DEXlc; I 



THE AJSSINIBOIN 473 



nation on these occasions feel themselves bound to be polite, liberal, 

 and attentive to strangers. Hostilities for the time are laid aside or 

 forgotten, and the whole active force of the nations on whose ground 

 the treaty is held is ptft in motion to keep order. If the question of 

 buying their lands is not introduced, all goes on well, but on this 

 subject they are jealous and suspicious to a great degree. 



In no instance should the principal of an Indian fund be placed 

 in the hands of any member of these prairie tribes to be distributed 

 by him to his people. They can not appreciate the use and expendi- 

 ture of money; neither could they with safety be placed in charge of 

 any large amount of goods for distribution. 



If handed to the chief, they would be given by him to a few of his 

 immediate relations and friends, and the rest of the camp would get 

 nothing. The present way of distributing annuities is the best, if not 

 the only one that could give general satisfaction, and is thus con- 

 ducted. The whole amount of merchandise is separated into as 

 many portions as there are bands in the nation, according to the num- 

 ber of lodges in each band. One of the bands is then visited by the 

 Indian agent, who, with the advice and consent of the chief of the 

 nation, chooses therefrom four to six soldiers and dresses them. The 

 whole band, men, women, and children, are formed into a semicircle 

 with these soldiers in front, and that portion of the annuities in- 

 tended for the band is laid in front of the soldiers, who separate it 

 equally among all, retaining, however, a reasonable share for them- 

 selves. This appears to give general satisfaction. We can suggest 

 no change in the existing laws that might benefit the Indians, unless 

 it be that Indian agents should be people who have a correct knowl- 

 edge of Indian character. If it be really the object of the Govern- 

 ment to benefit this race of people their agents should be chosen from 

 experienced traders or others who have and still reside with them and 

 are well acquainted with their manners and customs. 



How can a stranger who perhaps never saw an Indian, merely 

 by counseling with a few during his short annual visit, know their 

 wants, study their welfare, or make satisfactory reports to head- 

 quarters? Besides, so much being dependent on these agents, their 

 term of office should not be limited to a change in the administra- 

 tion, as at present. It is unlike other offices and requires many 

 years' close application and constant residence among Indians to 

 be of any real benefit to learn in what manner they can be better 

 regulated or to carry out any series of measures the Government 

 may wish to introduce. The pay of these agents is also inadequate, 

 and there are too few to be of much service. The Sioux Nation 

 alone is numerous and widely extended enough to admit of an 

 agency; the Mandan, Gros Ventres, and Arikara another; the As- 

 88253"— 30 31 



