NEW AGENCY-BUILDINGS.

The buildings at Fort Peck being long unsafe and unfit for occupancy, there are only left the few buildings at Wolf Point; these consist of a storehouse, 90 feet long by 25 feet wide, and another building divided into four rooms, 20 feet square, with two or three other small log buildings, all covered with earth, which leak badly. We are now occupying these buildings, hoping to hear from the honorable Commissioner in regard to the new buildings proposed to be erected at Poplar River.

I received from the honorable Commissioner, on the 15th day of July, an order directing the agent to immediately prepare plans and specifications, with an estimate for the new agency-buildings at Poplar River, and at once went to Bismarck, where I procured the services of a practical builder, who with the items I gave as to the materials with which it was proposed to erect the buildings needed, made a plan and drew up specifications upon which to found bids for a contract. This plan was made chiefly from suggestions of my own, and which I believed were such buildings as the agency would need. After these plans, &c., were mailed, I, for the first time, learned by telegram from the honorable Commissioner that an advertisement was already made for bids to be received at Yankton, Dak., the contract to be let on the 1st of August. Of course my work was not needed further in this direction, which I need not say I very much regretted. I may say that the plans I furnished would, if followed out, have furnished the agency, both at Poplar River and Wolf Point, with such buildings as were imperatively needed, and were, I am sure, from my observation and experience here, well adapted for the necessities of the agency, and could be erected at a suitable time, when boats were running on the river, at a cost of less than $15,000. With these buildings the agency would be supplied for a long time to come, which I fear cannot be said of those advertised for letting at Yankton. I ardently hope, however, that some buildings will be erected this fall, and as soon as practicable such additional buildings as are absolutely necessary be erected, both at Poplar River and Wolf Point, for it cannot be concealed that it will be necessary for the agency to occupy both locations if the Yanktons and Assinaboines are retained in one agency.

SANITARY.

No report has been left me by the retiring physician, Dr. Southworth, of the diseases treated during the year, or of the sanitary condition before my arrival; I am, therefore, left to my own observation, since I came to the agency, from which to make any report as to the diseases prevalent, or other facts connected with this subject. Dr. Skinner, the present agency physician, will hereafter make regular sanitary reports.

The general health of the Indians at the agency has been good. No epidemic has prevailed during the year, and I have not observed a case of acute or inflammatory disease since my arrival. Ophthalmia of a mild character is rather common, with an occasional case of more severity. The chronic diseases I have noticed are, besides ophthalmia, rheumatism, scrofula, with frequent complaints of gastric difficulty, resulting, as I suppose, from drinking the alkaline water in the small streams. Pulmonary complaints are somewhat common, and yet I do not find as many dying from tuberculous pneumonia or consumption as I was led to expect. Upon the whole, I find as fair a condition of general good health among these Indians as among the same number of white people in civilized communities.

It is nearly impossible to follow any definite course of treatment in these cases without hospital conveniences. Unless a single dose or two cures, they abandon the treatment and try something else, or resort to their own medicine-man.

MISSIONARY.

No missionary has been sent by the missionary board of the Methodist Episcopal Church who have assumed the nomination of agents for this agency. I ardently hope the board will recognize their responsibility in this matter at an early day. There is a ripe field for missionary labor here, which I think should not be disregarded.

Mr. P. O. Matthews, an educated Indian, and a local preacher in the Methodist Episcopal Church, has been a resident of this agency for two or three years, and has labored faithfully for the good of the people, and is entitled to much commendation for his consistency, faithfulness, and disinterested efforts in keeping up a semblance of Sabbath observance. He should be sustained by the church and re-enforced with help, if the church fulfill their whole duty to this agency, of which they have assumed the spiritual direction and control. Respectfully submitted.

The COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS.

W. BIRD. United States Indian Agent.

GREAT NEMAHA AGENCY,

Nohart, Nebr., August 20, 1877.

In accordance with instructions, per circular-letter of July 10, herewith is submitted the annual report of the Iowa and Sac and Fox of the Missouri tribes of Indians, for year ending 31st instant.

