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Show REPORT .OF THE COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS. 21 Preparation for the advertising of the property was in process at the close of the year. Up to the close of the fiscal year, no formal acceptance was received from Governor Shafroth, of Colorado, of the school plants at Fort Lewis and Grand Junction. REPORT ON CANTON INSANE ASYLUM. At the beginning of the fiscal year 1909 there were 61 patients--32 males and 29 females. During the year 11 patients were received--+ males and 3 females, making a total of 72. Seven patients died- 4 males and 3 females, and 5 were discharged-3 males and 2 females. The number of patients in the asylum at the close of the &cd year 1909 was 6G33 males and 27 females. This institutioli is greatly overcrowded, and there are many applications for admission, for which there are no vacancies. Most of the cases now in the asylum are chronic;with poor chance of recovery. This prevents the admission and treatment of mute cases, and makes the record of recoveries compare unfavorably with that of other asylums for the insane. Dr. H. R. Hummer, superintendent and physician, in his annual report, says, in part: Tbe general physical health of patients and employees hae been quite good. The tuberculosis pmblem has been given careful consideration. Whenever practicable, every patient is out of doors. As many as can be managed are encouraged to aasiat in the gardening. A few patients occupy much of their time with beadwork, sewing, and a little basket making. Genemlly speaking, they all appear contented COOPERATION WITH RELIGIOUS WORK. Almost all the Christian denominations of the United States have missions in the Indian country, and the Indian OfEce cooperates gladly, impartially, and withincreasing effectiveness with each and all. While the Government can take no direct part in religious trawg, I believe it is bound to see that its school system and its relations generally to its wards do not stand in the way of their gettiug a religious training. Within the schools each child should have the fullest possible benefits of the denomination to which he or his par-ents belong, and on the reservation the work of different denomina-tions which are there should be made as easy as possible. The Government, in the person of each employee, should coopersta with religious denominations in avoidmg the dangers which may come with proselyting. |