Irreclaimable Savages

In the Report of the Indian School Superintendent – Department of the Interior, Office of the indian School Superintendent, November 1, 1885 report:

The Secretary of the Interior, Henry M. Teller, called attention to the repeated failure of the government to provide educational provisions of eight treaties with multiple tribes:

“It is not a gratuity, but a debt due the Indians, incurred by the Government on its own motion and not at the request of the Indians. It is true that the debt is due to dependent and weak people who have but little disposition to complain of the neglect of the Government to fulfill its obligation, and are wanting in ability to compet the performance thereof; yet their very weakness and lack of disposition to complain ought to stimulate the Government to sacredly perform all the provisions of treaties providing for the education and advancement of these people. Not only a direct regard for our plighted faith demands this, but our interest also demands it.” (page LXXXIII)