These are two small tribes residing upon adjoining reservations, situated in Southeastern Nebraska and Northeastern Kansas.

IOWAS.

These are a laboring people, who raise upon their farms sufficient, in addition to their cash annuity of about $35 per capita, to more than supply them with the necessaries of life, no supplies being issued to them by the Government. They live in frame and log houses, many of which have kitchen and sitting room upon the first floor, the former being furnished with cook-stove, tables, chairs, and other necessary articles usually found in the culinary department. In the latter they have heating-stove, beds, &c., in winter, while in summer the comfortable room which many have upon the second floor is used as a sleeping apartment. It is no exaggeration to state that many of these Indian houses are furnished and cared for in a manner that bears a favorable comparison with many of the Anglo-Saxon settlers who reside near. In fact, observation and experience have proven to the observer that some of the Indian houses surpass in neatness and taste the homes of those of whom much more might be expected. Two Indian women have their sitting-rooms carpeted with carpet, the material composing which was prepared by their own hands. Two others are now preparing rags for the same purpose. Four sewing-machines are owned and operated by Iowa women, one having been purchased within the past year.

Nearly all the families have fields of from ten to fifty acres each, one half-breed having one-quarter section inclosed with post and rail fence, sixty acres of which is under cultivation. Many farms have been increased in size from year to year by the thrifty members of the tribe; but each year shows its delinquents. The progress the present season has been indicated more fully by the improvement in the manner of cultivating crops than in the increase in the amount of land under cultivation. Any unbiased observer would at once recognize the fact that the corn fields of the Iowas are as free from noxious weeds as those of the white man, and that some of them the fields of the Indians are cultivated much better. Four houses have been erected during the year, two frame and two log. The logs were prepared and the body of the house built by the Indians themselves. The material for finishing and carpenter-work was paid for from funds of the tribe. The material for the frame houses was almost wholly paid for by the individual. It was the proposition of the agent to furnish material, and employ a carpenter to finish houses for those who would prepare logs and erect the log part of the house for themselves.

During last fall a number of the Iowas sowed fall wheat, and many more were preparing to do so, but what had already been sown was destroyed by grasshoppers, which deterred others from carrying out their prospects. Three hundred and twenty-five apple trees, seventy-five peach trees, and seventy-five grape-vines were planted last spring, having been donated by Friends. The trees were well planted, and have been properly cared for.

It is a fact to be deplored that the reservation of this tribe has not been surveyed, except the outer boundaries, and each year this is deferred the difficulties attending it are increased, as new farms are being opened, and it is impossible to prevent their boundaries, in some instances, from conflicting with a public survey when made. There is no possible question but that these people must, before many years, assume duties and responsibilities which they do not now have, for some of them are already capable of becoming useful citizens, and rather than remove from their present home would avail themselves of this privilege if extended to them. Considerable excitement has at times arisen relative to sending a delegation to the Indian Territory, with a view of selecting a location; but recently a unanimous decision was made that they would not take such a step so long as it must be done at their own expense.

Dissipation among the Iowas had increased during the winter, partly owing to the fact that the Indian police, which had been in existence for seven years, had been disbanded under the urgent request of the tribe, and the promise that the members should deport themselves in such a manner that their services would not be needed, which they failed to do; consequently, some decided measures were required, and, with a view to better discipline and closer attention to business, a pledge was required of the chiefs and headmen, in accordance with a former act of Congress, to refrain from the use of intoxicating drinks, and use all proper means to prevent their introduction into the tribe. They also made an agreement to reorganize the police force, which was accordingly done. The well-tilled coru fields and general absence of disorder since the readoption of these precautionary measures are sufficient witness to their success.

This tribe has ample funds for conducting all necessary improvements if judiciously applied under the authority granted by their various treaties, in conformity with which permission has been obtained from the Department for the use of as much of the amount usually paid as cash annuity for general beneficial purposes as may be necessary. While there

is some hostility on the part of the tribe to any reduction in the cash annuity, there has been no refusal to accept assistance, when offered at the expense of this fund. But it is thought advisable to make this reduction very gradually, so that the deficit in that way may be made up by increased labor.

