REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE.
Your Committee on work for the Indians recognize with gratitude the greatly increased general interest in the welfare of the red race, a change to more encouraging ideas in respect to its future, and a disposition to make increased efforts for its redemption.
They point to the fact that to Christianize the aborigines was a deep-seated purpose of the Pilgrim Fathers, and that the duty is greater now than ever from the wrongs they have suffered at our hands; and to the fact that the destruction of buffalo and other game has compelled a large class of Indians to seek white men’s means of support, thus bringing thousands of their children within reach, and creating conditions of successful evangelizing work among them far more favorable than they have ever been in the past three centuries.
They urge action because civilization is rapidly surrounding them; many tribes are increasing in numbers, and the alternative is either Christian education or a terrible, bloody, costly struggle with a powerful race. Education or extermination is the issue. They point to the success already achieved in Indian education at Fort Berthold, Lake Superior and S’kokomish Agencies, by the American Missionary Association; to the grand results of missionary effort during the past forty years at the West; and to the hopeful work at Carlisle and at Hampton, as affording every encouragement.
They recognize the great need of legislation that shall encourage citizenship among the Indians and afford means of attaining the conditions of citizenship.
Your Committee would therefore recommend for adoption the following resolutions:
Res. I. That the Association shall do all in its power for the education of Indian youth at their own homes, and in its colored schools at the South.
Res. II. That the Executive Committee of this Association be charged with the duty of pressing upon the general public and the Government their responsibility for the Indian race, and by co-operation with other societies, and by direct effort, exert its influence at the seat of government in behalf of legislation that shall secure citizenship to the Indian; to that end a legal status and education to fit him for it.
S. C. Armstrong, Chairman.