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Show .8 OOMMIPISIONEB OF INDIAN AFPAIBS. In view of the limited resources of great numbers of the Indians, ranging from near destitution to such conditions as yield a fair support but admit of no savings, the subscriptions reported and the expressions of attachbent to the priaciples and institutions of the Government coming to me from every reservation eloquently attest the growth of Indian thought and sentiment along l i e s pertaining to the general welfare. I regard the subscriptions by employees throughout the Indian Service as worthy of a special word. When it is known that the average annual salary of all employees is approximately $750, or, on a per diem basis, about one-half that received by many groups of factory and mechanical trade workers, their response to the h t call in the Nation's defensive need forms a very creditable record. The average per capita purchase of thoae subscribing for bonds wes nearly double the highest increase of salary provided by the 5 and 10 per cent advance under legislation effective on July 1, 1917, and can be understood only as showing a willingness to sacrifice the immediate use of much more than the merited benefits of such legislation. I venture here to digress for the expression of a conviction that has been with me since boyhood to emphasize another feature of the Liberty Loan Bond purchase, which I am persuaded will be of last-ing benefit not only to the Indians but the entire population of our countxy. It is the business side, the money saving habit. To my mind, the best barometer of a young man's future may be found in his disposi-tion to accumulate. The Indian or white youth who has established a savings-bank account is apt to have a good character. Ordinarily he will be anxious to increase his deposit, and if so will make an effort to create and sustain such a reputation as will invite promotion. He will save rather than spend his earnings foolishly. The manliness of his attitudes and the inspiration from accomplishment will insure his advancement. As a boy, this is apparent; as a man it becomes an inheritance which stays with him throughout life. Generally speaking Americans have become so rapidly rich and are so powerful as a Nation that we are in danger of being overfat and contented. The war has necessitated the conservation of our food supply; but we have yet to learn the lesson of universal saving, economy in conduct. Man has no stronger element, when developed, than the disposition to acquire property, own a home, and be a substantial factor in society. It stabilizes his lie and makes him a better citizen, provided always that he is neither miserly nor a worshiper of the almighty dollar. |