"The great mistake these people make is that they go to looking after the spiritual welfare of the Indians before securing their physical"

This quote by George Crook is referring to the efforts of individuals who are trying to help the Native American population. He is suggesting that these individuals are slipping up by focusing on the spiritual welfare of the Native Americans before they have protected their physical welfare. Criminal is implying that the physical requirements of the Native Americans must be addressed initially, such as supplying them with food, shelter, and clothing. He believes that as soon as these fundamental needs are satisfied, then the spiritual requirements can be attended to. This quote highlights the importance of offering the physical requirements of the Native Americans prior to attempting to resolve their spiritual requirements. It also serves as a reminder that the physical and spiritual requirements of any population need to be attended to in tandem in order to make sure the best possible result.