follows: Number of packages of assorted merchandise, 61,499; the weight of said merchandise was 8,931,442 pounds, distributed as follows:

Shipments from New York warehouse, 26,025 packages, weighing 3,858,229 pounds. Shipments from other points, 35,474 packages, weighing 5,073,213 pounds.

Mr. John R. Welbon, superintendent of the Government warehouse, in furnishing the above statistics, reports that all the above packages must have reached their destination, as not one has been reported as lost, and he estimates that there has been a large saving to the Government this year by the promptness in forwarding supplies to the various agencies.

Since the annual meeting of the Board in January last, the public has lost the very valuable services of Mr. William H. Lyon as a member of the Board. He was appointed in 1877, and for six years was chairman of the purchasing committee, having filled continuously that position since January 16, 1880. The members of the committee who were associated with Mr. Lyon recall how, serving without compensation, he rendered aid of the most useful kind to the Indians, the public, and the Government. Eminent among the most honored and successful merchants of New York, he gave the best results of his experience and ability, with charitable zeal, in personal supervision, practical help, and wise counsel. The lasting effects of his patriotic and philanthropic work are felt in the improving care, supply, and civilization of Indians, and are the enduring evidence of his generous and beneficent labors in the Indian cause.

WILLIAM MCMICHAEL,

Chairman of the Purchasing Committee, Board of Indian Commissioners.

Hon. CLINTON B. FISK,

Chairman Board of Indian Commissioners.

B.

REPORTS OF WILLIAM H. WALDBY.

ADRIAN, MICH., August 30, 1886.

SIR: In accordance with your letters of the 7th and 18th of August, requesting me to visit the Indians of Michigan and particularly investigate into the charge of irregularities on the Isabella Reservation, I have the honor to report that I left Adrian on the 23d instant by rail via Detroit and Flint, stopping over night at the latter place for conference with United States Indian Agent Mark W. Stevens, of the Mackinac Agency. He had recently returned from a general visit to the Indians under his care, and was prepared to impart information and exhibit interesting statistics, which will be embodied in his official report soon to be made to the honorable Commissioner of Indian Affairs.

Agent Stevens had been advised that many of the Isabella Reservation lands yet unpatented were despoiled of pine, oak, and other valuable timber, and therefore made several trips of investigation, secured evidence deemed sufficient to show who some of the trespassers were, and with the co-operation of the Indian Department has commenced vigorous prosecutions in the United States court. That is presumably the unexplained investigation to which the attention of our Board has been called by Rev. Charles Ellis, of East Saginaw, and noted in your letter to me of 7th of August. On the 24th I proceeded to Mount Pleasant, a village of some 2,000 inhabitants, situate on the Chippewa River, and on the south edge of the Isabella Reservation, passing for the last 14 miles through a portion thereof. I subsequently took a long drive through other parts of it, met many of the Indians and conversed with some of them, as also with many intelligent white persons. The whole Indian population on the reservation I understand to be 540. The tribal relation ceased long years ago, and under the constitution of the State of Michigan they are recognized citizens. Of the 540 population, 181 are full blood and 359 mixed; males, 302, females, 238. Of them, 154 can read English and 386 cannot; of those who can so read 53 are twenty years of age and under, and 101 are over twenty years. Under the treaty schools may be maintained and discontinued in the discretion of the President or Indian Department. Three mission schools until recently have been maintained, one each at Longwood, Nippissing, and Naubetung, but in June last the two latter were discontinued, the average daily attendance of pupils having dwindled to 5 and 8, respectively, and the general results seeming insufficient to warrant the further expenditure of money. The Longwood school, with a daily average of 11, will be continued. My visit, unfortunately, occurred during the summer vacation, when both mission and State district schools were closed, thus preventing opportunity for inspecting.

