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Show \ 58 REPORT OF THE 00MMISSlONER OF INDlAN AFFAIRS. already beendone. The ~. nm. oeeo f makine allotments. as vou know. is to secure I~u~neidar ho~nvh~Iwnd ians. Thi* P I I I ~OP ~ will not I* attaiwd if [he I~rdiand oes ncntnettle on theallotment and inlpn,wtl~cs nmr and makeit his home. Yuurmuot Wostn~~lgliyrn prw upon this rlasa oi Iuglianr the necrr-slty of making settlement in good faith axrd of continuing the Panre. The#~ucstionosf settlement and of the char-acter of the lands come under the jurisdiction of the General Land Office for deter-mination, and unless the greatest care is exercised in these matters the result will only be further expense to the Land Department and disappointment to the Indians interested. The facts and conditione disclosed in connection with allotments heretofore made in that section of the country, as above indicated, should serve as a sufficient lemon to those interested in this work to nee that in future this class of allotments is properly made, so that the purpose intended to be attained may be accornplinhed. Regarding it as extremely desirable that the review of these allot-ments should be complete and final so that the Government would not be put to any further labor and expense in connection with them in the field, and also so that the Indian might be made secure in his home and holdings against future attack or contest by encroachmg white settlers, the ofice, June 21, 1901, requested the Commissioner of the General Land O5ce to detail a special agent of that o5ce to work in conjunction with Mr. Caason in revlewing these allotments. In that way the question of settlement and the question whether the land is of a character subject to allotment might be passed upon at the time and finally determined. July 2 the Commissioner of the General Land O5ce replied that Special Agent Edward Borstadt had been detailed to cooperate with Mr. Casson, as suggested. Where the land is found to be of a character not subject to allot-ment, or to be unsuitable for a home, the allotment will be canceled and, if possible, other lands in lieu will be selected and allotted. Where the allottees are found to be not entitled to allotments under the later rulings of the Department, the facts are also to be reported so that steps may be taken to effect cancellation. It is proposed that where all the conditions and requirements are found to be favorable the special agents shall join in a report to that effect. This should place all such cmes beyond successful contest in the future. It is the aim of the office to have this work now so thoroughly done that the Indians may be perfectly secure in their homes, at least during the continuance of the trust period. The o5ce feels that this work, together with proper advice and encouragement, will accomplish in the end far more good for these Indians than material aid would do, no matter how judiciously the same might be extended. Mr. Casson commenced work in the Susanville district, with his two snrveying corps, about the middle of June, and it is expected that he will complete it before cold weather and snows render further work in the. field impracticable. A considerable number of cases have already been r3ported by Mr. Casson for cancellation, while in a num- |