Two wagonloads of Indians from the Siletz Reservation passed through Eugene, Or., recently for the Rogue River country to engage in salmon fishing. They will remain away from the reservation all summer, and in the fall will secure work in the hop fields.
"Pacific Coast News," Placer County Republican, Auburn, California, May 13, 1897, page 4


    SIR: In accordance with instructions from the Indian Office, I have the honor to submit this, my second annual report of affairs at this school.
    Quiet, steady progress has characterized our school work the past year. The number of pupils has increased until more than 100 names are upon the roll. The highest enrollment during any one quarter has been 91. The average attendance for the year has been 71¾ , and it is a fact that we have had every child of school age (with the exception of two girls) in school the past year. The parents of these girls have promised me that they will send them the coming year.
    The progress made by the scholars in their studies has been satisfactory. Their conduct has at all times been remarkably good.
    Of their industrial work I can speak highly. They are willing and obedient, ready at all times to follow their instructors and to do what they can. On the school farm about 4 acres have been planted with potatoes and about 2 acres in garden vegetables. I think from present appearances we will have a fairly good crop. The industries taught are farming and gardening, how to use farm implements and tools, butter making, dressmaking and sewing generally, baking, cooking, and to manage kitchen and dining room details, washing and ironing, care of stock, cutting and sawing wood, etc.
    The household affairs, under the supervision of the matron, Mrs. Eugenie M. Edwards, have progressed nicely. The children seem to be much interested in their work, and I think all regard her as their trusted friend.
    The health of the pupils and employees at this school during the year has been exceptionally good.
    Schoolroom work.--I can report very satisfactory results in the schoolroom work. The teachers have been faithful and untiring in their efforts, and the pupils have advanced rapidly in their studies. Shortly after opening last fall I sent 5 of my pupils, 2 girls and 3 boys, to the Chemawa Indian training school, and we have several more ready for the coming year.
    Kitchen and dining rooms.--Last fall I made an entire change in these rooms, enlarging both of them, and instead of the boys and girls eating in separate rooms, we have them all in one large well-ventilated and well-lighted room. In place of one table the whole length of the room with long uncomfortable benches to sit on as before, we now have ten tables, with chairs, seating eight or ten children at each table, one of the larger boys at one end of the table and a girl at the other end, whose duty it is to wait upon and see that the children at their respective tables get plenty to eat and conduct themselves in proper manner. The children are delighted with the present arrangement; also their parents, who visit them, express themselves as being greatly pleased. As one old Indian said to me one day after visiting the school, "Well, Doctor, I have been to the school, and it made me think that I was looking in the dining room of one of the hotels in Portland.'' I hardly think that you could find in the state two rooms devoted to feeding the same number of "children" which are better kept or where the food is better prepared or better relished.
    In closing, I desire to state that the work for the past year here has moved on most satisfactorily and harmoniously. I desire to express my appreciation for the universal confidence shown me by my school employees, and I take great pleasure in stating that their cordial support and cooperation have been of great help to me in the performance of my official duties.
    Herewith enclosed please find statistical reports for school and reservation, also census, which shows a slight decrease from last year, caused by a family leaving and going to Southern Oregon.
    In conclusion, I wish to thank the Indian Office for the uniform courtesy and kindness with which I have been favored in the past year.
    Very respectfully,
The COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS.
    SIR: I have the honor to submit my first annual report of the condition of this agency, the work done during the year, and the needs of the agency and schools for the coming year.
    One year ago today I relieved Special Agent Shelby and entered upon the duties of my office. It has been a year of unremitting toil and effort to promote the highest interests of these Indian people and help them up into better conditions of life materially, intellectually, and morally. Nor have our efforts been in vain; assisted by a large corps of earnest workers much has been accomplished, and from every standpoint of observation these Indians occupy vantage ground over last year.
