The Idaho world. [volume] (Idaho City, Idaho Territory) 1864-1918, 1865-09-23
The Rocky Mountain Missions.


From the work recently Published by Capt
John Mullen, entitled "The Miners and Tray-
elers' Guide" we take the following extract
respecting the Missions now in existence in IN
the Rocky Mountain region-Montana and
Idaho:
.eThe Jesuit Catholic fathers have three
missions established along the line OF the
road: one among the CGur-d Alenes, one
among the Pend-d' Oreilles and Fiatheads
and one among the Blackfeet. The first site
of the Cnur-d Alene mission was in the 81
Joseph's Valley; but the overflow OF the
stream and the many difficulties to Wnicn
they were subjected at this point compeiled
them, IN 1916, to abandon 1T in favor OF It's
present site on the C@ar-d'Alene River.
They have erected here q fine church, dwell
hngs, and such other buildings as are neces-
sary for their wants; the Indians are educated
not only to worship God, out every attention
is given to teach them to till the SOIL. Inc
missions use Indian labor exclusively, under
the direction of three lay-brothers, ana are
supported from small fund for the 'spropa-
CATION of the Catholic faith which IS deVo-
ted exclusively to the purchase OF those at
ticles which they themselves cannot produce
or make. They are thrifty and frugal, and
by their zeal in the cause and devotion TO
the best interests of the Indians, for whom
they have given their lives voluntary oHer-
ing, they WELD an influence among the better
norton such as no whites or government
agents have ever been enabled to OBTAIN
Far removed. as vet, from contact with ciyili-
zation, their lives of upright. moral rectitude
zeal in behalf of the Indian, their morning
noon and night derotions, when,all the tribe;
assemble and chanta peans to the Almighty
the perfect harmony that exists in their socla
family of Indians and halfbreeds, has evel
won my highest admiration. In all tha
tended towards the ultimate success OF mJ
movements have ever enjoyed thelNkInt
cooperation and Jealous support, and during
the many years spent near their mountain
homes the kindest and warmest relations
have ever existed between US.
The fathers, in abiding among the red men
have but one object in view; to rescue then
from the blighting effects of ignorance ant
superstition, and to reclaim them from tht
effects of an advancing civilization, which t
them is death. can enly regret that th'
results as yet obtained would not seem com
mensurate with the. endeavors so manfull.
put forth. The only good, however, that
have ever seen effected among these peopl
has been due to the exertions of these Catho
llc missionaries.
Many of these missions might be benefite'
bY the government allowing them the charg
of the schools and hospitals, for they actual
take care of the Indians when sick and ed
ucate them when well, and all this with tn
mere pittance at their disposal, not moiet
of what they need; while hundreds an
thousands are squandered on paper for tn
benefit of the Indians. and which they neve
receive.
The Ceur-d'Alene mission has the Father
Josef and Gazzoli, and Brothers Francis, Mc
Guine, an1 Compopiano. They have chos
beautiful site, on hill in the middle
the mission valley, and it hasalways prove
to the weary traveller and destitute emigran
St. Bernard in the Ceur-d'Al6ne noun
tains. fear that the location of our roao
and the swarms of miners and emigrants tha
must pass here year after year, viii SO mill
tate against the best interests OF the mlsslo
that its present site will have TO be change
or abandoned This, for themselves and III