As farmers but few of these Indians can be classed as fairly successful. Many are not thrifty, others are in quite poor circumstances, and still others require more or less outside assistance. All told they have but 46 head of cattle, 77 horses, 99 swine, and 32 sheep. Some were at work on their own farms, others working for the whites as farm laborers at chopping, logging, and cleaning, others employed in lumber, shingle, and stave mills. Occasionally one seemed bright, intelligent, and quite expert. The young men are said to excel as log-runners on the various streams. As a rule the Indians are orderly, peaceable, and no more addicted to crime proportionately than the whites; seem kindly disposed to care for their own sick, aged, and infirm when possible, and I am told the more fortunate ones often share food and supplies with those of their race who are in want. That the Indians of the Isabella Reservation are not more prosperous must be attributed to the fatal mistake of granting them lands in feesimple, thus inviting the white man's cupidity and intrigue. Under the treaty of 1855 there was (deducting State land and land entered before the treaty and school lands) 98,760 acres subject to allotment to the Indians. Patents have been issued to them for 92,840 acres, of which 86,200 were in fee-simple, and only 6,640 acres not in fee. There is still remaining subject to patent, 5,920 acres. Out of the 86,200 acres granted them in fee-simple there is not to-day over 2,000 acres owned by Indians. It has all passed from them and they have not received the merest fraction of its value, but wherever you find an Indian working his land it is where the land has been given not in fee-simple, thus showing the fallacy of granting patents to Indians without restraining clause. I regret to say that intemperance is much too common with many of these Indians, and has much to do with lack of thrift in their condition. It seems to be impossible under the existing State license law of Michigan to restrain saloon keepers from selling whisky to the Indians, owing to their State citizenship, and as a consequence they are quite persistent saloon patrons. The county of Isabella, of which the reservation forms a part, has at this time an estimated population of some 16,000 to 18,000, and ranks among the desirable agricultural districts of Michigan. It contains several growing villages, and Mount Pleasant, the county seat, is the principal market town of the Indians. What, therefore, is more natural or easy for them on arriving in town than to affiliate with the lower order of its citizens, spend money for strong drink, and as a consequence become demoralized generally? Some of the bucks said to me they regretted the habit and were satisfied they could "do well enough if stop drink."

While at Flint Agent Stevens informed me that aside from the two reservations, Isabella and L'Anse, the Indians are located in little bands scattered from the latitude of the Saginaws north into the Lake Superior regions; that they could not be satisfactorily inspected without as a rule calling councils, and that interpreters would be essential. It would require several hundred miles of travel, consume much time, and be attended with considerable expense. At this season of the year the Indians are liable to be scattered more than usual, camping out, fishing, hunting, berry-picking, &c., and schools are in vacation. As before stated, he had not long since returned from a general visit of inspection, and having had a long and earnest talk with him, and from his official books exhibited, I obtained much interesting information. My visit to Isabella, following thereafter, verified all he had stated regarding affairs at that reservation, so far as the same came under my personal observation or by information obtained otherwise. He impresses me as being peculiarly well adapted to the position, has the reputation of excellent executive ability and strict integrity, as I am informed; that he is firm, reliable, humane, and just, allowing no advantage to be taken of the Indian when in his power to prevent it, and will carefully guard the interests of the Government, I fully believe.

On the L'Anse and Vieux Desert Reservation, Agent Stevens says there is an Indian population of 694; full bloods, 320; mixed, 374; of whom 353 are males and 341 females; can read English, 348; cannot, 346. Of those who can so read 175 are twenty years and under, and 173 are over twenty years of age. He further states that the Indians at L'Anse are in much better condition, more industrious, civilized, educated, and happier than at Isabella and for no other reason than because at L'Anse the patents have not been in fee-simple. Number of acres so patented, 30,489.

I did not deem it advisable under the circumstances stated above to extend my visit beyond Isabella, and returned to Adrian, arriving August 26. Respectfully submitted.

Hon. CLINTON B. FISK, Chairman.

WILLIAM H. WALDBY.

ADRIAN, MICH., December 18, 1886.

SIR: In accordance with your letter of November 8, requesting me to visit the Lawrence, Genoa, and Chilocco Indian schools, I have the honor to report that I left Adrian by rail on the evening of November 25 and arrived at Genoa, Nebr., on the

27th late in the afternoon. I immediately repaired to the Indian school; found the superintendent, Mr. Horace R. Chase, in charge, and upon his cordial invitation accepted his hospitality during my stay of nearly two days.