    First, in point of subsistence. Then their fields were grown over with weeds, their fences down, only 100 bushels of wheat to harvest for bread, and four-fifths of the Indians in the mountains hunting and gathering berries, wocus, and wild plums. Today a golden harvest is ripening for the sickles and the hum of the reaper is heard in the land. We expect to gather at least 450,000 pounds of wheat from 25,000 pounds sown. This, if ground in the agency mill, will produce at least 300,000 pounds of flour; an average of nearly 300 pounds for every man, woman, and child on the reservation. The yield of rye and oats will be equal to that of the wheat. These will find a ready sale in the market at 1 cent per pound.
    More land has been fenced and more buildings erected this year than in any three former years, and had the sawmill at Yainax been run so that the Indians could have obtained lumber twice the amount of building would have been done. Less than 5,000 feet of lumber have been cut by the Yainax mill during the entire year. Needed repairs were not obtained till late in the year, and this, together with the want of a competent sawyer, has effectually stopped all improvement of allotments among the Piutes and Modocs.
    Improvements.--At the agency two commodious wood sheds have been built, and a large commissary erected, 110 feet long, 26 feet wide, and 2 stories high. We hope to have it completed for the incoming freight. No improvements have been made at Yainax, though greatly needed, for the want of lumber. Among the Indians a number of excellent houses have been built and are in process of erection.
    Stock raising.--The Indians are giving increased attention and care to their stock, by fencing their allotments and putting up a larger amount of hay than usual for winter use. Their herds of cattle show a marked increase during the past year; a careful estimate places it at 1,000, the present number being 8,500. Horses, 3,500 and swine, 300; double the number of last year.
    Agency and school herd.--One year ago there was not a horned animal on the reservation belonging to the government save two superannuated oxen. Acting under the authority of the Indian Office, late last fall the agent purchased a splendid herd of 40 cows and 2 thoroughbred bulls, consisting of red and roan Durhams. Already we have an increase of 30 calves. From this herd the schools are supplied with an abundance of milk and butter.
    Schools.--There are two boarding schools on the reservation, one among the Klamaths at the agency, the other among the Modocs and Piutes, 40 miles east of the agency. In both of these schools efficient work has been done by capable and painstaking superintendents and teachers. The discipline has been good; the children cheerful and obedient, doing the work assigned them well, both in the schoolroom and in the industrial departments. The reports show that 152 children were in attendance during the year at the Klamath school and 103 at the Yainax school.
    The attendance at the Yainax school could be increased to 140 if we had the room. To provide for these additional children and meet the present wants of this school it will be necessary to erect a two-story building, with a commodious schoolroom, dining hall, and kitchen on the first floor, and dormitories for the girls on the second floor, with rooms for matron and assistants. The cost need not be more than $4,000.
    I herewith transmit the annual reports of schools from Superintendents Carter and Egbert.
    Industries.--All treaty allowances ceased twelve years ago. The Indians are thrown largely upon their own resources for a living. Three-fourths of them are industrious and law-abiding people. They derive their subsistence from stock raising, agriculture, freighting, etc. Stock raising will always be the most remunerative occupation, on account of the great abundance and variety of the grasses on the reservation. On account of the frosts, agriculture can only be carried on successfully among the Klamaths on the western part of the reservation.
    Freight.--The Indians hauled all the freight last year for the schools and agency from Ager, Cal., a distance of 90 miles, earning $2,500. Out of 175,000 pounds of freight delivered not $20 worth of freight was damaged or lost. They are greatly rejoiced over the recent news from the Indian Office, informing them that they are to have the hauling of the freight for the present year.
    Census.--I herewith transmit the census, just completed and prepared with great care. With the aid of the United States allotting agent, Maj. Charles E. Worden, I have succeeded in getting the most correct census that has ever been reported from this office.

	Total number of Indians	1,020
	Males over 18 years of age	259
	Females over 14 years of age	370
	Children between 6 and 16	232

    This is an increase over last year's census of 59.
    Missionary work.--The religious instruction of these Indians is under the direction of the Methodist Episcopal Church. One missionary from this body, the Rev. Thomas Starns, has labored among these Indians for the last three years with commendable zeal and with good results.
