plan of operations for them in the early spring, and have forced them, by threatened discontinuance of rations, &c., to follow it strictly. They have, with four old horses transferred to them from Ponca, cultivated 35 acres of corn in common, which will yield at least 40 bushels per acre; of this they will get all, except enough to feed the agency horses. They have cultivated (chiefly with hoes) individual crops, in addition to this field in common, of from 4 to 10 acres each, upon which, as may be seen by the accompanying report of their operations, they make a pretty good showing. They seem perfectly amenable to command, which warrants me in the prediction that I will within a year or so have them with enough to eat and wear of their own production.

I recommend that they be furnished with horses next spring, and feel confident, if they may have them, we can make a showing by next report which will do them eminent credit.

They have only 12 children of school age; 5 of them have been in attendance at the Chilocco Institution the past year; the other 6 I shall attempt to bring to Ponca school the ensuing term.

Thanking you for your prompt co-operation in all matters referred for your action,

I am,

Very respectfully,

The COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS.

E. C. OSBORNE, United States Indian Agent.

SIR: Complying with instructions contained in your circular of July 1 last, I have the honor to submit below the regularly required annual report of the condition, progress, &c., of the Indians at this agency, the same being for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, and being my first annual report.

TRIBES.

There are at this agency eight distinct tribes, differing materially in language, customs and character, and degree of civilization, but all, in consequence of having resided for many years immediately contiguous to the States of Missouri and Kansas, wearing citizen's dress and a majority speaking English. The tribes mentioned are the Quapaws, Miamis, confederated Kaskaskias, Peorias, &c., Ottawas, Shawnees, Modocs, Wyandottes, and Senecas.

Accompanying statistics show their respective numbers to be: Quapaws, 54; Miamis, 58; Peorias, 144; Ottawas, 118; Shawnees, 79; Modocs, 91; Wyandottes, 264; and Senecas, 241, an aggregate of 1,049, a slight decrease during the year.

CHARACTERISTICS AND ADVANCEMENT.

The Miami, Peoria, Ottawa, and Wyandotte Indians have for many years closely associated themselves with and intermarried amongst their white neighbors, and in consequence the Indian in his accepted sense has almost entirely disappeared from these tribes, leaving in his stead a race in which the white blood predominates, and a people having nothing in common with the Indian and everything in common with the white. The majority are intelligent and educated, and thoroughly understand and pursue agricultural and other civilized pursuits. They are retarded in their progress, however, by the manner of holding their lands and their non-citizenship under judicious local laws.

The Senecas and Shawnees come next in point of advancement in the order named. In these tribes there are many mixed bloods, but the Indian stands pre-eminent. The majority are engaged in agricultural pursuits, many of the more advanced cultivating farms which require the work of several hands. These tribes contain an element, however, which has made but little advancement either in education or agriculture, having ignored the advantages of both with surprising determination. They also cling with tenacity to old customs, still, in a small way, practicing dances and maintaining feasts peculiar to their old-time religious ideas.

The Quapaws and Modocs have but few mixed bloods, the former tribe having traditional laws forbidding mixed marriages. These tribes are the least advanced of any under my charge, the former from choice, the latter not having had equal opportunities. The Quapaws are very indolent, preferring a game of "moccassin day's hunting or fishing to manual labor, and invariably consulting their preferences.

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The Modocs, on the contrary, are industrious, and will work at anything that brings them money. They derive quite an income from the sale of the dead and fallen timber found upon their reservation, finding a ready market for it at Seneca, Mo.

RESERVATIONS.

The reservations embraced in this agency comprise all that tract of land bounded on the north by Kansas, on the east by Missouri, and on the south and west by the Cherokee Reservation, and contain in the aggregate 212,295 acres of very diversified land, well watered by numerous streams traversing valleys of great fertility. The more important streams are the Neosho and Grand Rivers, upon our western boundary Spring and Elk Rivers, and Lost, Sycamore, and Tar Creeks.

The greater portion of the Quapaw, Miami, Peoria, and Ottawa Reservations is arable prairie land of a good quality, the waste land consisting of ranges of low wooded flint hills following the larger streams, and fit only for grazing purposes, but together with the heavily wooded bottoms furnishing sufficient timber for all domestic purposes.

