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Show I 458 REPORT OR 8UPERINTENDENT OF INDIAN 8CHOOLS. As there is no field in which he can so readily contribute to his own support, he should be not only encouraged, but urged to make agri-culture, with the kindred industries of stock raising and dairying, his mainstay. In visiting the varions agencies I have urged the Indians not to lease their allotments, but to settle upon them, cultivate more acres, raise better crops, and live the thrifty, independent life that falls to the lot of the tillers of the soil. GROWTH OB INDIAN SCHOOL WORK. That the Government has been liberal in its appropriations for the education of the Indian is shown by the fact that, while its first appro-priation in 1819 was but $10,000, during the year just past the sum of $3,244,250 was expended for Indian school support, and the pupils enrolled numbered 23.33%. Every year shows progress in the solution of the so-called Indian ~roblem. The change from day to day may not be noticeable. but if we rook back at the conditions, five, ten, >r twenty years ago and compare them with those of the present time, we shall find much to give encouragement in the work of civilizing the Indian. With the mis-takes of the past to guide us, we now see that the work can not be done in a day; but if the next generation, even, can be made self-supporting, our fondest hopes will have been realized, and the Indian olaced uuon the flrm foundation of civilization and citizenshio. - 111 conl?lusicm, 1 can nut a(lequate1y express to you nly gratitude for tho unvarying kindness, over ready sympathy, and strong support you have so freely given me in my work; - Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ESTELLE REEL, Su-p erintendent of Indian Schools. The COMUISSIONEORF INDIAAFNFA IRS. I |