    Allotments.--Maj. Charles E. Worden, United States allotting agent, reports that up to August 25 775 allotments have been completed, leaving 245 to be made to finish his work. He further states:
    "I would ad vise that, should the restraining order served upon me by the Oregon and California Land Company be made permanent, the allotment work cease upon this reservation, as these Indians can not be located outside of the disputed lands without great injustice, because at least 50 have improvements already made upon the lands claimed by the company. Have had no trouble with the Indians since I have been here. They are anxious to receive their allotments, but will not leave their homes upon the disputed lands without serious trouble, I am afraid."
    Urgent needs.--For Klamath school, a system of waterworks and heating apparatus for laundry and bath house. For Yainax school, a building for girls' dormitories, dining room, etc., as mentioned; two cottages for doctor and farmer, and heating apparatus for laundry and bath house. For agency work, a new engine and boiler for the Yainax sawmill and an experienced sawyer to have charge of same.
    Statistical report is herewith transmitted.
    Thanking you for the cordial support given me and my employees for their hearty cooperation, I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
The COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS. 
    SIR: I have the honor to submit this, my second annual report of the Klamath Boarding School, for the year ending June 30, 1897.
    We have had during the year, in all, 152 pupils in attendance, but the average was greatly cut down by the policy which we have followed of letting the large boys leave school long enough to plow the land and put in a crop. It was thought wise to encourage them to industry by permitting them or their parents to reap the reward of their labor. They took much interest in such work, and I think the benefit thus derived by them more than compensated for the disadvantage incident to their absence. During their absence we continued our watchful care over them, securing good behavior or immediate return. Our appropriation will be sufficient, I think, for an increased attendance, which can be readily secured.
    The household department is in the hands of an excellent matron, who is in every respect competent. Her work has been impaired somewhat by frequent and unavoidable changes in employees. The girls receive in this department all training necessary to good housekeeping, and is similar to that received in all schools of this importance. The boys are taught to keep their own building in order, to sew on buttons, and to make simple repairs in their clothing.
    The literary department progressed quite pleasingly and was an improvement over last year. The following report of Principal Teacher F. G. Butler speaks for itself:
    "Unusual interest in education has been manifest the past year by the Indians of this reservation. This is shown by the spontaneous increase in attendance, the total absence of any case of runaway pupils, the hearty cooperation of parents and their eagerness to get books for their children who are too young or for other cause are not in attendance at school.
    "The pupils have made marked improvement in social and conversational ability.
    "Chapel exercises were held at 8:30 a.m., and consisted of Scripture reading, singing, recitations and dialogues by the pupils, lectures and lessons by the teachers, discussions of current news articles, flag salute, etc. A choir of pupils assisted in leading the singing in chapel exercises, Sabbath school, and church.
    "Study hour was devoted mostly to the preparation of lessons for the following day; Saturday to socials for the pupils.
    "All the holidays designated by the rules were observed by appropriate exercises and attended largely by the parents.
    "Special attention might be called to commencement exercises, which were spoken of in the highest terms of praise by those who attended. The 9 graduates--7 girls and 2 boys--acquitted themselves in a very creditable manner.
    "The grading of the school has received close attention and has been quite satisfactory. The primary department, in charge of Miss Allie L. Snyder, made excellent progress. In connection with her other work she voluntarily devoted an hour each day after school to kindergarten work, and much good was accomplished. A display of this work was exhibited at the Portland Institute. The intermediate department, in charge of Miss Mary Harrington, and consisting of the fourth, fifth, and sixth grades, completed the course of study for those grades.
    "A flourishing Sabbath school was maintained throughout the entire year, under the able supervision of Agent Emery. Preaching services were held almost every Sabbath.
    "In connection with the schoolroom work we have continually borne in mind the necessity of instilling into the minds of the pupils patriotism, a high standard of morality and self-respect, and inculcating principles of honesty and integrity."
    In the industrial department 4 boys were instructed by the carpenter, 4 by the shoemaker, 1 by the blacksmith, and several boys were taught the various duties in the sawmill. All the routine of outside work incident to the running of the school was looked after by the industrial teacher and teamster, with the assistance of the remainder of the boys. This included the attending to the stock, preparing of wood for fuel, and the cultivation of the farm and garden.
