done upon only four of them. Of these four units the principal source of water supply are the Two Medicine River, Badger Creek, and Birch Creek. The units of the Blackfeet project, completed or partially completed, are known as the Two Medicine unit, the Piegan unit, the Badger-Fisher unit, and the Birch Creek unit. Of these four, the most land has been irrigated on the Two Medicine and Badger-Fisher units.

"The Two Medicine unit has had the greater growth because it is tapped by the Great Northern Railroad which passes through there, giving the farmers on this unit an outlet. Some of the best land on the reservation, however, is located under the Badger-Fisher unit, but the average distance of haul from this unit to the railroad is 12 to 15 miles, and is operated under a handicap.

"The Piegan unit serves land of very poor quality, and should not have been undertaken. The Birch Creek unit, while it has good soil, is inaccesible from a shipping point of view, and also should not have been undertaken. "The ultimate area which would have been irrigated when the entire project was completed comprises 107,500 acres, and the area which can now be sup plied under constructed works includes 21,341 acres. The area actually cultivated in 1924 was 7,136 acres. But of this area only 4,048 acres were actually irrigated. And of this meager total only 306 acres were actually irrigated by the Indians. Thus, we have presented the spectacle of an irrigation project, which has cost the Government to date $1,102,258.50, providing only 4,048 acres of actually irrigated land, of which only 306 acres were irrigated by the Indians in whose supposed interests the project is being carried on.

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"This means that at the present time the cost to the United States Government per acre for land now being actually irrigated on this project is $272. If every acre now under ditch that could be supplied with water were actually irrigated, this would only reduce the cost per acre to $51.52. These figures show how hopeless the situation is, and point unmistakably to the uneconomic character, under present conditions, of the whole project. "To complete the entire project as originally laid out, it is estimated, would cost $2,266,408, and even the completion of existing partially constructed projects would cost $1,614,029. Surely no high degree of business acumen is required to prove that further expenditures on this project should be halted until the food supply conditions in the country and the market for food products make the use of this land necessary.

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On this huge investment by the Government of more than $1,000,000, the accruals of all charges against the owners of the land, both white and Indian, amount to only $43,727.40, while the actual collections of these accruals, both from whites and Indians, amount to only $7,915.70. It is an obviously impossible economic situation, and is a monument to the unthinking enthusiasm with which the country 20 years ago embarked upon its reclamation policy. Entirely aside from this major irrigation project I have had under discussion, there is I believe, warrant for a number of very minor irrigation projects on small streams which flow through the reservation, along the banks of which most of the Indians reside. It ought to be pointed out that the Indians have consistently refused to make use of the large areas under the main project itself, which are situated a long distance from timber and water (except for irrigation purposes). Their use of such land would mean complete abandon ment of the homes to which the Indians have been accustomed for generations. "The natural and traditional abode of the Indians has been along the wooded borders of the streams. In most cases these lands adjoining the streams can be irrigated by the water from the streams at a very small cost. The superintendent, Mr. Campbell, and the resident engineer in charge, Mr. Anspaugh, estimated for me that an appropriation of $50,000 would provide for these minor projects, and would enable the Indians to irrigate the land on which they live. I do not hesitate to indorse an appropriation of this amount for this purpose, but I most heartily recommend that the large project be abandoned as an Indian project entirely, and either returned to the Reclamation Service, which started it, or be sold to private interests, if a purchaser can be found."

REORGANIZATION OF INDIAN SERVICE

Commissioner MOOREHEAD

As the result of his study of reports, surveys, conclusions of members of the Indian field service personnel and publications, together with personal research, Commissioner Moorehead has prepared what he terms a suggested plan for the reorganization of the United States Indian Service." His plan is outlined in 19 paragraphs which embody his personal views on the matter. The lack of space in this appendix prevents the presentation of his plan in full. The following are Commissioner Moorehead's 19 points, which are set forth herein for record:

"1. That the Office of Indian Affairs, Department of Interior, be independent of political control, and that the commissioner and the board of advisers herein proposed be appointed in the manner recommended in the third paragraph. That he or they be not removed except for age, physical disability, or failure to discharge properly the duties to which they are assigned.

