“First—The extension of law over all the Indians, so as to provide for the safety of property and of human life.
“Second—Legal provision for the common-school education of Indian children by the General Government, until such education shall be provided by the several States in which they reside.
“Third—Definite regulations to secure to Indians the possession of land in fee and in severalty in all practicable cases by titles properly guarded.
“The Convention regards these three things as of the greatest importance, indeed, as essential to the civilization of the Indians, and as calling for the action of Congress without longer delay. Further, the Convention would express grave doubts as to the wisdom of removing Indian tribes to the Indian Territory, or to larger reservations, in cases in which the Indians are in a good measure prepared to abandon their tribal relationship, and to enter on civilized life. They should, at the least, have the option of remaining where they are subject to the conditions of citizenship, before they are compelled to remove to distant places, at the great hardship and suffering, and loss of health and life, which such enforced removal always involves. At the same time, this Convention is deeply impressed with the importance of all wise measures that look to early self-support of the Indians as citizens of our common country.
“The Convention would close this address with thanks to Almighty God for the progress that has been made under the humane policy of the last few years, and for the evident advance of many of the Indians in civilization and the knowledge of the Christian religion.”
It is understood that the Board of Commissioners will appoint a committee to carry out these views as far as possible, by securing necessary legislation by Congress.
The following day the Convention, accompanied by the Board of Commissioners, called on President Hayes by appointment. They were presented to the President by General Clinton B. Fisk; and the Rev. Drs. Lowrie, Clark, Strieby and Cutting, and Mr. Tatham, presented their views briefly. Dr. Clark submitted a paper showing the progress made under the present policy since 1868, claiming that it was greater than that made in the fifteen years that preceded its adoption. The President responded briefly, expressing his hearty sympathy with all efforts to civilize and Christianize the Indians, and his gratification at the progress that has been made, and indicated practical methods to secure the additional legislation desired. He did not seem to share the apprehensions of his visitors respecting the early transfer of the management of Indian affairs to the War Department. Mrs. Hayes, General Cox, former Secretary of the Interior under President Grant when the Peace Policy was adopted, and the Hon. Henry S. Lane, of Indiana, a member of the Board of Indian Commissioners when it was first constituted, were attentive and interested listeners, and took an active part in the pleasant informal conversation that ensued. Following are some of the items of Dr. Clark’s statement:
| 1868. | 1877. | |
| Houses occupied by Indians | 7,476 | 22,199 |
| Number of Indian schools | 111 | 330 |
| Number of teachers | 134 | 437 |
| Scholars | 4,713 | 11,515 |
| Acres of land cultivated by Indians | 54,207 | 292,550 |
| Bushels wheat raised | 126,117 | 688,278 |
| Bushels corn raised | 467,363 | 4,656,952 |
| Bushels oats and barley raised | 43,976 | 349,247 |
| Bushels vegetables raised | 236,926 | 556,975 |
| Tons of hay | 16,216 | 148,473 |
| Horses and mules owned by Indians | 43,960 | 216,286 |
| Cattle owned by Indians | 42,874 | 217,883 |
| Swine owned by Indians | 29,890 | 121,358 |
| Sheep owned by Indians | 2,683 | 587,444 |
In addition to these comparisons are the following figures: