THE CHEM AW A
AM ERICAN
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entire day will be devoted to alumni events, speeches, athletic sports, and
socials will be one for the day. Those in charge of arrangements are
making special efforts to have things arranged so that the day will be
enjoyable for everyone.
OUR COMMISSIONER
Many complimentary notices have appeared in the public press with ref
erence to the work done and contemplated by Commissioner Sells since he
assumed charge of this Bureau, but none have been more comprehensive
and to the point than the little booklet lately issued by Major M. K. Snif-
fen, secretary for so many years of the Indian Rights Association, of Phil
adelphia. This Association, as we all know, is, and has been, nearer to
the Indian and His Problems” than almost any other society or organ
ization of friends of the Indian, and their opinions on such matters are
entitled to most serious consideration. The brochure mentioned is a
most interesting document, and we would like very much to be able to
gi\e it to our readers in full, but lack of space prevents. The booklet
closes with the following resume:
As a result of Mr. Sells’ brief tenure of office, the standard of effi
ciency and honesty has been raised throughout the Indian service,—both
in Washington and in the field. The work he has set out to do, how
ever, is by no means completed. The Big Things,-those demanding
urgent consideration,—are being disposed of as quickly as possible.
When they are well under way, other matters will, we believe receive
Prol^ r attention. What has been thus far done is a good indication of
what may be expected in a general cleaning up of every part of the Indian
service.
“ It should not be overlooked, however, that Commissioner Sells’ firm
determination to preserve the vast resourses of the Indian, in land, tim
ber coal and oil must sooner or later develop great disappointment and
bitter opposition from selfish interests; and it is highly important that
the .rue friends of an honest and efficient administration shall stronglv
support him in his patriotic and fearless course.
Our observation indicates that there has been developed a general
eeling of confidence in Mr. Sells’ ability, integrity and courage on the
part of the public and the press; and Congress, for the first time within
our knowledge of Indian Affairs, seems to be in sympathy with the Com
missioner, and willing to grant the necessary appropriations to carry on
the work.
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“ Commissioner Sells has established a new mark in Indian adminis
tration and his influence for good can never be eradicated. He has ele
vated the service to a plane from which he would not recede if he could
and from which he could not recede if he would. He has set the pace’
and whoever may follow him (in the far distant future, we hope) will
of necessity be compelled to live up to those established ideals or suffer
by comparison.”