All these are elements of great injustice and peril
to the settlers upon the localities affected; and now that their
existence can not be avoided, no duty is more pressing than to fix as
soon as possible their bounds and terminate the threats of trouble which
arise from uncertainty.
The condition of our Indian population continues to improve and the
proofs multiply that the transforming change, so much to be desired,
which shall substitute for barbarism enlightenment and civilizing
education, is in favorable progress. Our relations with these people
during the year have been disturbed by no serious disorders, but rather
marked by a better realization of their true interests and increasing
confidence and good will. These conditions testify to the value of the
higher tone of consideration and humanity which has governed the later
methods of dealing with them, and commend its continued observance.
Allotments in severalty have been made on some reservations until all
those entitled to land thereon have had their shares assigned, and the
work is still continued. In directing the execution of this duty I have
not aimed so much at rapid dispatch as to secure just and fair
arrangements which shall best conduce to the objects of the law by
producing satisfaction with the results of the allotments made. No
measure of general effect has ever been entered on from which more may
be fairly hoped if it shall be discreetly administered.
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