IOWA INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL.

This institution has been well supported, the largest number on the roll for any month being 42, with an average attendance of 36, and an average of 25 boarders. The girls are regularly taught the different branches necessary to make a good housekeeper, and are much more apt at acquiring the requisite knowledge of the customs taught at the school than they are in adopting them for their own daily habits when removed from the immediate care and influence of their preceptors; though a steady but slow progress is apparent. Those who have the most influence upon the character of Indians are those for whom they have the most affection, and having a very strong natural attachment for their children, willing to gratify almost every desire that is within their power, their actions are much modified by contact with their children, and it is but the legitimate conclusion of logical reasoning that as the child is convinced by continual intercourse that the ways of the whites are the most agreeable and best, the parent, by the force of association and natural affection, will gradually fall in with many of these ideas of reform and progress. It is much easier to affect an Indian through the medium of his heart than through his brain; the former being very susceptible to rewards of merit, while the latter becomes easily muddled by the consideration of intricate problems, without arriving at any satisfactory conclusion; hence it is much better to persuade than to coerce.

Boys are taught industrial arts, so far as is consistent with their size and strength. Being mostly small, their work is confined chiefly to chores, such as cutting fire-wood, carrying water, and assisting in the care of the kitchen-garden.

It is the united testimony of all the teachers who have been associated with these Indian children in educational matters that they are equally as quick to acquire a knowledge of the rudiments of learning as are white children; but complex mathematical problems are not so readily comprehended, though a few of the larger girls and boys have advanced through vulgar fractions in all their forms, with a fair understanding of what they have gone over. There is a farm in connection with this school consisting of 80 acres. Last fall 50 acres were prepared for fall wheat, and 30 acres sown, but it all was destroyed by grasshoppers, which made their appearance September 14, 1876. The same ground was planted with corn the present spring, which is the most promising crop yet grown on this farm. A reasonable estimate of the crop will be 2,500 bushels. Thirty acres are now being prepared for fall wheat. Twenty-five hundred pounds of pork were butchered during the year. Fifty stock hogs and 11 head of cattle are now on the farm.

SACS AND FOXES OF THE MISSOURI.

Many of the encouraging signs reported in connection with this tribe last year have vanished. While it was then evident that they had decided to improve their present reservation as a permanent home, and seemed to have gone to work with that object in view, they have again become more unsettled than before, and seem to have come to a fixed determination to remove to the Indian Territory. Dissipation has increased among them, and every effort on the part of the agent to prevent the sale of spirituous liquors to them has proven of but little consequence. The body of the tribe, residing eight or ten miles from the agency, is an obstacle in the way of complete control, and their ever-restless spirit, pending the settlement of the question of location, prompts them to seek excitement in the use of intox. icating drinks, rather than to occupy their time in useful employment.

The law requiring the performance of labor to an amount equal in value to the annuity paid them has always been enforced, but does not accomplish as much good as might be desired. While the labor is obligatory, the product of it is not a necessity, owing to their large cash annuity; hence it is apparent that unless the legitimate product of this labor is required to sustain life it will not be entered into from the necessity of obtaining what is produced, but from the compulsory nature of the law. No remedy for this evil is yet apparent, as they are well supplied with necessary farm implements, wagons, &c., but they see no necessity for their proper use, wealth being no less a misfortune to these people than it is to those who should know how to make better use of it.

A few of the members have worked with commendable energy, and as a reward have fine fields of growing corn. Two have furnished material at their own expense for the construction of comfortable houses, each containing four rooms. One is log and the other frame. These houses were erected by a carpenter paid from tribal funds. One has also furnished material for painting his house.

The school has maintained its standard of nine pupils during the entire school year. There are sixteen children in this tribe of school-going ages. Seven of them have not attended regularly, and five not all.

