These replies present the administration point of view, and I herewith append such of the answers as are already not repetitions. Those that do not convey special information are omitted.
Honorable H. B. Peairs, Supervisor of Schools, Washington, D.C., writes:—
VI. “From extended observations during the past five years, I am confident that there has been very marked progress and that the general condition of the Indians is very much better than it was ten years ago. I had the opportunity of doing one full year’s work in the field in 1897, during which time I traveled in all sections of the country and visited more than one-half of the reservations and schools. The past four years have given me an opportunity to visit practically all of the reservations and schools, and I unhesitatingly say that there is a marked improvement.”
VIII. “The mixed-blood. They are an English-speaking people, more intelligent and more capable in every way, considering the average mixed-blood. Their homes are far superior and they are more ambitious to improve conditions. The fact that they are unwilling to remain as they are in many instances results in their being somewhat troublesome, but this only emphasizes a desire for better conditions.”
XIII. “I believe the Government is making a conscientious effort to protect the Indian in all of his interests, both property and human. Undoubtedly there are instances where, through bad legislation, weak administration, or both, great injustice has been done. There is great difference of opinion as to what is best to do in many instances for the Indians. What might be considered by some to be an injustice, might be considered by others as being the best possible thing for the Indian. For instance, some oppose very positively the taxation of Indian lands of any class. Personally, I believe that all productive inherited Indian lands should be taxed in order that funds might become available for the support of local institutions, such as public schools, and for the proper maintenance of public roads, bridges, etc. On the other hand, there are those who believe that there should be greater freedom in the matter of issuing patents in fee for allotted lands and to the allottee. Personally, I believe that the original allottee should not be permitted to dispose of his allotment and thus be without a permanent home. In instances it might be well to permit the allottee to sell a portion of his allotment, the receipts therefrom to be used in improving the remaining portion.
“I give these illustrations simply to show that differences of opinion with reference to what is best for the Indian and what is not best, may give color to the answer to the seventh question.”
Honorable John B. Brown, Supervisor of Education, Muskogee, Oklahoma, says:—
VII. “The morality of the Indians in the Five Civilized Tribes is believed to be as good as the average of their community, which is reasonably high, except possibly in some full-blood communities where living conditions are not conducive to the best moral status.”
X. “The opinion on this subject is divided. I have made careful inquiry at every Agency visited, both within and adjoining the Five Civilized Tribes. I believe that more depends upon the home conditions and efficiency of Government employees on the reservation than any other one point except the individual peculiarities of the young Indian in question. Given the same quality of manhood in the Indian under consideration, and the same efficiency on the part of officials in charge of the reservation, I have not been able to detect any marked change in favor of either the reservation or non-reservation system of education.”
VIII. “My judgment is that under the more recent practices of our Department, the Indians are being as fully protected as it is practicable to do; that is, that every reasonable effort is honestly being put forth for such protection.”