2        REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS 
in the office time and resources for study of the major field problems 
anci of important data and for formulation of constructive measures 
now forced aside by pressure of current routine work. 
PERSONNEL 
During the year the efforts of the bureau have been directed toward 
the strengthening of the personnel of the field service. The require- 
ments for qualification for civil-service examinations for teaching 
positions have been made more difficult and the educational standards 
for the position of principal have been raised. Now the possession of 
a degree is a prerequisite for examination and appointment to this 
position for persons not already in the service. 
Pursuant to Executive Order No. 325, Indians have been given a 
classified civil-service status, effective April 1, 1929, but after that

date Indians entering the service, except in certain minor positions, 
are required to qualify in open competitive examination. Certain 
preferences are allowed, however, in compliance with existing law 
requiring that Indians shall be employed whenever practicable. 
Increased salaries allowed in conformance with existing reclassifica- 
tion laws have proven of noticeable benefit to the service in giving a"

more contented and efficient personnel. 
HEALTH 
There has been progress in the general medical work of the service 
during the year. The Indian people are increasingly responding to 
their medical needs; that is to say, an increasing number of Indians 
are seeking appropriate relief for medical and surgical conditions. 
Likewise, progress is being made in matters relating to disease pre- 
vention and public health. This is becoming manifest in connection 
with the activities of health workers, as well as of lay personnel within

Indian reservations. Greater interest is being developed in Federal, 
State, county, and municipal health organizations, as well as by 
voluntary agencies. Closer cooperative health activities are being 
developed in many States having large Indian populations. In many 
instances members of the health personnel of the Indian Service are 
working in conjunction with or under the direction of similar organ- 
ized health agencies of these State  and counties. In this general 
health work the Indians themselves are believed to be showing a 
responsive interest. 
The Association of State and Provincial Health Authorities of 
North America has appointed a committee on Indian health and 
through this committee information regarding Indian health matters 
is being disseminated to State and local health agencies where Indians 
reside. Diagnostic, laboratory, and clinic facilities of these various 
organizations are being made known and available to health agencies 
of the Indian Service, all of which is conducive to a more complete 
and thorough health program in all sections of the Indian country. 
Trachoma, tuberculosis, and diseases of infancy and childhood 
continue to constitute the outstanding health problems affecting the 
several Indian jurisdictions. While increased facilities have been 
provided for the care of tuberculosis and for incipient cases in Indian 
children, material progress in the eradication of this disease will not