Abstract

The Indian Bureau's Record

The Wilbur administration inherited in 1929 a system of non-responsible absolutism over Indian property and person. The "system" had been elaborated across a century, steadfastly in the direction of an always more silent and more exhaustive spoliation of Indian property. The "system" of 1929 is the "system" of today. Once believed by the public to be inevitable and protected by Congress and the executive, it is now protected by the executive alone. Herbert J. Hagerman was appointed by Secretary Fall as Commissioner to the Navajos in 1923. Fall destroyed by an executive order the pre-existing Navajo tribal and jurisdictional organizations. Land instituted a fiat tribal council which was prohibited from meeting except in Hagerman's presence and on his call.