The number of Indian children in this school at present is 154, of whom 97 are males and 57 females; ages ranging from six to twenty-eight years. All appeared to be well-clothed, looked healthy, and at their various meals I noticed the food was in abundant supply, well prepared, and duly suited to their wants. I saw them in school, witnessed the educational work being done, and gave attention to the mode of instruction pursued in the classes taught by the various teachers. Examinations showed that satisfactory progress was being made. As might be expected, some seemed more capable of receiving instruction and learned more readily than others, while in not a few instances some of the pupils were particularly bright and well up in their grades. The teachers impressed me as being especially painstaking, patient, and well qualified, and seemed zealous and devoted in their particular line of educational work. I also saw the Indian boys at various trades and occupations, and as a rule they seemed to be making fair progress. The head carpenter has several under his instruction and spoke favorably of their ingenuity. Two had found employment for a portion of their time at harness-making in the village, where I visited them in the shop. The employer was enthusiastic in praise of their excellent work, their industry, and deportment. Some of the others were at work at shoemaking and repairing, and others were employed at house-painting. One is a barber and one bright boy sets type at the village printing office, the proprietor of which spoke of him to me as being especially active and intelligent. Numerous others are employed at farm work under the head farmer, Mr. John W. Williamson, who is said to be successful and especially qualified for instructing Indian boys. I noticed quite an amount of grain stored in the granary and was told that all the work of raising and securing it, except threshing, was done by the Indian boys under the supervision of Mr. Williamson. Many farmers in this region are glad to, and often do, employ the bovs by the day at farm work and report them as faithful, uncomplaining, and fairly disposed to earn the wages paid.

The Indian girls of the school find employment in general household work, cooking, washing, ironing, sewing, repairing alike their own and the boys' garments, darning stockings, &c. They also do very well as hospital nurses; are trained to be neat and careful and to be capable of assuming the charge and management of a home of their own. In the art of dressinaking some of these girls show much good taste and skill. On Sunday forenoon religious services were held in the large recitation room, and I cannot pass this incident of my visit without remarking that seldom has religious worship to me seemed more interesting and impressive. The children came in neat and tidy dress, their countenances bright, demeanor attractive, and from appearances seemed very happy. They are fond of singing, and in their devotions I observed much sincerity. Superintendent Chase led the exercises and was ably assisted by teachers and assistants generally, some of the latter being Indian boys and girls. Near the close I was introduced to the children and briefly addressed them, concluding by saying that I should be pleased at the close of the exercises to converse with any of them who might desire to meet me. A number availed themselves of the invitation, and I look back upon that sociable and pleasant interview as one of the most pleasant incidents of my visit. They told me of themselves, the school, their hopes, their aspirations, the possibilities of their future, &c. Many of them conversed with more than ordinary intelligence. I was particularly impressed with the demeanor and bearing of one of the older boys, who sought interview with me the next morning. He is a house painter by vocation; talked with me earnestly about his future, as he was soon to leave the school and go out into the world, to come in contact with the realities of a social condition to which he was comparatively a stranger. He appreciated the advantages of education and seemed to realize intelligently the difficulties that lay in the amelioration of the condition of his race, and said that his desire was to learn more. He had a slight impediment in speech, but was very impressive in his manner and used excellent language. I ascertained later that his reputation for integrity, honesty, and sobriety was of the best. I commended his thoughtfulness and gave him many words of encouragement. The contrast presented in the spirit animating this poor Indian boy with the discontent that too often prevails among white children with less limited opportunities impressed me with much sympathy in his behalf.

