Fred J. Erfert of the Missoula, Montana Chamber of Commerce requests a copy of the Office of Indian Affairs reply to their inquiry regarding the removal of the Carlisle Indian School to the Western United States.
Proposed Alternate Uses for School
Includes effort by Superintendent Mercer to open a cavalry school at the Indian school, as well as 1915 proposal to turn it into a military school
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William A. Mercer responds to an Office of Indian Affairs letter regarding his recommendation for the lease of the Alexander Tract. Mercer details the funds available for the lease and other possible options to raise the funds including selling harness.
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Robert Shaw Oliver, Acting Secretary of War, returns papers related to the Carlisle Indian School preparing students for the United States Cavalry. Included are William A. Mercer's original plan along with comments by the Office of Indian Affairs and a final ruling by the Acting Judge-Advocate General of the Army.
Also included is…
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Correspondence regarding William A. Mercer's proposed plan to have a Cavalry troop at the Carlisle Indian School as well as the proposed legislation in both the Indian Appropriation Bill and Army Bill.
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Office of Indian Affairs memos regarding discussion on a plan of William A. Mercer sent to the War Department for having the Carlisle Indian School prepare students for the U.S. Cavalry service.
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William A. Mercer informs the Office of Indian Affairs that he will consider the objections raised by the Acting Judge Advocate General in having the Carlisle Indian School serve as a training ground for the United States Cavalry.
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Correspondence between the Interior and War Department regarding the proposed plan of William A. Mercer for developing a course of training at the Carlisle Indian School to prepare students for the U.S. Cavalry.
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William A. Mercer clarifies his position on securing an appropriation for purchasing horses in order to serve as training troop for the U.S. Cavalry.
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William A. Mercer recommends that the proposed plan of having a Cavalry Training course at the Carlisle Indian School be dropped to a lack of support from the War Department.
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These materials include correspondence and a report regarding the suitability of turning the Carlisle Indian School into a military school. At the request of John H. Stephens, Chairman of the House Committee on Indian Affairs, the Secretaries of War and the Interior arranged to have Carlisle inspected by a military commander. Brigadier General…
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These materials include correspondence regarding a suggestion by local Carlisle resident Irvin Mahon that the Carlisle Indian School be returned to use as a regular military post during the First World War. This suggestion is rejected by Commissioner of Indian Affairs Cato Sells.