OCR Text |
Show I 18 REPORT OF TEE COMM168lOXER OF INDIAN AFPAlRl. order, testifying unmistakably to excellent ability and conscientious performance on the part of both employees and pupils in schoolrooms and shops. It was hardlypractioable to attempt to show what was also being done in the way of training in housekeeping and farming, especially as space for the exhibit was very much restricted. But if these, too, could have had their Pair share in the exhibit the all-round training of head and hand which exists in the various Qoverument Indian schools would have ample showing. As it is I am satisfied that the exhibit will be found to be of great interest, and such as to prove conclusively the ability and readiness of Indian youth to adopt the language and assimilate the ideas and ways of the white man; also that the Indian school service has a corps of competent and successful instructors. Several scbools sent exceptionally good specimens of kindergarten work, and from this up to algebra the papers are just such as might be expected from white children of the same age and the same amount of schooling, making allowance for the time consumed in mastering the iefractory English langnage. FIELD MATRONS AND FEMALFI INDUSTRIAL TEACHERS. Upon the recommendation of the agents at Standing Rock and Rosebud agencies there have been established among the Sioux the positions of 'lfemale industrial teachers (field service)," payable from the Sioux educational fond. Their duties are similar to those of the field matrons-visiting Indian homes and teaching the wonien the art of domestic economy. The importance of this work is very great and will have a direct bearing upon the education of the girls and make brighter the home life of the returned pupils. For strictly field matron work Congress gave for the current fiscal year $5,000 more than last year, making the appropriation $15,000. This enables the office to heed a few more calls of agents and Indians for field matrons to be assigned to their fields; but, for want of funds, quite as many requests have been refused as have been granted. I trust that the appropriation for next year will grant a titill further increase in the fund. No doubt as to the value of the service rendered: by field matrons toward ameliorating and elevating Indian home life has ever been suggested. As an experiment its success was conceded. beforehand, and four years of actual experience only strengthens belief in the good which is being accomplished by the expenditures for such work. Reports from field matrons are submitted herewith . on pages 120 and 205. |