THE CHEMAWA AMERICAN
9
ing on or near reservations have every form of redress and protection,
and have representation in court and in Congress, it would seem that
the Indian Commissioner should stand absolutely free as the advocate
of the rights of the various groups, tribes or bands over which his office
has jurisdiction.
3. That all investigation relative to Indian affairs be carried on
through public hearing where affidavits can be submitted by Indians,
and that copies of such proceedings be put on file for the use of all In
dians.
4. That when complaints are made to the Society of American In
dians of wrongs perpetrated upon Indians who need aid or representa
tion in adjusting their claims or righting their wrongs, the President of
the Society of American Indians request of the President of the United
States authority to investigate, and he be furnished with necessary in
formation and facilities to make such investigation, and that such au
thority be asked only in such specific cases as shall to the President of
the Society seem proper.
5. That we respectfully urge that school facilities be speedily pro
vided for the thousands of Indian children without such advantages:
that all Indian schools be standardized as far as practicable, to conform
to the courses of study provided in the various States in which they are
situated: that teachers intrusted with the development of Indian chil
dren be carefully examined and selected with the view of putting the
school in the hands of those of exceptional ability and fitness, and that
facilities and encouragement for more advanced training be provided.
6. That we urge that the government, the local authorities and the
Indians themselves more efficiently safeguard health conditions in In
dian communities, and that sanitary measures be speedily provided
7. That we respectfully urge that if the Board of Indian Commis
sioners is to be retained as a body, the Indian be given equal represen
tation on that board, and that we further urge this be accomplished at
an early date.
8. That we endorse that portion of the Circular, CED. No. 673,
August 23, 1912, dated Washington, D. C., of the outgoing Commis
sioner Valentine, referring to the employment of Indians who are try
ing to make a living, and who show themselves capable and qualified
for certain positions in the Indian service; that this organization feels
that such appointment of efficient Indians, wherever possible, is entire
ly in accord with the general policy of the Indian Department to put
the Indian on his feet.
9. That we believe that the unique position which the American In
dian occupies as the aborigine of the continent, and the part which the
race has played in American history, should commend to the considera-