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Show OOMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFPAIES. 19 sanitary lines, by precept and example, such as the discussion of these topics at commbnity-social meetings, illustrated stereopticon lectures, the work of the physicians, field matrons, ete. (2) Where an Indian has individual funds to his credit he is en-couraged to use them in improving his home, or erecting a new one, if necessary., and the regulations have recently been made much more liberal in this respect, vesting greater authority in the superintendent with respect to expenditures for such purposes. Where an Indian lac* d c i e n t funds to purchase the necessary material, aid is ex-tended from the reimbursable fund, or such material is issued in re-turn for labor. At Tongue River the sawmills, which for a long time past and until last fall had'been standing idle, were put into active operation and a plan devised by which the Indians cut and haul the'logs to the mill, where they are cut into lumber for a small toll; the hardware, millwork (doors, windows, etc.), and paint are furnished from the reimbursable fund or in return for labor. It is planned to extend this policy to other reservations where similar conditions prevail as far as may be prajicabla EMPLOYEES. The elliciency of the more than 5,000 employees of the Indian Se? ice has been maintained with gratifying results The example these people set before the Indians they are to lead and teach is a stropg fador for their advancement. Earnest men and women with high charactar and right living teach as much by example as by precept. In the main this large corps is of that type and are earnestly striving to be exemplars of our best civilization. To determine as far as possible the qualifications of persons seeking employment among the Indians, I have giwen special attention to pro-bational appointments from the registars of the Civil Service Com-mission. Before making such appointments inquiries are made of persons who have first-hand knowledge of the equipment of the eligibles certified, not only with reference to their qualifications for the line of work for which they were examined, but also concerning their moral standing and general reputation in the commtmity in which they reside. At the time I assumed o5ce there was a constant shifting of em-ployees from place to place.. Many of the changes were made to meet the personal wishes of employees, without benefit to the servioa Frequently employees did not remain at one point su5ciently long to become acquainted with the pupils or adult Indians, and I am en-deavoring to eliminate this practice as far aa can be done consistently with good administration. It is particularly essential that employees |