    The condition and health of the pupils has been excellent, and no epidemic has visited us during the year. The discipline of the pupils has been first class. They are mannerly in their behavior toward everyone and entirely and cheerfully obedient.
    We are pleased to acknowledge a very pleasant visit from Supervisor J. J. Anderson at the close of the year, from which we derived benefit and received encouragement.
    Since my connection with the Klamath school it has been gratifying to me to have earnest, energetic, and in most cases efficient employees.
    We are sadly in need of an effective water system for culinary, lavatory, and lawn purposes. As a protection against fire it would be very valuable. Several buildings are in need of new roofs, and the machinery for manufacturing the shingles would cost less than the requisite number of shingles if bought on the market.
    Hoping to receive at your hands the same support and courteous treatment in the future as in the past, I am, very respectfully,
JOSEPH EMERY, United States Indian Agent.
    DEAR SIR: In accordance with section 42 of Rules for Indian Schools, I submit a report of Yainax Indian boarding school, of which I took charge May 21.
    The attendance during the past year has been 103 pupils. We have an additional list of 48, most of whom have never been in school, who should be in attendance next year; and the list is incomplete. About 5 or 6 per cent of the pupils have been sick during the year; 3 have died.
    These Indians are comparatively healthy, industrious, and intelligent, and the moral atmosphere of the school has been as pure as could be expected. But sensualism accompanies physical excellence, and to huddle together in one building 100 boys and girls who do not feel responsible for their own reputations is to furnish conditions which make it very difficult for employees to prevent infractions of the rules of propriety.
    There is at present just one house which is fit for habitation. Most of the employees must either find room in the already overcrowded dormitory or contend with vermin for the possession of log huts. This school surely does not deserve accommodations which, in this beautiful country, make employees desire to be transferred before they are here a year.
    I have been here long enough to see that good work has been done. Three experienced and exceptionally able and conscientious teachers came here at the beginning of the year, and although there were no records of the previous year's work, they made a diagnosis (which with the Indian must be largely objective) and carried on the work with as little duplication as possible.
    Discipline is good. The parents, as a rule, take a deep interest in their children's education, and their cooperation is no small factor in the success of the school.
    Outside of the schoolroom we have not been able to do much in the way of permanent improvements. The industrial teacher did not arrive until February. The spare time of employees was spent in repair work. The farmer was obliged to cut and haul wood all winter to supply school stoves.
    The plan of having Indians fix their own wagon wheels under supervision is found to work well, and is developing skill in numerous individuals. A good deal of repairing needs to be done on school buildings. I find the laundry building unfinished.
    It has taken the time of two employees one month to put the sawmill in tolerable condition for work. The boiler and engine have been in use and piled up in different places for thirty years. They wore out one steamboat and were used on another till inefficient. After several years' use in a sawmill, they were transferred to Yainax in a condition which made it impossible, with the facilities, to repair them. The mill has sawed 700,000 feet of lumber in four years, and a great many more days have been consumed in repairing than in running it. The mill will not saw over 3,000 feet per day--about one-fifth of its reputed capacity. If much sawing is to be done for the Indians, it will be economical to put in a new engine; otherwise the entire time of two school employees can easily be consumed. I make these statements about the sawmill in order that delays caused by an abandoned piece of machinery may not reflect on the efficiency of any employee.
    The school has been alloted four sections of hay and timber land. The building of new fences and moving old ones onto the new lines will make a large amount of work for the farmer, whose entire time should be devoted to the work until completed.
    The superior quality of beef produced from our native grasses and the uncertainty of exotic crops in this frosty altitude make it necessary to depend largely on native hay and pasture for the support of our main industry--cattle. Accordingly, a ditch has been dug, draining 30 acres of hitherto inaccessible hay lands, and steps have been taken to carry this water over other fields, thus adding to and increasing the productiveness of the meadow.
    Fifty-five acres were sown to grain in the spring, but the yield was very light. A few English feeding beans were planted. If they withstand the constant frost, they will add a valuable grain crop to our list. No crop is grown here which will justify swine raising for market. Jerusalem artichokes will be tried.
