“3.  No person other than a native Indian teacher will be permitted to teach in any Indian vernacular, and these native teachers will only be allowed in schools not supported in whole or in part by the Government, at remote points, where there are no Government or contract schools where the English language is taught.  These schools under native teachers only, are allowed to teach in the vernacular with a view of reaching those Indians who cannot have the advantages of instruction in English, and they must give way to the English-teaching schools as soon as they are established where the Indians can have access to them.”

In response to a special application for authority to instruct a class of theological students in the vernacular, at the Santee School, the Commissioner says: 

“There is no objection to your educating a limited number of Indians in the vernacular, as missionaries, in some separate building, entirely apart from the Santee School.  This instruction in the vernacular must be conducted entirely separate from the English course, and must not interfere with English studies or be considered part of the ordinary course for any other pupils of the school than the limited number agreed upon, not to exceed thirty, and all instruction in the vernacular must be conducted at no expense to the Government.”

Since writing the above, we have received from Commissioner Atkins a copy of rules designed to explain the orders quoted above.  We are constrained to say that these explanations will probably not remove the objections that have been widely entertained against the rulings of the Department.  It must be admitted, however, that there are difficulties in the way of formulating regulations that in their details shall meet the views of all parties concerned.  On the one hand, there is the aim of Commissioner Atkins, in which we all coincide, to introduce the English language among the Indians as speedily as possible.  On the other hand, there is the aim of the churches, in which we are glad to believe the Commissioner coincides, to spread the gospel as rapidly as possible among the Indians.  The churches feel that it is a duty they owe to God and to those Indians who cannot understand English to teach them in the language in which they were born, and they believe, too, as the result of long experience, that Christian schools in the vernacular are among the most important means to that end, especially as pioneer movements.  American Christians believe, too, that they have the right as American citizens to use their own methods—­tested by experience—­without the interference of the Government; and we believe they will feel constrained to protest in every legitimate and honorable way against such interference.  We hope that the Department of the Interior will yet make the needful concessions.

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THE SOUTH.