of onions. Have 2 acres planted to peanuts and potatoes, mostly the latter. We got a splendid stand of alfalfa, but the crab grass will choke it out, I am afraid. We had quite a bountiful supply of small garden in its season. Corn looks fine at this date, but it is too early to estimate what the crop may be.

We planted an orchard of 145 trees, viz, apple, peach, plum, cherry, and nectarine, and 150 grapevines and 50 blackberry bushes, all of which are doing well. There is nothing planted between the tree rows and the ground is cultivated similar to the "Campbell method."

The school well is a dug one, 87 feet deep, walled with rock laid in cement. It is 8 feet in diameter. There is about 25 feet of splendid water in it. The water is raised by a 12-foot windmill through a 2-inch pipe and forced at right angles and near the surface 168 feet, thence up 60 feet to an fron tank with a capacity of 20,500 gallons. The pump and mill have both given us considerable trouble, and I am of the opinion that the present mill and tower will be quite a source of bother as long as we have to use them.

The Indian allotment just north of the school should be procured, as the school well is on this land, also the old military hospital building (stone), which would make a splendid sick room, workshop and storeroom after being repaired. A proposition was submitted some months ago to make an exchange for this land but nothing has been heard from it as yet.

The dry closets should be connected with the sewer. Two basement cellars should be placed under the schoolrooms, one under each wing. They are needed for play and dressing rooms. Screens are needed for all the windows and doors. Water should be conducted to the barnyard by pipes. A poultry house is needed, also material to fence the campus and barnyard. A cottage is needed for the superintendent.

It seems as if $5 per month is not enough salary for the Indian assistants, young Indian men and women who have spent many years off at school.

A request has been made for a wood saw, which I trust may be granted, as it is too hard work for the boys to saw black-jack wood by hand for 21 stoves and 1 range during the winter season. We have not had enough clothing for the boys, receiving but 49 work suits during the school year. Some of the boys have not received a suit since the school was first begun at this place. Paul Good Bear, the assistant industrial teacher, a full blood Cheyenne Indian, deserves very much praise and credit for his year's work. I can say he made a success of the work among his own people.

I thank most of the employee force which was with me during the last half of the year for the manner in which they all worked together with me in the interest of the school. It was with such union in the work that we made a success of the school. We all felt very much encouraged in our work from the kindly words spoken to us by yourself and wife during your visit at this school in June. I wish to thank you for the kindness you have shown me and your kindly directions.

Very respectfully,

GEO. W. H. STOUCH,

J. H. BRATLEY, Superintendent.

United States Indian Agent.

REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF RED MOON SCHOOL.

RED MOON BOARDING SCHOOL,
Hammon, Okla., June 25, 1900.

SIR: I have the honor to submit the first annual report of the Red Moon boarding school. Situated 100 miles from the agency amidst a band of Cheyenne Indians noted for their persistent endeavors to prevent their civilization, it is no wonder that many difficulties have been experienced by those working for the school's welfare. Thanks to the harmonious working of an efficient force of employees, these difficulties have been bravely met, and for the most part successfully overcome. At the present time every child of school age in the district that is physically qualified is in attendance, except one. It is expected that other districts will be drawn on to insure us our full quota of pupils for next year. The extra help we will then be entitled to is much needed.

Whereas less than a year ago English was the exception, to-day it prevails both in the schoolroom and playgrounds, in the workshops and on the farm. The boy or girl who less than a year ago would scarcely respond with a grunt now takes pride in proving the fitness of his vocal organs by their constant use. The unearthly attempts at vocal music, with tin pan accompaniment, produced by a number of enthusiastic youths in some far away corner of the school ground, now finds vent in the singing of popular melodies and the practice of the drum and fife band. Boys and girls who less than a year ago said "white man's way no good" now vie with each other in their attempts to copy the white man's methods. The making of moccasins has given way to the knitting of stockings. Fifty pairs of the latter have been knit during the last six months by pupils who had not previously handled a knitting needle.

While less than a year ago it was a loss of time to try to have the pupils do any of the work of the sewing room, at least so far as dispatch was concerned, to-day it would be impossible to meet the requirements of this department without the valuable aid rendered by these same pupils.

In this connection the good work done by the boys on the farm is plainly seen in the quantity and quality of growing crops and the number of miles of fence built. The hundreds of growing shade trees that grace the lawn and drive bear testimony to this same good work.

Schoolroom exercises have shown marked advancement, especially in the number and quality of special-day exercises prepared and rendered.

These things, while doubtless seemingly small in the eyes of our older contemporaries, have been landmarks in our progress and valuable incentives to pupils and employees alike. The dark cloud of nonprogression which has cast a gloom over this district for so many years is slowly but surely being dispelled by the sun of civilization. In a word, better days are in store for Red Moon, its school, and its people.

