The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1861-06-28

began. It consisted Of nothing but the
rudest hoppings about the circle, some
times in single line, and sometimes two or
more deep, with wild bowls and vehement
gesticulations and brandishing of the little
hoops held in their left hands. On the
whole, if at all interesting, it was still more
pitiable, disgusting spectacle. Finally, if
there is any sincere interest felt by those
concer FED with Indian affairs, in elevating
the moral and social condition of these poor
childish creatures, all such relics of their
barbarism as these dances, should be con-
scientiously discouraged.
The dance lasted, perhaps, an hour, and
we returned to the boat. Even so short a
visit gave one an interesting opportunity to
observe the characters of the Indians, and
to discover many traits not otherwise to be
appreciated. One thing in particular we
noted as much at variance with preconceived
ideas. This was the great good humor and
sense of fun the Indians displayed both
among themselves and with the whites.
Their relish for joke is much more keen
than is the case with classes of persons sim.
ilarly degraded among whites. But we
were told that in these we were seeing the
more mild and civilized portion of these
tribes, of whom those we met at the Upper
Agency are vastly more wild and fierce.
Certainly these seemed, in general, very
simple and docile.
For some reason the PARTY was disap-
pointed of seeing the payments, which are
postponed till the present week-but the
Council witnessed gave perhaps as good
spectacle of Indian manners and character
as could be enjoyed in so short visit.
THE MINNESOTA RIVER COUNTRY.
The beauty of the Minnesota River can
hardly be exaggerated in description, nor
the richness of the country through which
it flows. Both for crops and for grazing
the most inviting opportunities are open to
the settler. Large tracts are still waiting
presumption, in the richest regions along
the river. 1t was a common remark among
strangers from the East, that the Valley Of
the Upper Minnesota was more beautiful
than they had ever before seen in any
State of the Union. Game appeared to be
abundant. Myriads of pigeons were cross,
ing and rccrossing the river above the boat
and in the river were thousands of ducks.
H0MEwARD BOUND.
On our return the Steele lay up again
above the Fort, for the night. A delight.
full evening was spent on deck, listen.
ing to music from the Great Western Band
and afterward to quartette of stringed
instruments, besides an excellent solo
"Sounds from Home" upon the. violin
After which, singing in the cabin, from Ia
dies as we'll as gentlemen, wore on the night
Indian representations, too, were among
the amusements of the homeward trip. A
graphic representation of the Council, gave
much amusement to the passengers. Al
New Ulm it was q decided success. A
most excellent imitator of Red Owl was
found in MIR. Wagner of the Great Western
Band, while Russ. Munger, by the aid Of
stufing under his vest, personated His Elk
cellency in manner that drew forth the
warmest plaudits.
We cannot forbear stating that the
pleasure of the trip was enhanced by the
manner in which it was carried out by the
officers of the Steele. Capt. Hatcher has
won the regards of all by his courtesy and
attention to the wants of the passengers
and the same may be said of the clerks and
other officers. We can wish our readers
no better fortune in excursions of this kind
than to fall into such good hands.