GROUP OF NATIVES IN MONGOLIA.
THE INDIANS.
—Thirty-one Indians, five of them girls, were returned to their homes in Dakota from the Hampton Institute last year. They are employed at different agencies at salaries of fifteen or twenty dollars per month. Of these, seven are farmers and herders, nine carpenters, three teachers, two office boys.
—The number of acres cultivated (not including the civilized tribes) by Indians in 1879 was 157,056; in 1881 it was 205,367. In 1879 they cut 48,333 tons of hay; in 1881, 76,763 tons. There has been from year to year a steady gain of products of all kinds among this class. Indians who are so inclined can earn money by freighting and as drovers.
—Private charity has already given $55,529.14 to buildings for, and expenses of, Indian education at Hampton. Meanwhile, the Government has furnished $33,128.04.
—The Indian Office cannot give a decided opinion as to whether Indians are increasing or decreasing, but think that they are about holding their own.
—The number of Indians at boarding schools, not including those in the Indian Territory, who attended one month or more in 1881, was 3,888. The number who attended day school one month or more, was 4,221.
—Rev. John P. Williamson, of Yankton, Dak., writes: “Give Indians protection of law. There is no earthly court having any authority to punish our Yankton Indians for murder, rape, arson or any other crime committed against the person or property of another Yankton Indian. And with a few exceptions this is the case with all these nations. This is a matter of immense importance, demanding immediate action, even more than education.”