The Shawnee, Wyandotte, and Seneca Reservations consist principally of wooded flint hills, dotted here and there with small arable prairies, which, combined with the rich valley and bottom lands, aggregate more tillable land than is cultivated as yet. The Modoc Reservation is the exception as to its value for agricultural purposes, containing but a little over 4,000 acres. About one-fourth of this is arable land with soil of a fair quality, but ill-watered and unproductive in any but favorable seasons.

AGRICULTURE.

The farms of a majority of the Miamis, Peorias, Ottawas, Wyandottes, Senecas, and Shawnees compare favorably with neighboring farms in the adjoining States. Many of these Indian farmers have more land under cultivation than they can till without the aid of renters or paid laborers, and here arises a difficulty that during the year just past was a source of constant annoyance to this office.

Indian labor could not be procured. The Indian youth were at school; and while it is undeniably true that in all these tribes there are able-bodied males who cultivate but a truck-patch, and steadily refuse any further acquaintance with the art of agriculture for their own good, it is equally true that such Indians will not labor in the fields of others. By a ruling of the Department, widows, minor orphans, and aged or disabled Indians at this agency were permitted to lease their lands to reliable white renters for a period of not to exceed one year, the lease to be approved by the honorable Secretary of the Interior; but there was no provision whereby the Indian fariner mentioned could secure the cultivation of more of his land than he could personally till. In such cases temporary permits were issued as the immediate remedy, and proved sufficiently efficacious to allay the clamor for white renters.

The Quapaws, with a reservation of 56,685 acres, 75 per cent. of which is arable, in immediate contact with portions of the States of Kansas and Missouri, have every surrounding calculated to inspire them to progress, but I regret to say bave accomplished practically nothing. In recent years they derived a meager subsistence from moneys paid them by parties holding grazing leases upon their reservation. These leases being now abrogated, they are casting about for some similar stroke of fortune to enable them to evade the alternative of going to work, and in this connection are very desirous of securing for pro rata payment the amount now in the hands of the United States Treasurer to their credit for cattle grazed and hay cut upon their reservation. If it could be so arranged that these moneys could be paid them in teams, agricultural implements, &c., and seeds, prior to seed time, to the amount necessary to supply their needs, I am of the opinion that it would benefit them, as I would then have a lever to use in inducing them to break and cultivate enough additional ground to aggregate sufficient for their support.

The Modocs have worked industriously, having cultivated, in various crops, 441 acres, and but for the unusually dry season, would have raised an abundance of produce. They do not appreciate the necessity for storing away sufficient quantities of corn, oats, and hay with which to winter their stock, and unless closely watched will dispose of the last pound of such stores in neighboring markets, leaving their stock to winter as best they can. With the exception of two or three small fields, the land cultivated by the Modocs is inclosed in one large field, and the subdivision of this field has engendered yearly feuds of more or less consequence, frequently ending in broken bones and bruised bodies. This season was no exception to the general rule; but as they now evince a willingness to separate this field into individual parcels by fencing, and to fence outside tracts for separate cultivation, I am satisfied such difficulties are at an end. During the season they were furnished fruit-trees and grape-vines, which they planted and have carefully tended.

SCHOOLS AND EDUCATION.

During the year two boarding and two day schools were conducted at this agency, and the work at each was gratifying. At the two boarding schools pupils were clothed, fed, and instructed, and their progress was especially marked. The girls at these schools were instructed also in housework, cooking, sewing, &c., and the boys in general farm work. Morning and evening exercises and Sunday-school services were regularly held, and their results beneficial. Services at the Wyandotte Mission church, near the Seneca, &c., schools were well attended by the pupils of this school. The buildings at these schools are of frame, and for the most part old and dilapidated, and lack sleeping accommodations sufficient for the number of pupils who attended during the year just closed. The personnel of the corps of employés at these schools

is of the best.

TRANSPORTATION.

The Modocs regularly haul all supplies from Seneca to this point, receiving therefor 10 cents per hundred pounds, and have earned in this way since November 1, 1885, $82.50, which, owing to their limited knowledge of agriculture and the small quantity of rations issued to them, has supplied them with the necessaries of life when they would otherwise have been without.

SAW-MILL.

A good steam saw-mill stands idle here, with the Indians constantly insisting that it be operated. They fully understand and appreciate the value of comfortable houses, and many who are now living in log huts would haul logs, secure the lumber, and erect decent box-dwellings were the mill in operation. The Senecas have a saw-mill, owned by a member of that tribe, in operation upon their reservation, and during the year many have built dwellings, barns, &c.

