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Show REPORT OF AGENCY IN COLORADO. 177 The CoaMulro2lsa OF INDIAN APFAIRS. GOLTN ANDERSON XMonw, M&odisl Episropal ch$~ch. REPORT CONCERNING INDIANS IN COLORADO. REPORT OF AGENT FOR SOUTHERN UTE AGENCY. S o u ~ a s nU~TE AGENCY, Ignaho, Colo., August 4, 1899. SIR: I have the honor to submit my first annual report for the Southern Ute Agency, Colo. Mr. William H. Meyer resigned as agent for the Southern Utes on January 1 last, and Special United States Ind~auA gent G. B. Pray was in cha e until my appoint ment in June. Durin the administration of Mr. hay, as we3 as that part of the year previous, the NO$ here has gone on as heretofore. The annual census is forwarded with this report, showing the birtha, deaths, etc., for the fiscal year 1899. Health.-The health of thex Indians has been exceptionally during the year past, and it is gmtifying to note that theygenerally avail themsep vea o f the emices of the physicians, and voluntarily seek medical treatment when sick. The physician's work is done by contract, and I respectfully recommend a. resident phys~cian far Ignacio subagenc , where same is greatly needed. Crime.-There Kas been little trouble of any kind, and with the exception of ocw sianal instances where whisk is obtained from the ~e k i c a n sw ho live around and upon the reservation, the ~ n g a nasr e peaceably inclined and not difficultt o handle. The degrading influenem of the class of Mexlmns who live in this section is the greatest drawback to the advancement of the Indians, with which we have to contend. Irrigation.-the work of providing water for theallotments onthe eastern endof the reservation has been vigorously prosecuted dunng the present mmmer. The lateral from the East Sidecanal to the head of S ring Creekvalley has been completed. Work on the West Side dltch is goin steadib forward, and a splendid showing 6ae been made. The employment of ln%ian labor in ditch construction has been entimly sat-isfactory, and ives them an insight into irrigating methods they could not otherwise acqmre. ~ h e s t e asr e willing and intelligent laborers. Pming.-All the farmers have sown their fields as usual, and the indications are for a good crop~ear. New r?nche? are being opened up as the water is brought to them throu h t e new lrngating ditches. #tack.-~fe past winter was a very severe one, and many sheep and horses per-ished on account of the deep snow and extreme cold. There were ve few cattle lost, as they were kept on the raucheswhere they could be sheltered anTfed, but of the sheep and horses, whlch are ranged in the foothills winter and summer, probably 400 of the former and 100 of the latter died. Bdncstiona1.-While the Southern Utes are of a progressive disposition as farmln stock raisin etc , they are so opposed to allowing their children t"o fefa"v"e home g a t only 8 coad besecured for sehool last year, and of these but 3 remained. There is, however, a small day school at the Ignacio subagency, conducted by Rev. A. J. Roderiguez, a Presbyterian missionary, which had a regular attendance through-out the winter of 10 to 12 Ute children. leasing,-There has been no leasing of Indian lands, but it is the o inion of the agent that where desirable tenants can be had to develop theallotmentePa should hemade on such terms as will ~nduceag ood class of farmem to take hold of the fertile places and convert them into farms for the benefit of those Indians who for reasons are unable to farm themselves. A party of surveyom are now engaged in the work of 8896-12 |