REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT IN CHARGE OF SILETZ AGENCY.
Siletz Agency, Oreg., August 6, 1906.
A census of confederated tribes residing on the Siletz Reservation on June 30, 1906, shows 438, or 1 more than the former census.
Health conditions have been comparatively favorable. In June one of the Indians brought smallpox home from the valley, but so far the disease has been confined to three members of one family.
During the past year flour only has been issued to about 68 old and indigent people. Several who were thus assisted last year have sold land and have not drawn rations while drawing $10 per month.
The Indians have raised a little more grain this year than last, but a part of the increased acreage is due to the presence of a greater number of lessees – 26 against 20 last year. More attention should be paid to dairying and fruit growing. Also the fern hills would support a larger number of goats and sheep.
Since November 6, 1904, the date when the order restricting heirs of proceeds of sale of inherited land to $10 per month went into effect, and which date is coincident with the beginning of my administration, the proceeds of sale of 44 allotments or portions thereof (total acres, 3,301.82), have been deposited in bank, amounting to $23,498, or about an average of $7.12 per acre. Some few pieces sold as high as $20 and $25 per acre. Eight additional deeds, calling for $4,194.55, are on for approval. Of the amount deposited there is still about $12,000 unused in bank. This draws interest at the rate of 2 per cent, or in case of time deposits, 3 per cent.
The Siletz training school has had another successful session. The average was 53. Parents are quite friendly to the school, and but little difficulty is encountered in getting the available children in school. Day schools are considered impracticable on account of the homes being scattered, the unspeakably bad roads during winter, and the violent river which half of them would have to cross daily. The spring was unusually wet, but there was scarcely a drop of rain in July, so that the hay harvest was satisfactory. All of the school hogs, as well as most of those owned in the vicinity of the agency, were sold. School closed for vacation July 31, so that those who felt disposed might spend the month of September in the valley picking hops.
Knott C. Egbert, Superintendent.