Much intelligent attention has of late been given to sanitary matters here, and the proper care of the health as well as the due education of the inmates considered. I was told that but one death has occurred since Superintendent Chase took charge in September, 1885, and the child said to be in imperfect health when brought to the school. That such a showing may not be attributed to mere chance, I will say from observation that the rooms and dormatories were well kept, the beds in good condition, and bedding cleanly, and was informed that frequent bathing on the part of all the

children is insisted on, and carefully attended to, and that all the food, clothing, and supplies generally are carefully inspected and cared for until needed for use. There is a lack of bath-tubs and improved bathing facilities, including appliances for heating water, which should be speedily remedied. The present building used as a laundry is the old, dilapidated Pawnee Agency log-house; it is totally unfit for that or any other purpose, and girls eannot safely or to advantage do work in it, and it should be torn down. Under the present management many important improvements have been made; the main school buildings have been renovated, repaired, and painted internally, and their arrangements bettered for the purposes intended. Several new frame buildings have been erected, one a carpenter shop, used also for shoemaking, harness-making, and for other industrial purposes, the attic for storing seeds, and one small lower room for keeping dressed meats; one building for storing supplies, lined, and made rat and mice proof; a large corn-crib with driveway in the middle; a dwelling-house for the head farmer, besides several minor buildings which the superintendent informed me the school had been much in need of. ous buildings are well painted. There is also one brick granary with root cellar underneath; one ice-house, walled up with brick, and I observed that a good sized frame farm barn was being erected. Much of the mechanical work on these buildings, including painting, has been done by the Indian boys, thus rendering the services of comparatively few skilled workmen necessary. The buildings inspected gave evidence of honest workmanship, and were both designed and constructed in good taste.

These vari

The erection of a new two-story and basement brick building, 40 by 80, at a cost of $10,000, intended as additional to present main structure, I am informed has been authorized by the Department of Indian Affairs. The location of this building as at present ordered would be in the rear of and on the north side of the present large buildings. I fully agree with Superintendent Chase that, so located, it will form a dismal, unhealthy court, cutting off much pure air, and what little sunlight is now obtained from that direction. A better situation for the new building would seem to me to be at the northwest extremity of the present main structure, thus not only benefiting existing sanitary conditions, but also improving the architectural appearance of the group. The boys have newly shingled these main buildings, built and painted 1,600 lineal feet of board and picket fence, built 1,100 feet of sidewalk, 3 feet in width, put in 200 feet of 6-inch sewer-pipe, besides much labor in beautifying the grounds in front of the main entrance to buildings.

This industrial school seems to be located in a healthy region; the farm consists of about 320 acres of excellent prairie land; the supply of water accessible for the school and buildings is obtained from a well recently dug, and to which a wind pump is now being attached. A competent physician is resident at the institution and gives careful attention to the health of its charges. He also practices outside; none of the children were in hospital, and the low death rate speaks well for the climate, the surrounding sanitary conditions, and the efficiency of the general management. The number of pupils now present equals the capacity of the institute, and Superintendent Chase would like more land and necessary buildings, with accommodations for duplication of the present attendance. The number of additional employés required to manage an institution with 300 pupils would be nominal. He says he could readily obtain the Indian children if he had the additional facilities to house, educate, and provide for them. I certainly wish it could be done for him.

The products of the farm for the current season in the line of leading staples were shown as being 700 bushels of wheat, 2,000 bushels of corn, 700 bushels of oats, 400 bushels of potatoes, 100 bushels of turnips, 75 bushels of onions, 40 bushels of beans, besides various other edibles. In looking over the live stock on the farm I noticed that as a rule all seemed to be in fair condition; a few old cows handed down from former management impressed me unfavorably. They were not giving milk, and their appearance was such that I felt quite inclined to seek out some old settler and inquire whether any of them had, to his knowledge, ever given any. I would suggest the disposal of these cows and their replacement by better and more available grade.

I inspected much of the clothing and many of the supplies; all appeared to be in good condition and carefully and systematically taken care of, and in response to my inquiry Superintendent Chase stated that the clothing, boots, shoes, and supplies, and stores generally this year were satisfactory, so much so that he had no fault to find.

Mr. Chase's qualifications as a manager impressed me favorably. From many sources I was led to understand that he has obtained a degree of excellence in the management of this school that it did not previously enjoy. The employés generally all seemed to be filling their various positions with credit; among them are quite a number of Indian young men and women who are not only suited to but do very satisfactorily fill theirs.

I left Genoa at noon of the 29th for Haskell.

HASKELL INSTITUTE.

