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Show Many other specific instances high%b e &it&to show the awakening interest of the Indians in better homes. The movement is growing, and the results already obtained give encouragement for further effort. ASSISTANCE OF OLD OR INDIGENT INDIANS The year witnessed a new use of the reimbursable fund. The appropriation act for the year, making available $175,000 for thc purpose of encouraging industry and self-support among Indians, now provides that loans can be made to old, disabled, or indigent Indim allottees for their support, to remain a charge and lien against their lands until paid. This provision makes it possible to aid such Indians as formerly were dependent on friends and relatives or ration issues. It is now possible to advance funds for their support in an amount not to exceed 50 per cent of the appraised value of their lands. There were 63 applications of this kmd approved during the past year, involving a total amount of $11,950. INDIAN EMPLOYMENT The major number of requests for employment that come to the 1 office from Indians are for positions in, the Federal service. In the \ field superintendents act as labor agents and secure work for the Indians of their respective jurisdictions. At Blackfeet and other northwestern agencies there was considerable activity. in putting' Indians to work. At San Carlos a resident; labor agent :has induced all of the' Indians of the vicinity to go to work and is extending his efforts now to adjacent r'eservations. Indianshaving allotments with water available are achieving sue- i cess in farming and stock raismg, as their industry warrants. With-in some reservations Indians have built and furnished modern homes, which are well keptand sometimes rival those of their white neigh-bors, this being brought about by the Indians finding employment regularly. In estimating the income of Indians, those .who have established homes away from reservations must be included. A considerable number of Indian boys and girls upon leaving school by graduation or otherwise find employment away from their homes in various occupations and render service creditable to themselves. Obviously the main purpose of the education which the Government is at pains to afford is to prepare them for and assist. them to enter into such occupations as may serve to establish them in a future i position of independence and self-support. Assistance in the matter of placing an Indian boy or girl in the most suitable occupation and environment is an essential factor of the entire problem of Indian |
