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Image provided by: South Dakota State Historical Society – State Archives
Newspaper Page Text
THE THE MAN AT HEADQUARTERS. BY E. P. HOLCOMBE. Reprint from The Indian Craftsman, Carlisle, Pa. early education and training of R. G. Valen tine were peculiarly adapt ed to fit him for the practical constructive work of the Indian Service. Born at West Newton, Massachusetts, November 29, 1872, he recieved his education in the schools of that State, graduating from Harvard in 1896, and thereafter serving, sucessive ly, as assistant instructor and instructor of English in the Massachusetts Institute of Tech* nology. When he entered the Indian Service in 1905, as private secre tary to the commissioner, he brought with him the experience of twenty years of farm life, followed by a year's study in active settlement work in New York City, supplemented by four years training in railroad account ing and banking. While acting as private secret ary to Mr.' Leupp (1905-1908), he found time to study not only the olfice methods and limitations but also field conditions. In 1908 he was appointed supesvisor and the same year was made v Assistant Commissioner. June 15, 1909, President Talt appoint* ed him Commissioner of Indian Affairs. There was nothing connected with the appointment of Mr. Valentine that was more genuinely appreciated by him than that his commission from the President should bear evidence of his previous efficient service. It reads ,,By Promot ion." This promotion means, to the Indian Services, recognition of individual endeavor, merit and endurance to Mr. Valentine, it was but an advance to larger responsibilities for he had practically performed the duties of the office for some months. Mr. Valentine is young self reliant, persistently aggressive, and abruptly decisive. He has no more regard for conformity and established usages than he has for last year's calendar. He is consistent only as to the matter in hand, and his conclusion is one case presages no precedent for his action in another. His continual effort is to work a pitch beyond his last height and S,x *i