December 1.-I arrived at Lawrence, Kans., late at night, and the next morning rode out to the institute, which is pleasantly situated a short distance south of the city. Col. Arthur Grabowskii, the superintendent thereof, received me with cordiality, and kindly insisted on my accepting quarters there as his guest. I remained until the forenoon of the 3d.

Haskell is one of the larger class of Indian industrial schools, and I examined the institution and its surroundings with much interest; and in my tour of inspection Superintendent Grabowskii and his assistants were not only extremely courteous but took especial pains to give me full information.

There are at present 260 Indian children in attendance here, representing 33 different tribes, 75 of whom are females and 185 males; ages ranging from eight to twentyfive years. This number is about 80 below the actual capacity of the institute, but the superintendent informed me he had recently returned from a visit to the Indian Territory, and as a result thinks the school will soon be recruited to its full capacity. The present system of government in the school is semi-military in its character and in many of its features impressed me with favor. It insures frequent and systematic inspections, good order, and prompt discipline.

The main buildings are of stone, and consist of three large and imposing structures, one each for the boys and girls and the other an educational building in which is a commodious chapel room. The site is such that a commanding and beautiful outlook of the surrounding country is had. The grounds consist of 280 acres, 16 of which is garden, 60 acres of crop land, and the balance meadow.

We first visited the various rooms occupied by the pupils, which were found neat, well-kept, and comfortable. I was especially particular in my inspection of the dormitories, which I found to be large and well ventilated, the equipments of the rooms plain but convenient, and the beds and bedding noticeable for cleanliness and freedom from objectionable features. The bath-rooms are well appointed with bath-tubs and water, and with facilities for heating water when desired. The sanitary condition of the school seems to be excellent, and I was informed that much has been done to improve the same during the past season. The main water supply is not considered quite satisfactory as to quality for both drinking purposes and other uses. The drinking-water at ordinary depth I understand is good, but somewhat lacking in quantity, and in sinking a well to secure increased supply water was found at a depth of 120 feet, but being somewhat brackish will be used only for ordinary purposes.

I visited the several school-rooms, and was interested and pleased with what I witnessed of the educational work. The pupils seem inclined to learn, and I found them well up in spelling, reading, and writing, and many of them creditably advanced in arithmetic, geography, and history. As a rule, Indian pupils readily learn to write, and frequently excel in penmanship. The teachers all appear to be deeply interested in their work, and all seem thoroughly imbued with the responsibility of their position and manifest the essential qualities of patience, sympathy, and kindness.

I found the Indian boys engaged in various mechanical industries and at farming, and the Indian girls at general household work, cooking, washing, ironing, and making their own clothing, and as tailoresses. What I have said of the boys and girls and their industrial pursuits at Genoa will be as appropriate and as justly apply to these children at Haskell.

I was present when the boys and girls, some 260 of them, assembled for their meals. The dining-room is light and cheerful, the food was well prepared, and of good, wholesome but plain quality, consisting of bread, meat, vegetables, and coffee. All had enough, and most excellent manners were observed. I was particularly impressed with the system and neatness. The kitchen I found extremely cleanly, and the cooking appliances complete.

Many improvements have been made in the buildings and appurtenances since Superintendent G. assumed the management. Barns, sheds, corn-house, poultry-house, &c., have either been erected or made over, and all are now convenient and well arranged. There is also a well-appointed laundry, provided with both soft and well water. A boiler is arranged in connection with it for boiling out the heavier articles of boys' clothing, such as coats, vests, and pants. A very convenient hospital building, arranged in wards, with excellent conveniences and appliances for the care of patients, has been completed, and is a credit to the institution. There is a resident physician and a well-organized hospital staff. But one death, I am informed, has occurred during past six months, and there have been no contagious diseases or epidemics. The death-rate since the establishment of the school was noted at 24 per cent. Since the establishment of the hospital and the inauguration of better sanitary conditions the time spent in hospital has decreased 50 per cent., and the deathrate decreased at least one-half.

As at Genoa many of the Indian boys work at farming under the direction of a head farmer. At the time of my visit some were plowing, some were ditching, and others