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[[preprinted]] 111 [[/preprinted]]

5.

ranges should be fenced with barbed wire. This will cost considerable more money than the Indians can afford to pay out, therefore if the gov't would help in this particular a genuine assistance would be given and some of the dangers from the stockmen arrested. There is I hear a quantity of wire already at Lewiston [[insert]] some of [[/insert]] which has been estimated for by Agent Norris. It is always difficult to get a fair issue to Indians, and if some such plan as the following could be adopted it might help. Let the attending Agent give a statement to an Indian family, as to the exterior lines of their allotment of grazing land, showing the length of fence needed to enclose the united tract, & then let the Agent issue the Amt. with the express understanding that the wire is to be used to enclose the tract named or else forfeited. There will then be something tangable to act upon. Thus enclosed private pastures and every Indian grazing allotment should be enclosed, by families at least, will be the best protection to Indian stock. Then if calves are stolen it may be possible to extract the thief, & punish him. Where this [[law?]] leads to [[?]] men with the best intentions, and among the most honest men.