| OCR Text |
Show with the continued support of the citizens of that community the matter is now well in hand, although a considerable forceof officers is still operating in that territory. - - With the closing of the saloons, breweries, etc., and our efforts to prevent the introduction of intoxicants into the treaty-territory we were confronted with difficulties which arose through what are known as near beers, ciders, and the like. Many preparations of this char-acter have found their way into closed territory and in some in-stances they contained large percentages of -alcohol and were merely substitutes under false names for intoxicants. Various subterfuges ' were used which have kept our suppression officers extremely busy. 1 Our operations have covered the entire country where Indians reside. Every means possible and every provision of law applicable has been invoked to insure the greatest success. Section 2078 of the Revised Statutes relative to withholding an: nuity payments under certain conditions has been applied at practi-cally every payment made, with the result that the 1ndians have been freed from temptation and are now comparatively sober. The pay-ments are no longer drunken orgies nor have the Indians,been de- - bauched and robbed as formerly. All this has resulted in the greatest activity and in an unprece-dented number of arrests and convictions. By invoking existing legislation it has been possible to protect the Indians during these - payments and at a time when it would do the most good.' - If Congress would amend the present liquor laws applicable to the Indian country, making the first offense a misdemeanor and permit' prosecution by information instead of indictment there would be convictions where acquittals are now procured, because of the present drastic penalty. Procedure by information would decreaee the heavy costs of prosecution. A native fermented liquor known as tulapai or tiskin has a strong hold on the Apaches. It is so easily made and so insidious that its suppression is a di5cult undertaking. Instruction in.-whooJs and among adults and the punishment of offenders is gradually having a good effect. Two bills have been introduced in Congress for the purpose of con-trolling and eliminating the use of peyote, an imported Mexican product which produces a dangerous narcotic intoxication. These laws should be quickly passed. INDIAN CRIMINAL OFFENSES. The Federal laws relating to offenses committed by Indians against the person or property of other Indians or persons within the limits of any Indian reservation include only murder, manslaughter, rape, |
