Ponca, Pawnee, and Otoe Agency, Ind. T., via Arkansas Arkansas City, Kans.

Agency.

List of Indian agencies and agents, with post-office and telegraphic addresses-Continued.

Agent.

Post-office address.

Telegraphic address.

Tonkawa Special Agency Lieut. Elias Chandler, U.S.A. Fort Griffin, Tex.

WYOMING.

LIST OF INDIAN INSPECTORS WITH THEIR POST-OFFICE ADDRESS.

JAMES M. HAWORTH, Inspector of Indian Schools..... Olathe, Kans.

LIST OF SPECIAL INDIAN AGENTS WITH THEIR POST-OFFICE ADDRESS.

REPORT OF AGENT IN WYOMING.

SHOSHONE AND BANNOCK AGENCY,
Wyoming, September 15, 1882.

SIR: In compliance with instructions, I have the honor to submit the following report:

Having taken charge of this agency on the 17th of May last, my knowledge of current events throughout the past year is necessarily limited. The Indians at this agency are composed of two tribes, the Shoshones, Eastern band, and the Northern Arapahoes. Their numbers are about equal, and aggregate 1,800. They appear disposed to be quiet and peaceable as far as I have observed.

The supplies furnished by the government are not sufficient alone for their maintenance, but they are fortunately situated in a game country, and support themselves two or three months each year in hunting during the winter season. The robes and other pelts thus obtained are brought in and sold to the trader, and assist materially in their support.

The amount of produce raised by them is also some assistance, but far short of what it should be, as the soil is productive and the supply of farming implements furnished them is amply sufficient. Perhaps one-third of the male population are willing to farm if the necessity of doing so was properly urged upon them.

They all do their own freighting from the Union Pacific Railroad to the agency, the distance being 150 miles, and are always ready and willing to do so.

As herders they have not been successful. The government has furnished them $30,000 worth of good American cows, and their increase must have been large, yet, through their own carelessness and the mismanagement of others, it is not probable there are cattle on the reservation to day, belonging to the Indians, to the value of $10,000. I had made every possible effort during my former administration of affairs at this agency to start a fine herd, and through a sale of a portion of the reservation back to the government the money was obtained. To find, on my return, the herd sold or stolen was very discouraging.

There has been no effort in the last two years to keep up a school, and no Christian and very little moral training has been attempted. Civilizing influences of every description seem to be on a backward move. Whisky is sold to the Indians freely, and no effort has been made in the last two years to stop it, as far as I can learn.

The police force amounted to nothing, and I discharged them, and am now endeavoring to organize a body of more efficient men.

On behalf of the Indians I would say that they have been more sinned against than sinning, and will do better if they have a chance. They are delighted with the progress some of their children are making at Carlisle School, and have proposed to haul rock and do anything they can towards building a commodious boarding school house. They really desire their children to be taught what they call the "white man's ways." I know your earnest desire in this matter, and hope you may have the means next summer to order the erection of a suitable building at this agency, for school purposes.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

Hon. H. PRICE,

Commissioner of Indian Affairs, Washington, D. C.

JAMES IRWIN, United States Indian Agent.

REPORT

OF THE

COMMISSIONER OF RAILROADS.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,

OFFICE COMMISSIONER OF RAILROADS,

Washington, D. C., November 1, 1882.

SIR: In compliance with the statutory requirements of the act creating this bureau (20 U. S. Statutes, 169, sec. 3), I have the honor to submit the following report in regard to the bureau and its operations, and of the condition of the property, business, and accounts of the several railroad companies which have complied with the request of this office under the law, and to which, or their predecessors, the United States have granted, and which have directly or indirectly received, any subsidy in bonds or grant of public lands, and the geographical location of whose railroads is in whole or part west, north or south of the Missouri River.

ACCOUNTS.

Able and expert accountants of this office have investigated and re ported upon the business, financial condition, and proportion of "net earnings" due the government for the past year. The results are shown in detail under the proper headings hereafter. Free access has been accorded to the books and accounts of the several subsidized roads, whenever requested. Detailed statements of the earnings and expenses, financial condition, and physical characteristics of the various land-grant railroads have been compiled from examination and returns made, and are submitted herewith. As a rule, the accounts of the roads are kept in a thoroughly comprehensive and business-like manner.

Reports to this office are not always made as promptly as required, but the desire is expressed by the different companies to fully and promptly comply with the lawful demands of the bureau.

INSPECTION OF PROPERTY.

Properly authorized members of this bureau, in conformity with the law, have made extensive trips this year to inspect the vast properties of the numerous bonded and land grant railroads coming within its jurisdiction. A decidedly healthy improvement in construction, operation, and business has been manifest. Steel rails are being substituted for iron as rapidly as practicable, more ties to the mile and of superior quality, better fastenings and good ballast are being used. Bridges and buildings are not only being repaired and renewed, but generally improved or replaced by better ones. Embankments and cuts are being widened, grades and curvatures reduced, and general improvements made as far as practicable. The best pattern, as to service, of locomotives is being used, and improved passenger and freight cars purchased

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