REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR I92O— 21 43 



Our publications have been of much use to these tribes, particularly 

 the History of the Iroquois, the Code of Handsome Lake, and the 

 Constitution of the Five Nations. 



During the World War the reservation Indians sought to extend 

 their work in agriculture and stock raising. They were successful 

 to a large degree and since that time we have sought to promote 

 their interests in these lines of productive activity. Two years ago 

 the Legislature made an appropriation of $ 10,000 for extending 

 agricultural work and in providing scholarships at the State School 

 of Agriculture for Indian boys and girls. Last year a similar appro- 

 priation was made. We have been glad to foster this work, believing 

 that through intensified industry the state Indians will advance 

 faster and find a happier situation in civilization. 



In this work of using the data of archeology to promote human 

 weal we have encouraged the program of the New York State Indian 

 Welfare Society which came into being in 19 19 as an expansion 

 of the Onondaga Welfare Society organized by Dr Erl A. Bates, 

 now of the State College of Agriculture. This society is a concerted 

 effort on the part of the New York Indians to solve their own problems 

 and is a healthful indication of the desire of the Indians to achieve 

 greater things. The society lays special stress on better education 

 for the children of the race. 



5 Under chapter 590 of the Laws of 19 19, the Legislature created 

 the State Indian Commission and provided for the appointment 

 of its membership. The Governor upon signing the bill appointed 

 the Archeologist of the State Museum as commissioner representing 

 the Education Department, and upon the formation of the com- 

 mission the Archeologist was elected secretary. To meet the needs 

 of the commission the Archeologist has visited each reservation 

 and made a collection of documents bearing on the legal status 

 of the Indians of the State. 



6 The office of the Archeologist and Ethnologist is in daily receipt 

 of many letters from citizens asking for information relating to 

 Indian names, customs, legends, history, laws, foods, reservations, 

 institutions etc. We are asked to supply facts and citations for 

 pageants, plays, books, poems, paintings, for schools, colleges, 

 associations and literary societies and the like. More than 700 

 persons from various parts of the State visited the Archeologist 's 

 office within the year and requested information, which was supplied. 

 More than 3000 wrote for information. 



But, beyond the general public, the various state departments 

 use this office as a source of information on Indian matters. 