Ten sections of land on the west side of their reservation has, by act of Congress, been authorized to be sold. It has already been appraised and, it is supposed, will soon be offered for sale. It is hoped that the affairs of this tribe will soon be settled upon a permanent basis; either removed to the Indian Territory and consolidated with their kindred, the Sacs and Foxes of the Mississippi, which project they now have in contemplation, and expect soon to send a delegation to that tribe for that purpose; or have them instructed that they must settle down and go to work where they are. Strenuous if not severe measures, with their prompt and determined execution, wili be required to accomplish either object, for when left to their own free choice, without a definite course being marked out for them' they become undecided and wavering.

CONCLUSION.

It appears appropriate to repent the suggestions made in last year's report in reference, first, to tribal visiting, which still has its demoralizing effect, perpetuating injurious traditions which should be buried in complete oblivion. The tribe preparing for a visit collects together all available means, sometimes leaving children and aged women in a suffering condition, to prepare a feast for the party visited, that it may be liberal in its donations, thinking that they will be benefited by an accumulation of worthless animals with which they sometimes return, and which continue a burden to them so long as they are retained. This practice will not have a tendency to make these people useful citizens, and where Indians have made a reasonable degree of progress it should be prohibited by law. Second. As the authority of chiefs in the government of a tribe is practically annulled as the tribe advances in civilization, it is patent that some provision of law should be made to fill this deficiency, and protect Indians in their individual rights in regard to person and property. The condition in which Indians are placed would certainly be suicidal if introduced into a community of whites.

Third. A law for the summary punishment of the low class of whites which infests Indian reservations, when they return after once being removed, is most urgently demanded. The statute imposing a pecuniary penalty for this offense is entirely inoperative, as such persons have no means from which a fine could be collected.

The practice of general legislation in regard to Indian tribes is detrimental to the best interests of the semi-civilized. It would assist in our efforts at civilization if those in this condition could be excepted in the general laws and rulings.

It is believed that a law making it compulsory upon Indian parents to send all children to school who are of the proper ages would result in much good; or in cases where cash annuity is paid, the payment thereof might be only upon condition that the children were sent to school. Application has been made to the Department for authority to enforce this latter proposition at this agency.

Very respectfully,

The COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS.

M. B. KENT, United States Indian Agent.

OMAHA AGENCY, NEBRASKA, Eighthmonth, 1877. RESPECTED FRIEND: In accordance with instructions of July 10, 1877, I submit my first annual report of the condition of affairs at this agency.

I assumed the management of the Omahas on the 21st of Ninth month last, under unfavorable circumstances. For want of funds, as I understood, all of the employés had been discharged during the spring and summer, and the agent had been absent near three months, and the Indians left to manage their affairs themselves, except that three white men were employed to superintend their harvesting and keep their machines in working order. They appeared to realize the want of an agent and the regular employés to direct, instruct, and assist them, and generally manifested a disposition to work for pay and means of subsistence, when not employed for themselves.

The agent had many applications for employment, but very little to give for want of funds to employ irregular labor, although a considerable amount of such labor would have been an advantage to the service, and a material relief to the Indiaus, who, for want of more favorable crops and better economy, were very short of needful supplies of food. Some more liberality in the expenditure of funds for actual necessary employment of irregular help would essentially promote the advancement of the Indians in habits of industry, and aid them in the direction of self-support. Whatever feasible incentives tending to encourage industry and foster a desire to increase the comforts of living can be offered them, will serve as instrumentalities to their civilization and moral and mental elevation, and will stimulate them to increased interest in laboring for themselves.

When I took charge of the agency the Indians complained of being very poor, and many of them destitute of necessary and wholesome subsistence. The grasshoppers had seriously damaged their corn, and destroyed most of their vegetables, with the exception of potatoes and pumpkins, which afforded them an apparently reasonable excuse for a hunting expedition during the winter, in which half the tribe participated, in order to supply themselves with provisions and robes. Their hunt proved unsuccessful, and somewhat disastrous, and after five months' absence they returned poorer than when they left, and, I believe, generally convinced of the impolicy of relying on hunting as a means of supplying their wants.

