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