rare and it has not been deemed best to encourage them. Such a court will no doubt be found useful and should be provided on the allotmentof lands in severalty, butprobably notmuch before. Faad work.-As the use oi vehicles by Indians increases. the necessity for con-struction and repairs of roads begins to be apparent to them, and considerable labor bas been expended by them in the way of grading and smoothing rough places and in temporary bridges over irrigating ditches, etc., hut no general work in the way of establishing permanent roads bas been attempted. Industries.-The Southern Utes appear to he moat naturally attracted to stock-raising as a pursuit, and nearly all own horses. Many have flooks of sheep and goats which furnishthemsomemeat, while the pelts and skiusnot needed in their domestic economy are sold. Of their wool they manufacture almost nothing-differing in this respect greatly fromsomeother tribes, their neighbors, the Na-vajos in particular-but it is carefully sheared and sold. Some few of them have become possessed of small herds of cattle, and within the past year a number of the best farmers and those most able and willing to care for them in winter at home, have had issued to them, individually, a few each of the stock cattle purchased 6ome years since f o t~he tribe. A portion of the men devote considerable time to the pursuit of wild game. The favorite occupation of the women is working in beads, with which they ornament purses, moccasins, and articles of personal adornment. Much of this work is purchased by tourists and others. Other arts and trades are almostun-known to them. bllotmant6.-The idea of receiving land in severalty does not favorably impress the great majority of the tribe. The arrangement made between them and the commission of 1888 for their removal to Utah, subject to the approval of Con-gress, they still consider unsettled, and are vary much inclined to the opinion that they are unjustly dealt with. While this impression prevails among them and until they can he convinced that they aro to remain hepe permanently they will oppose the plan. The same cause has a strong tendency to discourage the tribe in general from engaging in agricultural pursuits, and stands in the way of real and permanent progress. 8snitsrg.-The sanitary condition of the tribeis fairly good ; no epidemic disease has prevailed among them. A slight increase in venereal disease is reported. This may be accounted for by their proximity to Mexican neighbors, among whom are included many women of easy virtue. Impmvement6.-Theagenc buildings, though some of them nre old, are for the most part in a good stateoypreservation, but need painting. It is the intention to proceed with thisworkin thenear future. Anew slaughterhouse was erected during the past spring and is found to be a great convenience, as by means of it the beef is allowed to properly cool before being hauled to the issue house for cutting. The change from yearly to weekly delivery of beef cattle by the contractor has resulted in great benefit. The quality of the beef furnished is now uniformly good in winter as well as in summer, and there is no chance for loss by shrink-age from exposure and starvation, as under the old system. Very respectfully, CHAS. A. BARTHOLOMEW, United States Indian Agent. The COMMISSIONEORF INDIAN AFFAIRS. |