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Show 28 REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS. have surveys and estimates made of the most feasible system of irriga-tion for this reservation, and to ascertain the views of the Indians as to the expenditure of their money for such purpose. No action has been taken upon this recommendation so far as I am advised. The Indians on these reservations have funds accumulated from the installmentsheretoforedue them under their agreements. These install-ments will soon cease, and uuless something he done meantime to enable them to procure a living this accumulation will be expended in a few years, at the end of which time they will he no better off. But if these funds be expended in providing systems of irrigatio~o~n the respective reservations it will give the Indians an opportunity to become self-sustaining, and by the sale of surplus irrigated lands further funds can be obtained for the maintenance and operation of such systems of irrigation. Miscellaneous.-During the year the fonds available for irrigat,ion purposes apportioned by Congress have been expended on the various reservations where the need of such expenditure seemed most urgent. In connection with this subject I deem it my duty to emphasize the recommendation of my predecessor for the appointment of some suita-ble and competent man to superintend the work of irrigation constr~~c-tion. Such superintendent should also he required to investigate and report upon all recommendations for t,he expenditure of irrigation funds involving new construction, and when necessary he should pre-pare plans and estimates. During the year I have twice been obliged to take Superintendent Graves from his work on the Crow Reservation for the purpose of making investigations upon the Fort Hall and Navajo reflervations. None of the inspectors and special agents have any technical knowledge of engineering or irrigation, so that their services are not available, even if they could he spared from their appropriate duties. The appointment of a competent superintendent of irrigation would not only enable the Department to determine with some certainty what work should be undertaken, hut would also enable it to construct the work with greater economy thau as a rule is now practicable and with greater assurance that it would he.wel1 done. COMMISSIONS. I Blackfeet and Fort Belknap reservations.-Authority having been eon- ' i ferred upon the Department by a clause in the Indian appropriation act for the current fiscal year to negotiate with the Indians of Black-feet and Fort Belknap reservations for the cession of certain portions 1 of their reservations, a commission has been appointed and is now negotiating with the said Indians under instructions of this office 1 dated August 19,1896, and approved by the Department August 20, 1895. The commission is composed of Messrs. William C. Pollock, George B. Qrinnell, and Walter M. Clements. |
