Viewing page 242 of 485

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

[[preprinted]]246[[/preprinted]]

[[preprinted]] 
Department of the Interior, 
OFFICE OF INDIAN AFFAIRS, 
WASHINGTON, 

[[boxed]] 
Refer in reply to the following:
[[blank line]]
[[/boxed]]
[[/preprinted]]

Dec. 30, 1889.

Hon. Commissioner of Indian Affairs

Sir:

I would respectfully call your attention to roads and road building upon the Nez Perce Res., in relation to allotted lands. The mountainous character of Idaho makes it impracticable to run roads upon section lines, as accessible ridges or gulches must be followed except in favored localities. Roads are essential however, and are needed by the Indians in getting to and from their allotments and by the white settlers in passing over the reservation from one part of the country to another. At present trails, traverse the land, and the few roads on the reservation are laid out in entire disregard of the rights of future occupants of the soil.

Groups of alloted Indians have already asked to be relieved of meandering roads, which badly cut up their fields, and as cattle are commoners in Idaho, these roads must be fenced in on