Page 256

256  REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS. 
winter by Mr. A. Hunter, and this summer by M. Irwin Mathews, has been characterized
by irregularity of attendance, owing to the same reasons stated relative
to district No. 1. 
That school, however, is in a large and prospectively prosperous settlement,
and we look for 
fruit of our labors there. 
We have as yet no school-house proper at Long. Hollow, but are allowed the
use of the 
church of the Presbyterian society at that place, a building not quite suitable
for school- 
purposes. Tne school taught by Albert Frazier the past winter and summer
is the first 
attempt of the kind in that district, and, all things considered, the results
are quite as good 
as could be expected. The teacher, Mr. Frazier, is half Dakota, and speaks
the native 
tong-te well, but teaches in English, and is faithful and hopeful. 
The manual-labor boarding-school, located near this agency, the main building
of which 
was commenced last summer, and so far inclosed as to admit of temporary use
since last 
autumn for the girls' department, is an institution of deep interest to this
people  Eighteen 
girls have been admitted and enrolled as pupils in this department of the
school, and have 
made very commendable progress every way, under the faithful and experienced
labors of 
Mr. Samuel Armor, principal, and Mrs. Alice L. Armor, teacher. The boys'
department of 
this school, for the time being. has been under the tuition of Mr. W. K.
Morris and Miss Martha 
Baker, teachers, and Mrs. Martha Riggs Morris, matron and teacher of music.
Consider- 
ing the disadvantageous circumstances, the building occupied for the time,
and anticipa- 
tion of a better state of things at hand on the completion of the new building,
the efforts 
in this department have been effective and gratifying in the education and
maral culture of 
the pupils, fifteen in all, as per enrollment. On the completion of the buildings
now in pro- 
cess of construction, the two departments will be consolidated early this
autumn. The work 
on this building is being pushed to early completion, in which, when done,
we hope to be able 
to accommodate some sixty pupils, and to realize the best of results to this
people. We 
have also two district-school houses to be erected this year, if practicable.
I have to report the erection and completion of a frame house for the physician's
use at 
this agency; also, the erection and inclosure of a frame house for Gabriel
Renville, on his 
farm, and material and mechanical aid to several others in the erection and
inclosure of 
houses for those who themselves are working for homes for their families.
Aid, to a certain 
extent, by the services of one of our regularly-employed carpenters, has
been rendered the 
Ascension Church Society in building a new house of worship, in lieu of the
one they sold 
to the United States Government for school-purposes, in accordance with instructions
re- 
ceived under date of July 7, 1873. 
The Presbyterian church at Mayasan is engaged with commendable zeal and enthusiasm
in building a house of worship this autumn. 
Many of our workingmen are contemplating building good and substantial houses,
and 
are asking for aid in the way of shingles, flooring, windows, doors, &c.,
and mechanical 
labor by carpenters and masons. These and many other such efforts of this
people might be 
reported, showing very clearly the advancement and prospects of these Indians.
MORAL STATUS. 
The Sabbath is generally observed by rest from labor and traveling, and by
attendance 
on divine services. Very little, if any, spirituous liquors have been introduced
or used 
during the year on this reservation. We show no quarters to the liquor-dealers,
excepting 
it may be a small stone building erected at this agency last autumn for such
lawless and 
defiant men.  No ostensibie pagan or idolatrous worship is observed here,
although it is 
reported that there are those who conjure the sick and use incantations,
such as their fathers 
practiced forty years ago when in pagan darkness. 
POLYGAMY AND BIGAMY. 
These are fast passing away, and we trust all such old practices are destined
soon to be 
numbered among the things and customs of the past. Although we bear with
the old men 
in their unfortunate social alliances and embarrassments in this respect,
we encourage the 
young men to marry only one woman each, and to keep themselves clear of all
such social 
entanglements of the old pagan type.  This social difficulty is one of the
greatest hinder- 
ances to the progress and prosperity of this people. 
CHIEFTAINSHIPS. 
Chieftainships and warriors' honors are alike failing to command even the
intelligent, 
working, and progressive Indians and halfobreeds here, and no unreasonable
tribute can be 
laid upon them for the maintenance and support of any old claims of this
kind. 
CHURCH-ATTENDANCE, ETC. 
There are six Presbyterian churches organized on this reservation, with a
membership of 
410, and a native pastor for each church. Public religious services are held
regularly in all 
these churches, besides at several out-stations, with good and regular audiences,
which we 
encourage and protect so far as we can consistently with prescribed duty.
Regular Sabbath 
services in English have been kept up for the benefit of those speaking English,
including 
*the employcs at the agency, conducted usually by the agent, except during
a few weeks