"2. That the President of the United States be requested to appoint a committee, to be composed of the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, the president of the National Academy of Sciences, who shall nominate to the President some person eminent in his knowledge of the American Indians and their needs and recommend his appointment as Commissioner of Indian Affairs. Also, that they nominate to the President a person equally qualified to serve as assistant commissioner.

"3. That when the Commissioner and the Assistant Commissioner. of Indian Affairs shall have been appointed on recommendation of the committee aforesaid, the appointees shall hold office during good behavior or until retired under the provisions of the retirement law.

4. That the United States Board of Indian Commissioners be changed to board of advisers and that there be appointed nine persons of high character and recognized ability, each one of whom shall be a competent authority in one of the following subjects: (a) Health and sanitation, (b) education, (c) property rights and finance, (d) agriculture and stock raising, (e) irrigation and conservation, (f) mineral and oil resources, (g) forestry, (h) native arts and industries, (i) community life and social service. That these persons devote

their entire time to Indian affairs and be paid salaries.

5. That the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, with the assistance, counsel, and cooperation of the board of advisors, give earnest and careful consideration to the following: That the laws, rules, and methods of procedure, including instructions to school superintendents or agents of the Indian Service, be codified and brought within workable compass.

"6. That the plan of Indian administration so successfully followed in Canada be adopted for the government of the Indian tribes in the United States, so far as may be practicable.

"

"7. That the clerical force of the Indian Bureau be reduced to a minimum working basis, and that the money thus saved be utilized in meeting the salaries of fewer but more competent officials, particularly the heads of or assistants in the nine divisions recommended under section 4.

"8. That agents or school superintendents be given authority to deal directly with the Indians in minor matters.

"9. That all persons having less than one-fourth quantum of Indian blood be considered whites and stricken from the rolls.

"10. That there be a complete reorganization of the Indian police system, and that the Canadian mounted police be taken as an example worthy to be followed. That by means of such police force on reservations, superintendents or subordinates be enabled to give adequate protection to the Indians under their jurisdiction against the aggression of the whites.

"11. That the transfer system be abolished or greatly curtailed. "12. That the Indians be consulted frequently as to their property and funds. "13. That the Indians be encouraged to form business committees for the management of their own affairs.

"14. That the allotting of land to Indians be curtailed rather than expanded. "15. That real and thorough inspections be made by competent employees. "16. That the salaries of physicians, field matrons, nurses, and inspectors be increased.

"17. That the health and property rights and morals of Indians be placed above every other consideration.

"18. That our policy of education be continued, but with certain changes.

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19. That the recommendations or requests of Indian councils or groups of real Indian individuals be given more earnest consideration."

AGENCIES IN MONTANA, WYOMING, NORTH DAKOTA, AND MINNESOTA

Commissioner SCOTT

Commissioner Scott, in the course of an inspection trip through the North west, visited 10 agencies in Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, and Minnesota and reported that he was "glad to be able to report general progress on the part of the Indian as an individual and on a betterment of conditions at the agencies." Concerning the increasing prevalence of trachoma and tuberculosis and the inadequacy of medical personnel and equipment in the agencies visited, he wrote:

"It is inconceivable to me that Congress would allow such conditions to continue if the facts were fully impressed upon it and I recommend that the honorable Secretary of the Interior make a special effort to procure the funds he considers necessary to stamp out trachoma in one year and to provide sufficient sanitoria to cover the Indian country. The present conditions are a reproach to our Government and should no longer be allowed to continue.

'Among all the agencies visited it was noted that the vaccination for smallpox and inoculation for typhoid fever were inadequate. These are prevent. able diseases, as shown by their elimination from the military service, and are possible only through the neglect of those responsible. It is recommended that a census of nonimmune be taken and proper treatment administered through the Service to prevent these diseases. Steps should be taken to keep their treatment abreast of future growth."

Blackfeet Reservation, Mont.-Commissioner Scott's visit to the Blackfeet Reservation, Mont, was primarily for the purpose of "checking up "the progress of the five-year industrial program and other activities he had inquired into in previous inspections. While there, he attended a general council of the chapters into which the reservation is divided for industrial improvement, with Mr. Scott Leavitt, chairman of the House Committee on Indian Affairs, whose presence, he wrote, 'did much to encourage everybody concerned." They both observed a spirit of hope and a resolution to persevere in the face of obstacles which was most encouraging Concerning the five-year program, Commissioner Scott commented as follows:

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"This industrial program is capable of being put into operation at most agencies and can not but help to be of advantage wherever conditions permit its installation and as long as it continues to be heartily supported by the Indian Office.