Very respectfully,

The COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS.

JOHN WHITWELL, Superintendent.

(Through Maj. George W. H. Stouch, U. S. A., U. S. Indian agent.)

REPORT OF AGENT FOR KIOWA AGENCY.

KIOWA AGENCY, Anadarko, Okla., August 29, 1900. SIR: I have the honor to submit herewith inclosed the annual report of the Kiowa, Comanche, and Apache Indian Reservation for the year ending June 30, 1900, reporting as follows under appropriate heads: Considering the importance attached to affairs of this agency at the present time by the general public it is thought advisable to repeat, in certain details, the same as in the report of last year.

Location of agency and reservations.-The agency is at Anadarko, on the Anadarko branch of the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railway, which runs from Chickasha, Indian Territory, across the reservation to Mangum, in Greer County, Okla.. The Wichita Reservation, inhabited by the Wichita and affiliated Indians, is also under the supervision of this agency.

The Kiowa, Comanche, and Apache Reservation is inhabited by three tribes of same names respectively as the reservation. It is bounded on the north principally by the Washita River; on the east by the 98th meridian, or Indian Territory; on the south by Red River, and on the west by the North Fork of Red River. This reservation comprises an estimated area of 3,000,000 acres.

The Fort Still Military Reservation is located in the central part of this Indian reservation, and comprises an area of 50,000 acres, set apart by the consent of the Indians and Executive order for military purposes. It is garrisoned at the present time by one troop of the Eighth Cavalry and is commanded by Capt. Farrand Sayre of the United States Cavalry Corps.

The Wichita Reservation, estimated as containing 750,000 acres, is bounded on the north by the South Canadian River, on the east by the ninety-eighth meridian, on the south by the Washita River, and on the west by the Cheyenne and Arapahoe Indian lands. It is inhabited by the Wichita, Caddo, Delaware, Towakoni, Keechi, and Waco.

The tribal population is as follows:

Agriculture. The lands of these reservations are not generally well adapted to agricultural purposes. The soil of bottom lands is excellent for farming purposes, but crops often fail to mature on account of irregularity of rainfall. Wheat on the river bottom lands usually matures, but often suffers injury by rainfall at harvest time. Indian corn if planted early generally matures, but if not planted early is liable to failure of production on account of the hot winds that usually

prevail from the middle of July to first of October. These winds dry out all vegetation except in case of Kaffir corn. All vegetable seeds must be planted early to secure any returns. The country is adapted well to stock raising, the native grass being abundant and of the class that withstands drought well. The Kaffir corn is an excellent forage crop, and is reputed also to answer well as a substitute for corn as food. It endures drought that will kill the growing Indian corn. It can be grown on uplands where Indian corn will not mature, and if properly planted and cultivated, will yield from 30 to 70 bushels to the acre. At present its use is almost exclusively for stock feed. When planted for fodder, which is much in practice, it is sown in rows and cut by hand before the seed ripens, then it is shocked to be fed same as corn fodder. This product will be of the greatest importance to persons with small acreage who elect to raise small herds of cattle, as it will make winter feed for cattle almost a certainty to be relied upon when winters are severe and grass has failed to supply feed for stock animals.

None but native grasses are to be relied on for forage. Alfalfa has not yet proven to be adapted to these lands. Sorghum does well to supplement pasture during the months of July, August, and September, when the latter is usually short. It can be cut daily, partially wilted, and then hauled to the pasture lot. A second growth is often very successful. Nothing will do more for the permanent success of agriculture in this section than steady gain in the number and quality of live stock reared and matured from the fodder product referred to.

Cotton has been experimented with to a small extent and promises to be an important factor in the success of agricultural development in the section comprised by the reservation.

Allotments. The act of Congress approved June 6, 1900, provides for the allotment of lands in severalty to the Indians of the Kiowa, Comanche, and Apache Reservation, 160 acres to each Indian. The alloting agents are now upon the ground executing the preliminary work in this matter. The Comanche and Apache seem to be reconciled to take their allotments, and I anticipate no delay in the work will be occasioned by them. The Kiowa do not accept the condition so contentedly, but no trouble is anticipated from that source. It is believed that when the Comanche have been served the Kiowa will be ready to accept cheerfully the provisions of the law.

During the last year over 100 houses have been constructed for the Indians, and in every case the Indian to whom lumber was furnished for the purpose asserted that the location he had chosen for his house was where he would elect to have his allotment should Congress pass an allotment act applying to this reservation. Provision has been made for the construction of 50 additional houses for dwellings for the Indians, to be constructed this fall. The Indians who have deposited the money for the work of constructing their houses have signified their desire to have their houses located upon the lands they have chosen for purpose of establishing themselves in homesteads.

