REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, Washington, D. C., November 22, 1898. SIR: I have the honor to submit herewith the annual report of the Department of the Interior. Reviewing briefly the work of all the bureaus under the supervision of the Department, I desire to commend to your especial attention the accompanying reports in extensive detail of the Commissioners of Indian Affairs and of the General Land Office. The Indian Office conducts the philanthropic work of the Government in promoting the civilization, education, and general well being of the Indians. It disburses many millions of dollars and supervises the conduct of the large Indian reservations and the schools. Without detracting in any wise from the faithful work of former Commissioners, I wish to make acknowledgment of the very able and conscientious conduct of this Bureau by Commissioner W. A. Jones during the past year, which has been in many respects the most trying year in the conduct of Indian affairs since Indian wars ceased. The Commissioner is entitled to the cordial support of all who are interested in the welfare of the Indians. I also wish to cordially commend the conduct of the General Land Office by Commissioner Binger Hermann. I am indebted to him and to Director Charles D. Walcott, of the Geological Survey, for most valuable aid in the establishment of the new forestry policy authorized by law, which, if continued, as it doubtless will be, by further liberal aid of Congress, will prove a blessing to the country for all time. I make acknowledgment also for the cheerful and valuable aid always rendered in the conduct of the vast business of the Department by the Assistant Secretaries, the Heads of the various Bureaus, the Chief Clerk of the Department and the chiefs of divisions of the Secretary's office. III |