    The water from the wells and spring is not above suspicion, and at best is of inferior quality. There is no adequate fire protection. We need a system of water works, and the supply should be drawn from the hill above an old graveyard.
    Very respectfully,
SUPERINTENDENT OF INDIAN SCHOOLS.
    SIR: I have the honor to submit my fourth annual report on the condition of affairs at this agency for the fiscal year 1897.
    The census roll accompanying this report shows a population of 486--male, 259; female, 237; number of school children between the ages of 6 and 18 years: Males, 64; females. 45. Total school population, 109. Comparing this census roll with the roll for 1896 shows a decrease in total population of 12.
    Statistics accompanying this report have been carefully collected by myself and employees, and show as correctly the amount of livestock and products as it is possible for us to obtain.
    My purpose in this report is to make a brief statement of what has been accomplished by Indians during the year. In July and August the hay and grain crops were harvested. In September they were employed picking hops and fishing at the cannery that has been established near the mouth of the Siletz River. In October and November some were still engaged fishing, while those returned from hop fields were engaged in farm work, though in November we had heavy rains that impeded this work to some extent. While their earnings in the hop fields are some less than the preceding year, this loss in wages is compensated for in the fact that much less of their earnings was spent for whiskey than in the previous year. During December, January, and February and a part of March but little work was possible, owing to almost continuous rain and stormy weather. This long-continued winter caused the loss of considerable stock among them.
    In the month of March the annual payment of interest on trust funds was made, amounting in the aggregate to $5,853. This payment was a great relief, especially to the old Indians, who during the long winter had exhausted their stock of subsistence.
    The remainder of the fiscal year--April, May, and June--was devoted almost exclusively to farm work, with fairly good results. The acreage in grain is less than the previous year; however, the yield per acre is much better.
    The following statement will serve to show the receipts of cash during the year:

	Annuity payment	$5,853
	Beef and salmon purchased for school	628
	Picking hops	3,000
	Fish sold cannery	2,000
	Wood for school and agency	641
	Hauling supplies	240
	Sale of grain, hay, and stock	2,000
	Lumber for school and agency	200
	Earned laboring for whites	1,000
	Total	15,562

    While the Indians have had nearly one-fourth less cash this year than last, the amount has been more judiciously used, and consequently conditions are equally as good if not better than usual.
    Lands of deceased allottees.--I beg again to invite the attention of the Indian Office to the confusion and caviling among Indians claiming to be heirs to the lands of deceased allottees. I find by comparing the allotment schedule with census roll just completed that 116 allottees have died since the allotment was completed in 1872, making a total of something over 9,000 acres of allotted lands for them to cavil over. In some cases there is no question as to who the legal heirs are, but in a majority of the cases there are a number of claimants, and it is very difficult to determine what the relationship of any of the claimants is to the deceased. They frequently claim each other to be brothers when they are only members of the same tribe. This matter is now a source of considerable annoyance and will grow more annoying unless some simpler and less expensive method of adjustment is devised than now exists--that of applying to the state courts to determine who the heirs are, which is usually expensive, so much so that it practically excludes the Indian from any means of determining his rights.
    Educational work.--In reviewing the results of the year's work in the Siletz Boarding School I am pleased to be able to state that at least the usual advancement has been made, and while our attendance is not so large as the last year, the work has been satisfactory. Our average attendance for the ten months school was in session is 63+. This is a smaller attendance than any year since I have been in charge. Some of the parents have absolutely refused to place their children in school; they understand that we have no power to compel attendance. The aversion of some of the Indians to education and the frequent changes of employees are the principal causes that have impeded the progress. While I believe in transfers for promotion based solely on merit, and can urge no objection when made on these grounds, I am confident that the frequent changes at this school have been detrimental.
    In the industrial department we have only the school farm and stock to instruct the boys in. Having no shops, the whole time of the industrial teacher has been devoted to instructing the boys in the cultivation of the garden and field crops and the care of the stock.
    The want of sufficient room for both pupils and employees is very seriously felt. The erection of a building with about seven rooms for employees would relieve us, as it would give an equal number of rooms in the boarding hall that could be utilized for sleeping apartments for pupils, greatly relieving the crowded condition of the dormitories. A small hospital building with two wards is much needed.