"Some superintendents I have seen are slowly improving their agencies without the program. There is no agency, however, whose conditions are entirely satisfactory and can not be improved. I have seen no agency which would not, in my opinion, be bettered by the organization of both men and women and no superintendent should permit any personal subconscious feeling that perhaps the Blackfeet Agency is gaining too much prominence and consideration, to interfere with his prompt, wholehearted and determined obedience to the instructions of the Indian Office to start the five-year industrial program at this agency. Such a superintendent would be standing directly in his own light by courting unfavorable comparisons."

Rocky Boy Agency, Mont.In his report on conditions he observed in the Rocky Boy Agency, Mont., Commissioner Scott noted the need of hospital facilities, a nurse, matron, and a telephone line to Box Elder, and also a suitable house for the farmer and his family. His report, in part, follows:

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Superintendent Keeley has succeeded in locating on farms and obtaining a self-supporting employment for an alien band of British Creeks. A great work has been accomplished at this agency with little means, and a brighter future is in sight, notwithstanding the fact that a portion of the band feels that it ought to be supported by the Government without labor.

"I was called upon by this element to help bring about the issue of full rations to all the tribe. Strange to say the foremost protagonists of this request were men of property and industry I had seen working hard the day before in their hay fields. They were told that they were British Indians, anyhow, and if they gave the Indian Office too much trouble it might put them

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back north of the line where they came from. With triumphant logic they replied there was no place for them north.' They were advised to get to work and obey their superintendent or there might not be any place for them here either.

"This is a very difficult agency to administer, composed as its population is of small remnants of alien people who have no cohesion among themselves and who have been kicked about from one side of the Canadian line to the other. The whole agency is a makeshift that only a resolute and determined superintendent would consider living in. The present incumbent is securing valuable results and I recommend that every encouragement be given him in the support of his efforts."

Fort Belknap Agency, Mont.-Commissioner Scott reported that he noted a tremendous improvement at the Fort Belknap Agency of late years. It now has a water supply, living quarters for the principal and employees of the boarding school, and a hospital. I was extremely glad to see this year the latest improvements, a gymnasium, where children can move about and get some exercise during the long blizzards of that latitude. The doctor here appeared to me to be unusually enthusiastic in his work. He has an adequate hospital which is kept in spotless condition by the matron. He greatly needs a closed car; no surgeon can be expected to perform a delicate operation after driving 30 to 40 miles in winter in this climate. This applies also to the case of the doctor at Turtle Mountain Agency, N. Dak., one of the very coldest places in the United States, as well as to other doctors now stationed in the northern jurisdictions where severe winter weather prevails. "The people who are on my mind are the superannuated, the lame and the blind who are unable to earn anything. This indigent class among the whites is always taken care of by the municipality but unless this class of Indians here is provided for by the Government they will surely die of misery and want. They have a very insufficient ration given them at many agencies that keeps them undernourished and makes them the prey of every passing disease.

"I believe that many have died prematurely in the past from these causes. I note that this ration is being made adequate by the issue of horse meat at the Fort Belknap Agency. Some complaint has been made about this in past years, but I have heard nothing about it this year, and the superintendent reports the subsidence of the prejudice, some of the strongest objectors now purchasing it. A horse that eats more food on the range than a $50 steer can be purchased here for $2.50. This affords a slight market for an otherwise unsalable animal and gets the horse off the range."

Fort Peck Agency, Mont.-At Fort Peck Agency Commissioner Scott was informed that the five-year industrial program was producing valuable results and that the crops, together with the outside labor performed by the Indians' would carry them through the winter. He noted that some of the children were without school facilities.

Crow Agency, Mont.-On his way to Shoshone Agency Commissioner Scott made a short visit to Crow Agency, Mont. He reported that he "found the Crow Indians comfortable, advancing in civilization, more harmonious among themselves and more loyal to the superintendent than in previous years. I believe the organization of men and women into chapters would better their condition materially and this may be said, also, of the Shoshone Agency." Shoshone Agency, Wyo.-"The lack of comfortable houses, heretofore reported (in the Shoshone Agency) still exists, although conditions are somewhat better than at the time of my last visit to this jurisdiction," reported Commissioner Scott.

