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Show 14 COMMISSIONER INDLAN AFFAIRS. school buildmgs, together with the training being given at home by the field matrons, should result in a stronger race physically in the next generation, as well as the reduction of the death rate to one not in excess of the white race. TRACHOMA. The trachoma work has been pushed vigorously during the past year. The field has been divided into five districts, and an ophthal-mologist has been assigned to each. He goes to each reservation in his district instructing the reservation physician in the appropriate treatment and methods of operation, and also cares for any of the more serious eye complications needing treatment or operation. On account of the failure to recognize trachoma, the lack of facilities for handling the disease, and the small amounts of money formerly appropriated, the disease has wrought great havoc among the Indians of every tribe except those in New York. Trachoma is only second to the tuberculosis scourge and spreads rapidly when it is once introduced. The increase of trachoma is alarming. The service is fully aware of the conditions presented by this disease and is fighting, in accordance with the best precepts of modern medicine, to relieve those afflicted and to prevent the further spread of the disease. OTHER CONTAGIOUS DISEASES. There have been epidemics of smallpox, typhus and typhoid fever, diphtheria, measles, and mumps, but through the efforts of the physicians, by quarantine, administration of sera, and careful medi-cal attention very few deaths have occurred from these causes. Co-operation with the State boards of health in the instance of an epi-demic has resulted in the disease being held within the reservation of its source, and usually at the primary focus. During the year an order was issued to vaccinate every individual on the reservations, including Government employees as well as the Indians. This order is being faithfully executed, although in some sections considerable tact and ingenuity is required to enforce vacci-nation. On reservations where epidemics have occurred in the past the Indians appreciate the protection and readily submit to vac-cination. FIELD MATRONS. Due to the lack of knowledge in the care of infants, there is a large infant mortality among the full-blood Indians. To' meet this condition the field matrons go into the homes of the Indians an11 teach them the care of children, cooking, and sewing. They aid the physicians in carrying out sanitary measures and assist in sickness. They give particular attention to seeing that Indian mothers have |