    The water supply has been ample for the past year. During the vacation months of last year we laid pipe 1.18 miles to a spring, and have a constant flow of water running into a tank on a tower 40 feet high on the school grounds.
    Employees, both agency and school, have very cheerfully and faithfully performed their duties.
    In conclusion, I would recommend a building be erected for employees' quarters, and also a hospital building. These are very necessary to the health and comfort of pupils and employees.
    My thanks are due the Indian Office for the support given me in my efforts to advance these Indians.
    Very respectfully,
The COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS. 
    SIR: In compliance with rule 42, 1 have the honor to submit my annual report:
    I entered upon my duties here the 9th of March and found a system of order and method prevailing which does credit to my assistants and predecessors.
    I find the school to be one of high grade as compared with the average Indian school. The pupils seem much like white children in many respects. They never use a word of the Indian language, but speak the English tongue correctly, fluently, and often elegantly. The habits and manners of the pupils evince a degree of culture and moral and religious training seldom found in a reservation boarding school; they are all good and willing workers and seem anxious to excel.
    The buildings seem to be in fair condition, only needing the ordinary repairs of buildings of twelve years' service.
    The water supply has been of a poor quality and entirely inadequate for the requirements of the school, and much of the sickness in the school is thought to have been caused by using it; but thanks to the untiring efforts of our agent and the liberality of our friends at Washington for a bountiful supply in prospective.
    We have a fine school farm located on the bottom lands of the Siletz River. The school stock consists of 17 cows, 14 calves, 5 yearlings,.5 steers, 2 heifers, 3 horses, and about 30 swine. The lard for school use has been entirely furnished from our own resources without extra expense to the government. The flow of milk through summer furnishes the children with a healthful beverage besides a good supply of butter.
    The farm and garden work under the supervision of the industrial teacher, assisted by the superintendent, has been a success. Many useful lessons in the proper care of stock and the cultivation of the garden and farm have been imparted. The superintendent, with the assistance of the boys, has converted a waste strip of land covered with ferns, stumps, brush, and weeds into a fruitful garden.
    I would recommend that one or more shops be added to the school plant, that the mechanical talent of our boys may be called out and given a chance for development. A carpenter shop with an able instructor would be of practical and lasting benefit to both the school and the people upon the reservation.
    This is a heavily timbered country, and whatever instructions will assist the pupils to develop and utilize this valuable resource will tend directly to their material prosperity and happiness. Whatever assistance the government is pleased to grant us along these lines will surely not be misplaced.
    The wood supply for the school, which in the past has been a source of anxiety, has been provided for by the Department, and now instead of a few loads of water-soaked wood, drawn at irregular intervals, we have delivered a year's supply at a proper season, of sound fir and vine-maple wood. The cutting of the wood for the stoves is done with a circular saw, the power being furnished by a steam engine. Through the persistent and untiring efforts of our agent and the liberality of the Indian Office the above change has been effected.
    For the purpose of allowing the parents to have the help of their children during hop-picking time, the school vacation has been ordered to occur during August and September.
    There have been six deaths of pupils during the past year, five of them occurring since January. The symptoms in each case seemed to be similar. Aside from the above-named cases the general health of the school has been very good.
    If the sewerage system prevailing here could be kept in order, it surely would be a blessing to the school, but being of a cheap grade, and there being insufficient water to flush it, it has proven otherwise.
    The matron's department has been looked after with care. The girls have been taught many useful lessons in matters pertaining to manners, neatness, cleanliness, etc., and much care is manifested by them in dressing the hair in the most artistic and approved forms. The sewing department has been ably conducted, and the Indian maidens manifest no small degree of skill in the use of the needle and machine. The culinary department has received especial care, and many useful lessons in this most useful of domestic industries have been acquired. The school dairy supplies an abundance of milk through the summer months, which gives the girls an opportunity to learn the useful art of butter making. The laundering has been done by a native, assisted by the girls. A cauldron boiler is much needed to make the laundry a success.