The superintendent reported a loss of approximately $18,000 on the tribal herd, and Commissioner Scott suggested it would be better to diversify the crop, dispose of the herd, as has been done elsewhere, and lease the range as a grazing privilege, and change this annual balance from a liability to an asset. He stated that the agency boarding school seemed to be in good condition and commended the work done by the Episcopalian and Catholic mission boarding schools. He added:

"I visited, also, the school of Rev. John Roberts, missionary at this agency for more than 40 years. He is greatly beloved by Indians and white men alike. I congratulate him upon the possession of the respect and affection of the whole countryside and upon the result he has obtained in his life's work. Let us hope that he may be long in the land to continue it."

Fort Berthold, N. Dak.-Because of the absence of the superintendent, Commissioner Scott's visit to Fort Berthold Reservation, N. Dak., was much curtailed, but he noted that the crops were excellent and he heard no complaints of any kind.

Fort Totten Agency, N. Dak.-Commissioner Scott had visited this agency the previous year and he reported several improvements in the agency plant, among them the gymnasium for the school. Conversation with Indians revealed much dissatisfaction because of the delays in taking up for settlement the question of ownership of lands laid bare by the drying up of Devils Lake. This matter," he wrote, " has long been before the department without result and needs prompt adjudication and settlement."

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Turtle Mountain Agency, N. Dak.-In his report on the Turtle Mountain Agency, N Dak., Commissioner Scott stated, in part, that some of the allotments of these Indians are widely scattered, some being in Montana; that it was reported to him that land exchanges earnestly desired by the Indians are held up for long periods unduly by the department before approval, to the detriment of progress on the agency. He recommended that a suitable hospital be erected on a site that can be kept sanitary; that the doctor be provided with a closed car, and that a special officer be detailed at this agency to compel children to attend the public schools, for lack of attendance has become flagrant and it would be impossible to make the children go to school regularly unless a truant officer is placed in this jurisdiction.

Consolidated Chippewa Agency, Minn.-Parts of Commissioner Scott's report on the Consolidated Chippewa Agency, Minn., follow:

"There are 12,000 Indians scattered for hundreds of miles over northern Minnesota surrounded by a white population that cares little for their uplift and the task of getting about among them enough to effect any real improvement is too great for one agency. The superintendent reports The five-year program is not in force and the agency has not been attempting any program looking to the industrial advancement of the adult Indian, our activities since consolidation have been confined almost entirely to looking after health matters, taking care of and distribution of tribal funds, looking after the educational interests of the children and attempting to care for the needy and aged.' Even this modest program is too much for one person in this widely scattered field and it would seem that the department is no longer interested in the moral and economic situation which it has abandoned entirely."

Concerning the dissatisfaction of the Chippewa over the failure of legislation to authorize these Indians to take their claims against the Government to the United States Court of Claims, Commissioner Scott observed, "As to the claims referred to as causing dissatisfaction it appears to me that these Indians are just as much entitled to their day in court as the Blackfeet, Sioux, Crow, Flathead, and other tribes that have been accorded that privilege. The lack of such opportunity is productive of unrest and dissatisfaction wherever denied and the injustice is deeply felt. I have several times recommended that a blanket law be passed covering all tribes having a color of right to such an adjustment and we owe it to our sense of justice to deny it no longer."

MENOMINEE INDIANS, WISCONSIN

Commissioner SEYMOUR

In June, 1926, Commissioner Seymour made a close survey of conditions existing in the Menominee Reservation which covers 10 townships in Shawano County, Wis., the home land of slightly more than 1,900 Menominee Indians, a considerable number of whom are mixed bloods.

She inquired into the living conditions of these Indians; the reservation activities and the situation concerning education, health, social service, law and order and industries and into the important problems arising out of timber operations, the possibilities of hydroelectre power development and the fundamental and pressing question of allotment.

Commissioner Seymour's recommendations follow:

First. The social service work should be directed especially toward the young people of the tribe. More pupils in higher schools, more practical training in schools of all grades, should be the aim. There should be organized effort at placing young men and women at reputable and remunerative work, either on or off the reservation.