Since assuming charge of the affairs of this agency it has been my constant effort to induce the Indians interested to realize that the time for the allotment of their lands to them in severalty and opening what would remain thereafter to location and settlement by whites was rapidly approaching, and impress them with the importance of selecting, for their future homesteads, locations that it would be profitable for them to hold with the view of obtaining their support therefrom. Their response to this advico has given encouragement for the belief that they realize the facts regarding the conditions to be met, and, while all have experienced sorrow that no hope could be encouraged that the event could be delayed until the people generally were prepared intelligently to accept such conditions with advantage, it has been evident, especially among the Comanche, that they were endeavoring to profit by the advice given. Many have made their selections and commenced improving them. Great hope is entertained that the Comanche will immediately become reconciled to the new conditions and prove themselves a worthy and progressive people. This remark also applies to the majority of the Kiowa.

Habits of the Indians.-All Indians of these reservations are classed as peaceable and law abiding. Occasionally an Indian is caught appropriating to himself property belonging to a friend or relative, but this rarely occurs. None have ever been known to steal from white people or molest the whites in the enjoyment of any privileges accorded to them on the reservations. They are entirely free from the drink habit and drunkenness is so rare that but two cases have been discovered during the past fifteen months. This fact existing among a population of 4,000 Indians is thought worthy of note. These Indians have made some progress in farming, and a large number of them are inclined to be progressive

and appear ambitious to become settled in homesteads furnished with civilized comforts. As a rule, they will work when profitable results appear attainable. They are regarded as well disposed toward white people and among them no social disturbances of serious nature are ever experienced.

Education. Three Government boarding schools have been established for the benefit of the children of the Indians of this agency. One, known as the Riverside, is close by Anadarko, with capacity of 150; one, known as the Fort Sill, is 2 miles from the United States military post of same name, has capacity of 150; and one at Rainy Mountain, 35 miles west of the agency and 10 miles south of the town of Mountain View or Oakdale, Okla., has capacity for 100 pupils. These schools were filled during the past year and very satisfactory results were obtained through the efforts of energetic and faithful superintendents and employees. Besides the Government schools, there are four mission schools, supported principally by religious denominations, one Roman Catholic, and another, the Southern Methodist, being located within 2 miles of Anadarko.

The first named was founded by Miss Kate Drexel and is superintended by Rev. Father Ricklin, who, with a competent corps of teachers from the Order of St. Frances, has succeeded in establishing a plant that reflects credit upon all concerned. It has a capacity for the accommodation of 75 pupils and was filled during the past year.

The Methodist mission, close by, is superintended by the Rev. J. J. Methvin. It is the oldest of the mission schools and has been abundantly successful. This school has a capacity for 80 pupils and has been filled during the past year. Both these school plants are admirably conducted and have been of lasting good to the Indians of the reservations. Too much credit can not be given for the management of these institutions.

The Presbyterian mission, known as the Mary Gregory Memorial School, is located 4 miles below the agency, on the road to Chickasha, a town in the Indian Territory on the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railway, from which town the mission is 12 miles distant. It is under the superintendence of the Rev. S. V. Fait. This plant has capacity for the accommodation of 50 pupils and was filled the past year. It is admirably conducted and promises well for the future.

The Reformed Presbyterian Church has a mission, known as the Cache Creek Mission, located about 25 miles southwest from the agency. It has capacity for the accommodation of 50 pupils and is well filled. This mission, which is in charge of Rev. W. W. Carithers, has been successful in school work and is considered an advantage to the Indians who live in the neighborhood of its location. Besides the mission schools established by Christian churches for the benefit of the Apache, Kiowa, and Comanche Indians, there are fifteen missionaries working on the reservation under the patronage of various religious denominations.

The Episcopal mission at Anadarko is under the superintendence of Miss Ida A. Roff, whose efforts are confined principally to the art of needlework, which she teaches in class room. Most of her pupils are women of the Wichita Reservation. Miss Roff has been successful to a marked degree, some of the work of her pupils being considered as marvelous productions which find immediate sale at extravagant prices among rich people of New York City. The Wichita and affiliated Indians are without any help from Christian workers except that which their women receive from Miss Roff.

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Grazing lands.-The Apache, Kiowa and Comanche Reservation is peculiarly a grazing section of the Oklahoma Territory. A large portion of the reservation is leased to cattlemen, whose leases expire March 31, 1901. It is thought that much disappointment will be experienced by those who will locate the lands made surplus after the Indians are served with their allotments, with expectation of profitably farming the same. This reasoning is based upon the fact that the Indians are given their choice of the best lands which are reasonably well adapted to agriculture, which is assurance that after the authorized deductions are made for school lands, etc., there will be but a limited number of desirable quarter sections left for actual settlers to locate as homesteads.

