3

the Reservation- the only produce raised last year was
Irish potatoes, and a few garden vegetables which they mostly
raised themselves.

Now the inquiry I wish to make is, ought not the Employees
in the Reservation, be furnished the necessary provisions by
the government for their support? This was their
understanding, at their time of their employment, and
appointment by Mr. Hanson. as they inform me, and
it was the custom heretofore, under former admin
istrations when the salaries were double the present
ones. I have understood Mr Hanson to say that he
was not fully advised as to the matter, and therefore
could not furnish the employees with the neccessaries,
[illegible] government expense, without direct authority
from your Department.

His attention has been called to it, but I presume
through the month capacity of business he has always
on hand, has neglected it, and as he is now on
his way to Washington, the employees have urged
me to write you on the subject, for information,
The customary wages for laboring men in this vicinity
is from $40, to $80, per month and [illegible] or boarded.
The "Noyo Mills" (which by the way is on the Reservation
and owned by a man by the name of McPherson) employs
Constantly from fifty to 75 hands, and the least wages
they are paid is $40 per month and boarded.

The government should at least pay as much as the
customary wages. The most capacity as her employees
are required to be men of good business qualities and