to do so. We await the response they will give.

* * * * *

*THE VERNACULAR. THE LAST GOVERNMENT ORDER.*

THE ORDER.

We give below a copy of the last order received from the Interior
Department in relation to the vernacular.

"1st. In Government schools no text-books and no oral
instruction in the vernacular will be allowed, but all text-books
and instruction must be in the English language. No departure
from this rule will be allowed, except when absolutely necessary
to rudimentary instruction in English. But it is permitted to
read from the Bible in the vernacular at the daily opening of
school, when English is not understood by the pupils.

"2d. In schools where Indian children are placed under contract,
or to which the Government contributes in any manner, the same
rule shall be observed in all secular instruction. Religious
instruction in the vernacular may be allowed in such schools,
both by the text-book and orally, provided not more than
one-fourth of the time is devoted to such instruction.

"3d. In purely mission schools--that is, in schools toward whose
support the Government contributes nothing--religious and other
instruction may be conducted in the manner approved by those who
maintain the schools, provided that one-half of the school hours