OCR Text |
Show REPORT OR SUPERINTENDENT OF INDIAN 8CHOOLS. 413 for. Year by year the attendance of pupils has increased until now there are over 700 enrolled. The capacity of the buildings should be increased to at least 1,000, owing to the density of the Indian popula-tion in the Southwest and the increasing eagerness of the Indian youth to attend school. The literary and industrial training received here is excellent. A large number of the pupils obtain practical training during the summer by means of the outing system, and the civilizing influences received by contact with the home life of good white citizens can not be overestimated: Pima Agency, Ark-On this reservation are about 8,000 Indians, who support themselves by means of agriculture. The capacity of the school is 225, and the children are well fed, well clothed, and comfortably quartered. On the Gila Bend Reservation, the Gila Crossing day school is in operation, and there is also a day school on the Salt River Reserva-tion. Eackberry, Ark.-This is one of the best schools I have visited. The literary work is good, but there are few facilities for the teaching of industries. Kingman, Ark.-About forty-five bright children were in attendance at this school, and the work carried on is of a practical value, which will fit them to be useful citizens. Eavasupai, Ark.-About sixty-five children were attending this school, which has been in session several years. Literary training in an almost inaccessible canyon, where the childred do not come in con-tact with white people, is of very little valne, and I would suggest that more attention be given to agriculture and indnstrial work. Fort Xohave. brie.-The schoolroom work is satisfactory, but on account of the climatic conditions here prevailing very slow progress can be made in educational work. The larger pupils should be sent to the Phoenix school, which is well equipped for the teaching of indus-tries and where the conditions are favorable for better work of all kinds. The outing system is carried on extensively at Phoenix and is especially valuable in the training of these Indians. Pems, Gal.-The general condition of this school, so far as buildings, management, and supervision are concerned, is all that could be desired. The literary work is good and a pleasant and home-like atmosphere surrounds the cbildren. On account of the lack of water, farming and gardening can be carried on only to a small extent. Instruction is given in industrial work, but the facilit.ies are limited. Port Lewis, Golo.-The general condition and management of the school is excellent. The literary instruction is extremely good, and all of the industrial departments are giving practical instruction in their respective branches. The principal occupation of the Indians of this locality is agriculture and stock raising, and, as the Indian boys are good cattlemen, they find ready employment on the ranches in the vicinity. Grand Junction, 0010.-This is one of the schools at which the outing system can be put into effect to the best advantage to the Indian chil-dren. The boys and girls are well paid for their services, and the benefit to be derived from contact with a good type of civilization in of great value. The-literary work at the school is satisfactory, but the facilities for industrial instruction are limited. Fort Hall, Idaho.-The general condition of the buildi~igsis fair. A large herd of cattle is maintained and great quantities of hay and farm products are raised. More and better industrial facilities are needed here. |