COURT OF INDIAN OFFENSES.

But very few crimes were committed within this agency during the year, and these were minor ones, by Indians, for which the offenders were promptly tried and punished by the court of Indian offenses. This court also heard and equitably determined several civil disputes between Indians.

INTOXICATION.

Being in easy access to Seneca, Mo., and Baxter Springs, Kans., these Indians have no difficulty in procuring all the intoxicating liquors they desire, and during the year many cases of intoxication came to my notice. But in one instance was I able to locate the guilty party, and he was promptly arrested, delivered to the United States authorities, and complaint made against him. He now languishes in the United States jail awaiting trial.

AGENCY BUILDINGS.

The agency office, ware-rooms, shops, and dwellings are sufficient, and in medium repair.

AGENCY AND SCHOOL FARMS.

The agency farm, of about 45 acres, is being cultivated by a renter, and the onethird of the products reserved to the Government will be stored in Government bins for use of agency stock.

At the two boarding schools an aggregate of about 60 acres has been cultivated by the industrial teachers, aided by the boys large enough to receive instruction in farming, the remaining portions of the school farms being cultivated by other parties upon the shares. The drought has, however, materially shortened the crops. The corn, oats, and hay so raised will go far towards subsisting the school stock the ensuing year, while the potatoes, turnips, onions, sorghum, beans, and fruit raised will prove a valuable source of supply in subsisting the children.

SANITARY.

The physician at this agency has treated during the year 802 Indians, and out of this number 34 have died. The Modocs are particularly afflicted, and their death rate commensurately great. Almost to a soul tainted with syphilitic and scrofulous diseases, this climate induces rapid consumption, which is fast diminishing this tribe.

POLICE.

The police force here consists of one officer and six privates. They are efficient, and their services are in constant demand, and could not be dispensed with. Three members of this force are judges of and constitute the court of Indian offenses.

MISSIONARIES.

The missionaries located here during the year were Rev. John M. Watson and Rev. Jeremiah Hubbard, who labored with an untiring zeal deserving commendation. Respectfully submitted.

J. V. SUMMERS, United States Indian Agent.

The COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS.

SAC AND FOX AGENCY, INDIAN TERRITORY,

August 16, 1886.

SIR: I have the honor to submit my first annual report concerning the affairs of this agency, which agency embraces five tribes, to wit: Sac and Foxes of Mississippi, Absentee Shawnees, Citizen Band Pottawatomies, Mexican Kickapoos, and Iowas.

SAC AND FOXES.

This tribe, 430 in number, occupy lands purchased by them of the Creeks, situated between the Cimarron on the north, North Canadian on the south, the Creek Nation on the east, aud Mexican Kickapoo and Iowa reservations on the west, which lands have been surveyed, sectionized, and subdivided into 40-acre tracts. The country is high and rolling, about one-third being covered with timber, mainly post oak and black jack, some walnut and pecan along the streams, and is a continuation of the cross-timbers of Texas; is well watered by clear running streams:

The soil is sandy, underlaid with sandstone; grows grass, which affords good summer pasturage. About 7 per cent. good arable land, the best of which is situated on the North Fork Canadian River, upon which last year a settlement was made. Owing to the fact that good sod-corn was there produced, this year quite a number have been induced to join them, though because of the drought this summer very little will be raised even there.

There have been constructed the past year 15 houses, 17,400 rails have been made, and quite a number of wells dug. In the early spring they manifested a lively interest in their farm work, and brought to the agency blacksmith more plows and other agricultural implements than ever before. Many of those heretofore farming the uplands have abandoned them and have opened up new farms in the bottoms. About 230 acres have been inclosed this year.

The produce raised is corn, millet, and vegetables. About 400 acres corn were planted this season.

Many are engaged in raising cattle, horses, and hogs. They own 3,990 head cattle, 670 horses, and 876 hogs. Very little hay or feed is provided for their stock during the winter; depend altogether upon the range for their cattle.

There are many evidences of advancement to be observed. Their laws adopted have been in practical operation for the past six months. Their courts have tried a number of offenders for minor offenses, and the decisions rendered have met with acquiescence and approval of the individual Indians. No crimes of a serious nature have been committed, and the laws are fairly well sustained and observed. Chief Che-Ko-Skuk, who at first was bitterly opposed to the adoption of laws, is now strongly in favor of them and aids materially in their support. His industry and energy deserve special mention. Though over seventy years of age, he has cultivated in a thorough manner this past summer over 20 acres corn, and in anticipation of a large crop, the failure of which was beyond his control, built two excellent corncribs for its storage.

