Bellevue gazette. [volume] (Bellevue City, N.T. [i.e. Neb.]) 1856-1858, 1858-02-11

sionary abors since its formation by the
Presbyterian Board, some seven years
previous, aud the obstacles which they
had to encounter in the way Of improving
the moral and spiritual condition of the
Indian. In the first place, they had
gradually to wenn them from life OF in
dolence and ease, by practical demon.
stration Of the advantages of labor in de-
veloping the hidden resources Of the earth
they were invited to work for their daily
suslenanCe and discard all their wild pur-
suits of hunting and fishing. to which
they had been so long accustomed. A
school was opened for the young, where
the elements of the English language
were taught, aud the principles of sound
morality incult aled. The Missions aim
was to introduce domestic habits among
the tribe, so that they might be truly
termed band of brothers; build houses,
raise crops, and by their united industry
become rich, happy, prosperous and wor-
thy and intelligent members Of society.
This was new doctrine to them, and quite
repulsive 10 the Indian character. Their
supcrstiiious veneration of aged customs
forbade it; they would lose caste and de.
generate to the level of souaw. Then
they had to contend with the bitter HOSTILE
,y Of the trader, who had so long imposed
upon the ignorance and credulity of the
red man, by exchanging their senseless
gew-gaws for valuable buffalo robes and
furs, and al the noble traits in the Indian
character became obi,erated by the base
cyamp es of drunkness and debauchery
daily exhibited before them.
The traders knew that in pro-.
portion as light and knowledge was
difIused among the Indians their power
and influence would inevitable cease,
They loved darkness rather than light,
because their deeds were evil" The In.
dian children were encouraged by them
to run away, and it was found utterly i'm
possible TO manage school with any de-
gree of efficiency. They cunningIy se-
cured the cooperation Of the chief of
the tribe in their opposition TO the mis-
sionaries, and accused them o: sin
lister motives 10 deprive them of their
lands. The objects of the Mission were
frustrated by other means no less dishon.
orable, and the work did not progress to
the extent which was at first anticipated.
I walked ound the outskirts Of the
Farm, in company with Mr.. R., and was
shown corn-feld, embracing some forty
acres, under double ditch sod fence, and
was informed ths: The previous season, il
had produced Il crop Of about ninety-fve
bushels 10 the acre, excluding that which
had been eaten by drcves Of Prairie chick.
ems, and other birds. ...
The mounds upon the top of Elk-hiIl,
attracted my attention, and enquired Of
Mr.. r., to whose memory the one that
stood out mos, prominently, upon its sum
nit was dedicated He told me it was that
of the Indian Orator, Big Elk. l looked
upon il as sacred place, aud penned a
few lines in my portfolio, to the following
effect:
The orb of day had sunk TO rest,
Upon the far of mountains breast, ..
When Elk-hill's summit met my gaze,
! thought IL there those warriors sleep,
Whose names a varied fragrance keep,
In virtues sacred page.
| That spot I'd hallow as the home,
Where natare's sons had ceased 20 roam,
And lend my muse to sing their praise.
The Mission House bell announced sup.
per, we hurried back, and were ushered
into long and spacious room, where the
table was amply supplied, with a good as
sortment Of eatabIes; about fifteen in
number were seated at the table, when
the Dominic, took his Bible, and read n
chapter, in a most impressive manner
followed by a short and appropriate pray
er; then an eager attack was commenced
upon the warm biscuits, the sweet butter
aud the excellen, johnny cake; and ! soor
forgo, the hardships Of a Pioneer life.
At night | went with friend r.. to h,
Nc Kinney house, where some prom
inepl men in the Town Company, were 4
u II Z Il = ~, ---.--