_PUCK, January 21st, 1891._
The talk of the hour often renders editorial comment unnecessary at
the time a cartoon is published, though its republication may make
it necessary to accompany it with a word or two of elucidation. It
seems proper to say that this picture is not meant for an outright
arraignment of the Indian policy of our government, but as a reminder
that there was no consistency in lavishing money and care upon foreign
objects while far more pressing necessities much nearer home fail to
receive proper attention. There is no doubt that for a long time our
Indian Agencies have stood in need of a thorough overhauling; and our
neglect in this matter was emphasized at the time of the publication
of this cartoon, (January 21st, 1891,) by the extraordinary activity
of the philanthropists who sought to express their sympathy with
famine-stricken Russia by making Uncle Sam go down into his pocket for
a relief-fund.
[Illustration]