But notwithstanding their ill-success and disappointment, and the impoverished condition of their work-ponies, they went to work with courage and earnestness to put in their spring crops that might well commend their example to more enlightened communities. With the help of nineteen yoke of oxen furnished from the agency, they seeded about 600 acres to wheat, in better condition than ever before, and their largely increased production is the encouraging reward. I purchased them about 730 bushels of seed-wheat, adding materially to their crop, which is estimated at not less than 9,000 bushels, against 4,665 bushels last year, and of better quality. The grasshoppers damaged the present crop to the extent of about 60 acres, equal to 1,000 bushels probably, leaving the productive acreage near the same as last year. To encourage the Indians and facilitate their farming operations, I had a good lot of harrows made, of which they had very few, which enabled them to put in their crops in much better condition than usual. In consequence of the cold weather, the backwardness of the planting season, and the succeeding wet weather, they did not plant as much corn nor cultivate it as well as I believe they otherwise would have done. I think there is no increase in acreage over last year, but the prospect at present is favorable for a larger crop, even if the grasshoppers had not injured it last year. I estimate the crop at 27,000 bushels if not damaged hereafter. Oats, 600; potatoes. 5,000 bushels. This crop is large and quality good; other vegetables abundant. I estimate the number of acres cultivated by Omahas this year at near 1,800. There were breakings last year of about 175 acres, this year 250 acres. There has been comparatively little fencing built this year.

I purchased last spring 100 double shovel-plows, 5 reapers and mowers, a thrashing-machine, and other necessary farm implements and harness, which the Indians appeared to appreciate and use to good anvantage. Most of them appear to work cheerfully and with interest when provided with suitable implements to work with. They have been more liberally supplied this season than heretofore, and the result in improvement, with the greater portion of them, is all that could reasonably be expected or asked, considering the disadvantages they have labored under for want of sufficient and suitable subsistence.

Their improvement is marked and encouraging, both to themselves and those who work for them. They are realizing the necessity, as well as the advantage, of changes in their habits and modes of living, and whatever facilities and encouragement can be extended to them at this juncture will, I believe, have a salutary influence in promoting their advancement and accelerating their civilization, while too rigid economy will retard their progress. The Omahas evince a generous loyalty to the wishes and requirements of the Indian Department, so far as they comprehend them, and I believe few communities are more peaceable. They are ardently attached to their reservation and their homes, and any intimation of change excites emotions of uneasiness and grief. Many of them express anxiety to build houses and improve their homes as fast as they can acquire the means, and try to live like the white people. And if judicious and encouraging measures are pursued toward them I believe a large portion of them will shortly be willing to become citizens; but they want a little time to prepare for the change.

The two schools were quite well attended during the nine months they were in operation since I took charge of the agency; the average attendance was good, considering the distance many of the scholars had to go to school, which, with other contingencies, occasioned considerable irregularity. There was not that progress in speaking the English language, however, that would have been desirable, and without which but little advancement can be made in learning, and what they learn is soon forgotten. More attention to the cultivaton. of the English language, and less. in proportion, to the blackboard, is necessary to success The Indians in council have frequently expressed their earnest wish for an industria] school, where their children could be better taught the English language and the customs of civilization. They are now so scattered on their allotments that probably more than hal‍ the children of school-age cannot attend.

There is one missionary at the Presbyterian Mission three miles from the agency, who, I believe, has religious services there every Sabbath. I hope the Sabbath-school at the agency will contribute to the improvement of the young Indians.

Some legislation is necessary to protect the Indians in their rights of property, and the reclamation of property stolen from them and conveyed beyond the reserve.

With the Omahas the chiefship is a source of more strife and disaffection than any other source of difference. There is a large party opposed to their present hereditary chiefs, and desirous of either electing the chiefs or of having none. They complain, and not without good cause, that they are arrogant and presumptuous, assuming authority in managing the affairs of the tribe inconsistent with justice and the rights of the members, while in industry and advancement in civilized habits they are not in advance of the average of the tribe. I