This resolves into the prospect for the future that a majority of successful white inhabitants of this reservation will be renters of Indian lands, and that unless stringent rules are adopted respecting the character of the renters permitted to enter into contract with the Indians their progress in civilization and self-support will be slow at best, if not actually retarded by the association. The whites, who have been permitted in the past year to rent lands from the widows and other helpless Indians who have claimed such lands, have, as a rule, conducted themselves in a very satisfactory manner, and if measures are adopted to exclude a less desirable class from getting foothold here, hopes may be entertained by the friends of the Indians of a prosperous future being experienced by them,

Thus far all contracts for cultivation of Indian lands have been kept free from money consideration, the Indian agreeing to take a share of the crop produced. This plan was adopted as best for all concerned, being fair for the white renter and as calculated to induce the Indian to retain interest in the matter of planting and cultivation of his lands and affording lessons of experience in receiving his portion of the crops raised and in the business of disposing of the same if any remains for the market after supplying his own needs.

Minerals. Much excitement has recently been instigated by schemers, who have advertised that the Wichita Mountains abound in gold and precious stuff, and immediately after the passage of the act of June 6, 1900, providing for the opening of the reservation, hundreds flocked into that mountain range and placed their location stakes. Many remained long enough to dig considerably among the rocks, but no one is known to have discovered anything assaying any more than dim traces of what they have sought to find. It is understood that several fake mining corporations have been organized, but no evidence has yet appeared as justification of the advertising the mountain range has received as a place of mineral deposit.

I most respectfully present my thanks for the uniform courtesy and full support received from officials of the Department, and desire to acknowledge that whatever of success has been attained through my efforts here is due in a great measure to the intelligent, energetic, and faithful assistance rendered by the clerks of the agency office. JAMES F. RANDLETT, Lieutenant-Colonel, U. S. A., United States Indian Agent.

Very respectfully,

The COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS.

REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF FORT SILL SCHOOL.

FORT SILL, OKLA., August 28, 1900.

SIR: I have the honor to submit the following annual report of the Fort Sill boarding school for the scholastic year ending June 30, 1900.

Location. This school is located 35 miles south of Anadarko, the agency for the Kiowa, Comanche, Wichita, and several affiliated bands of Indians, and 24 miles south of the military post of Fort Sill.

Buildings. There are 12 buildings belonging to the plant, 1 stone, 2 brick, and 9 frame; all in fairly good repair. The school building and mess half and kitchen are new and modern brick structures. The school was also furnished, during the past year, a new and complete water and sewerage system. Our water is pumped by steam into a steel standpipe and distributed conveniently all over the plant.

Health and attendance. The health of the pupils was better than an average; we had very few serious cases of sickness, and no disease in epidemic form. Our physician, Dr. F. Shoemaker, is a very conscientious and competent man He was faithful and untiring in his efforts to restore the sick and protect the health of both pupils and employees.

The attendance throughout the year was full and regular; total enrollment, 162; average attendance, 148. I closed the school on the 30th of June, and during that month the average attendance was 155, which was the full enrollment for that month. It is gratifying also to state that during the entire ten months of school not a single pupil left the premises without permission. Employees. The school was blessed with a faithful and competent corps of employees; there was splendid harmony and cooperation among them throughout the session. The head of each department was made to feel their individual responsibility for the success of their respective departments. The schoolroom work, under the control of Prof. R. L. Holland, principal teacher, was encouraging and satisfactory, with one exception: There was no one of the teachers whose voice was sufficiently strong to lead the concert singing satisfactorily. This, however, was the only lame feature in their work. The Indian assistants were faithful workers and generally reliable.

Industries. Located as this school is in the heart of an agricultural and stock-raising country, we are concentrating our energies on making agriculture and stock raising the leading features of our work. The school has a farm of 160 acres of fertile bottom land, and 2,000 acres of pasture land under fence. Our crops include corn, wheat, oats, barley, rye, sorghum, alfalfa, and a complete assortment of vegetables. The rainfall during the year was plentiful, and our harvest abundant. We have raised 3,000 bushels (estimated) of corn on 60 acres, and we expect to make 400 gallons of sirup from our sorghum cane next month. While the class-room work is in no way neglected, our pride and enthusiasm is centered in our farm, garden, orchard, vineyard, poultry, hogs, horses, and cattle.

The needs of the school are, of course, numerous and urgent, but as they have been reported on I will omi them here.

Before closing this report I wish to thank Lieut. Col. James F. Randlett, United States Indian agent, for his cordial and prompt assistance and support in the management and maintenance of the school. I have found it a pleasure to work under his supervision. Respectfully submitted.

The COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS.

JULIAN W. HADDON, Superintendent.

(Through Lieut. Col. James F. Randlett, U.S. A., United States Indian agent.)