    The literary work has been ably and successfully conducted by our efficient teachers, assisted by the superintendent. The grading has received especial attention, and the classification is such as to enable the teachers to economize their time to the best advantage of the pupils. The advancement of the school has been rapid and quite satisfactory. Literary exercises, consisting of recitations, essays, and the reading of selections, have been instituted. In these exercises the pupils evince a growing interest.
    Because of past faithfulness and devotion to duty, I do hereby recommend the continuance of the services of the present employee force.
    Thanking you for the many courtesies shown me, and the Department for the substantial aid received, I remain, your humble and obedient servant,
The COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS. 
Annual Report of the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, 55th Congress, Document No. 5, USGPO 1897, pages 249-256


    The annual report of the agent at the Siletz Indian Reservation, as submitted to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, has been published. Beal Gaither, agent at Siletz, reports that the population at that agency is 486, a decrease of twelve. He also reports that the Indians have been working and were employed in picking hops and packing fish at the cannery which has been constructed near the mouth of the Siletz River. The Indians received during the. year $15,562 from various sources including $5,853 annuity from the government. He reports a great deal of confusion among the Indians who claim to own land of dead allottees, as 116 have died since the allotment; was completed, making about 9,000 acres of land for the Indians to quarrel over. In some cases there is no question as to who are the legal heirs, but in the majority there are a number of claimants, and it is very difficult to determine the relationship of any of the claimants. The agent says it is a means of considerable annoyance, and will grow more so unless some simpler and less expensive method of adjustment is devised. At present application is made to the state courts to determine who are the heirs, and it is usually so expensive that it excludes the Indian from any means of determining his rights. Mr. Gaither reports gratifying work from the schools and says that there is not sufficient room in the building at the present time.
Lincoln County Leader, Toledo, Oregon, December 17, 1897, page 1


    Joseph Emery, United States Indian Agent at Klamath Agency, in his annual report to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, speaks of the great improvement that has been made in the matter of agriculture. There was also a good crop of rye and oats, and more land had been fenced and more buildings erected than in any former year. There have been also other improvements and more would have been made if there had been a sufficient supply of lumber. The Indians on the reservation show a disposition to live in better houses than heretofore. More attention is being given to stockraising than usual, and a marked increase has been observed in the herds. Some purchases of thoroughbred cattle have been made, and the Indians show a disposition to take care of them.
    The agent also reports the gratifying results of the two schools of that agency. One hundred and fifty-two children were in attendance at the Klamath school, and 108 at the Yainax school.
    The Klamath Indians are thrown upon their resources, as all allowances ceased 12 years ago. Three-fourths of them are industrious and law-abiding, and are making their way very well. They are engaged in hauling freight and other work, besides agriculture. The total number of Indians on the reservation is 1,020, an increase of 59 over last year. A better system of waterworks and heating apparatus is recommended for the Klamath school.
    Bailey Gaither, agent at Siletz, reports that the population at that agency is 486, a decrease of 12. He also reports that the Indians have been working and were employed in picking hops and packing fish at the cannery which has been constructed near the mouth of the Siletz River. The Indians received during the year $15,562 from various sources, including $5,853 annuity from the government.
    He reports a great deal of confusion among the Indians who claim to own land of dead allottees, as 116 have died since the allotment was completed, making about 9,000 acres of land for the Indians to quarrel over. In some cases there is no question as to who are the legal heirs; but in the majority there are a number of claimants, and it is very difficult to determine the relationship of any of the claimants. The agent says it is a means of considerable annoyance, and will grow more so unless some simpler and less expensive method of adjustment is devised. At present, application is made to the state courts to determine who are the heirs, and it is usually so expensive that it excludes the Indian from any means of determining his rights.
    Mr. Gaither reports gratifying work from the schools, and says that there is not sufficient room in the buildings at the present time.
    Andrew Kershaw, the superintendent in charge of the Grand Ronde Agency, says there has been steady progress in the school work there, and he also speaks very highly of the industrial work of the pupils. He shows that there has been a decrease in the population during the year, but the reservation is in general good order.
Hood River Glacier, Hood River, Oregon, December 24, 1897, page 4

Last revised July 28, 2025