KANSAS INDIANS.

There are now in Kansas about 100 Sac and Fox Indians, known as Mo-ko-ho-ko's band. On the 10th of May last a delegation from this agency visited them for the purpose of ascertaining their condition and persuading them to reunite with their relatives here. They found them in a wretched condition, located in a thickly settled portion of the State, and continually being driven from place to place by the persons

upon whose lands they encroach, permitted to use for fuel only drift-wood and dried branches off of the trees. During the spring a serious difficulty occurred between them and the citizens, in which a Sac and Fox woman was severely beaten. They are encouraged to remain by interested white persons, who tell them that they may secure their pro rata annuity funds paid to them there, and a petition to that effect was in circulation at the time of visit of the delegation from this agency. The women evinced a great desire to return to the reservation, but the so-called chiefs opposed the return from fear of losing their power. I would recommend their removal immediately, by force if necessary, as a preventive of a more serious trouble.

SCHOOL BUILDINGS.

The Sac and Fox manual labor school building was constructed from funds of this tribe according to treaty, 1867, and, in compliance with provisions of said treaty, $5,000 is annually set apart for the support of said school. The original capacity, viz, 30 scholars, was insufficient. During the past year the sum of $2,272.42 was expended in constructing an addition to main building, wash-house, and in making needed repairs on oid building and cistern, out of $2,719 appropriated for that pur pose. The buildings are now in good condition and the capacity increased thereby so as to accommodate 50 scholars.

The attendance for the past quarter averaged 26 boarding and 4 day scholars. I believe that the average attendance the ensuing year will be about 45. The school farm is worthless. There can be only a small portion of ground cultivated, enough to supply early vegetables when the season is favorable. Potatoes and other vegetables grown here will not keep during the winter season. The farm was abandoned some years ago, and the rails inclosing it used in repairing fence around pasture.

ABSENTEE SHAWNEES AND POTTAWATOMIES.

Both occupy the 30-mile square tract of land lying south of North Fork of Canadian, west of Seminole Nation, north of South Canadian, East Indian meridian, containing about 576,000 acres, about 40 per cent. covered with timber similar to that of the Sac and Fox Reservation, 50 per cent. high rolling prairie suitable for grazing purposes, the remaining 10 per cent. fair to good agricultural land.

In 1875 allotments of land in severalty were made to about 230 adults and 100 minors of the absentee Shawnees, 80 acres to adults and 20 acres to minors, for which no certificates were issued. This allotment-roll was sent my predecessor for correction, was corrected in October, 1885, and returned to the Department. Owing to the fact that no certificates have been issued, the Pottawatomies were led to believe that the allotments would not be approved by the Department, and, abandoning their allotments and improvements in the southern portion of the reservation, have made homes along the North Fork of the Canadian, in many cases upon what was undoubtedly previously allotted to the Shawnees, on the northern portion, where their school is located. To settle the difficulty, I would recommend that certificates be issued to both the Shawnees and Pottawatomies according to the old allotment-roll, which would place all the Pottawatomies together on the southern portion of the reserve and the Shawnees on the northern portion, where their school is located.

The Shawnees have almost universally adopted civilized habits and pursuits, have never drawn rations or annuities, are self-supporting, and live in comfortable log houses, and are the most thrifty of the Indians under my charge. Very few whites have married among them.

SHAWNEE MANUAL LABOR SCHOOL.

The Shawnee manual labor school is located at Shawneetown, near the North Fork of the Canadian. Its capacity is about 80. The attendance last quarter was 46, with an enrollment of 62. The attendance would have been larger had earlier in the season teachers been provided and desks supplied for the school-room. I am confident that the next year will show a largely increased attendance, as the Shawnees favor the education of their children and consent to their attendance more willingly than most Indians.

The school farm consists of about 320 acres, of which about 100 acres is inclosed; 35 acres in cultivation-20 acres corn, 12 acres millet and oats, 3 acres in garden– and about 65 acres in pasture, which, under ordinary seasons, produces sufficient corn for stock and vegetables for the children. This year, on account of the drought, very little of anything will be raised.