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frequently, at feasts and dances, give away the bulk of his possessions to needy friends and relatives.

We must endeavor to correct this defect in the Indian's character. As affairs are now managed he has no encouragement to save. When his horses and cattle are big enough to be of service, they are driven off in herds by white renegades: when his wheat and corn and vegetables are almost ready for the market, his reservation is changed and sometimes, as in the case of the Poncas, he is compelled to abandon everything. Were we to treat some of our foreign immigrants in such a manner, it would not take long to turn them into prowling vagabonds, living by robbery and assassination.

I remain, Very Truly Yours,

George Crook
Brigade General,
U.S. Army

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