YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR!

The corruption, mismanagement, fraudulent activity, cheating and stealing are legion in the way the United States government dealt with the native American in the late 1800's. (And probably ever after.) This was a disgrace then and still is. The following words were written in 1891 by Captain John Bourke who served with General George Crook during many campaigns in the west.

"In this matter of Indian agents, as in all that pertains to Indian affairs, the great trouble is that the American people have so little common sense. Let the salaries paid to the agents be raised to such a standard that the position will be an inducement for first-class men to consider, and there will not be so much trouble in getting an honest administration, if there should be coupled a good-conduct tenure, subject to the approval of some such organization as the Indian Rights Association. Civil Service Reform may well be introduced in the Indian service." Page 425, "On the Border With Crook" - by John Gregory Bourke.

To a large extent these words written over 100 years ago apply today. end