The Commissioner of Indian Affairs.—­Prior to 1871 the Indian tribes were treated as independent nations by the United States, but by a law of that year the general government was made the guardian of their interests.  The Commissioner of Indian Affairs exercises a protecting care over these “wards” by directing the work of the Indian agents and of the superintendents of Indian schools.

There are some 300,000 Indians on the 150 reservations which are in the various States and Territories.[54] The lands of these reservations are held in common; that is, the ownership is tribal rather than individual.  It is the policy of the government, however, to bring about the allotment of lands “in severally,” and thus to encourage the Indians to adopt an agricultural life.  The Indians are only partially self-supporting.  Some tribes derive an income from funds which are the proceeds derived from the sales and cessions of their lands.  The National government holds this money in trust for them, and, by direct appropriation, supplies the money, food, and clothing necessary to complete their support.  The appropriation for the Indians in 1912 was $9,854,000.  Over one-fourth of this sum was spent for their education in Indian schools, numbering about 300, which are under the direct control of the department.

     [Footnote 54:  Report of the Secretary of the Interior, 1910.  Within
     twelve years 89,000 Indians were granted full rights as citizens.]

The Director of the Geological Survey.—­The Director of the Geological Survey collects much valuable information through the examination of the geological structure, mineral resources, and mineral products of the United States.  He has charge, also, of the survey of the forest reserves.

THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.

The Secretary of Agriculture.—­The duties of the Secretary of Agriculture are, “To acquire and diffuse among the people of the United States useful information on subjects connected with agriculture in the most comprehensive sense of that word.”  The activities of the department are along many lines, as indicated by the names of the bureaus and divisions.

Bureau of Animal Industry.—­Continuous advancement is being made by the government toward placing the agricultural pursuits upon a more scientific basis.  One of its most important services is performed in the Bureau of Animal Industry, which inspects the greater part of the meat products exported to European countries.  The law providing for this inspection was necessary because of the claim in European markets that diseased meats were shipped from the United States.  An inspection is also provided for live animals intended for exportation and for animals imported.  Much scientific work is also devoted to a study of the various diseases of animals.