OCR Text |
Show REPORT O? TEE [IECBETABY OF TEE I N ~ R I O R 21 civilization. Assistance heretofore has been given by superinten-dents of schools and reservation employees lo a limited extent but has not been systematized nor sufficiently organized and developed. It would be highly important could this work be developed and xufficient moneys be appropriated for employment of a small hut effi-cient personnel to conduct the work. This is a phase of Indian admin-istration which especially calls for remedial action. The Indian graduate entering upon his life work is deprived of the assistance. which in the case of the young white man or woman is rendered by parents or friends. LAW AND ORDER Legislation is needed to apply the laws of civilization to Indians on reservations. Many offensive acts are committed by Indians of which the courts can not take cognizance because the laws prohibiting such offenses do not apply to them. Indians at present are in a somewhat anomalous position. Congress has conferred Federal citizenship upon all Indians born within the territorial limits of the United States, and by virtue thereof it is claimed that they have the right of suffrage in the elections of their State. On the other hand the State laws have not been extended to Indians and consequently the State can not prosecute this class of its "citizens" for violations of the law. Legisla-tion to correct this condition has heretofore been urged. For the suppression of the liquor tra$c among Indians, $22,000 was appropriated, but additional funds are needed. Considerable help and cooperation have been received from the Federal Prohibi-tion Bureau and from many State officers, but the peculiar problems of this work as related to Indians call for a larger and more thor-oughly organized force than can be secured with the present appro-priation. PERSONNEL During the year there has been material improvement in the per-sonnel of the field service, and the passage of the act of May 28,1928, called the Welch Act, affording increases in compensation effectiva July 1, 1928, should aasist during the ensuing year in retaining and securing more contented and efficient employees. Arrangement was completed whereby Indians will qualify under the usual civil-service requirements which apply to white applkmts, a certain preference percentage being allowed to them for appointment in the Indian Serv-ice. This plan will also open to Indians opportunities for employ-ment in other branches of the Government service. A plan has also been adopted permitting extension of the proba-tionary period of appointment to better meet the special needs of our service. |