The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1870-09-14
An Indian Wedding.
MARRIAGE CEREMONIES OF THE ABo-
! RIGINES-H IAwATHA AND MINNEHA-
HA MADE ONE FLESH. :,r

HA MADE ONE FLESH. 1875
~ Il slsta l,a
At seven o'clock yesterday morning
the George H. Peary Lodge No. 95l, Of
the Independent Order of Good Tenn
plars, left pier No. 10, North river, on
two barges for an excursion to Alder
ney Park, New Jersey. Accompany
ing these festive teetotalers was new
ly organized benevolent association,
entitled the Manhattan Tribe; the mem
bers of which have lodge on the cor
ner of Hudson and Christopher streets,
and who periodically delight the TO
mantle youth of the locality addicted
to dime novels with sight of their
persons, decked in full Indian costume,
and faces fiercely glowing with red
paint. These bogus braves were head
ed by the most noble chief, J. G. Knapp,
supported by the vice-chief, F. P. Law
son. The eagle plumes on the heads
of these gentlemen made them quite
imposing, and as they wended their
way down the street their appearance
caused no small connection, and the
intelligent little vagabonds, accustom-
ed to pay occasional visits to the Bow
cry theater, Immediately set up a sort
of babbling war whoop. This order, it
seems, is very extended in the South
ern States and California, but some
what Of novelty here, with the excep-
ton of the Tammany Society, which,
however, omit the Indian costume
: (Fancy Big Six in moccasins, plumes
and war PANTY The Manhattan tribe
5 had with them, however, number OF
a half breeds and pure blooded >In-
dams from the reservations in the Wes-
, tern part of this State and Canada
Two of them contemplated giving the
pale faces some idea of an .ga
INDIAN MARRIAGE, 4
by uniting themselves in wedlock un-
der the not primeval forest of Attorney
Park. After dinner, which commenced
at P. NJ, the ceremony took place
and brave of the Iroquois, tribe
(, named Blonw, was united to a bright.
looking, but dusky bride, with the
sweetly simple name of Serrik Ialsil
; savowkwas, which means sfMaid will
: the Merry Eye" and certainly she wal
very appropriately called, as her pal,
of orbs beamed Ike beads, and he
smiling lips displayed set of yer,
C white teeth. The nuptial knot was t.
) be tied by Chief Ancient fannie, bu
: owing to his absence the ceremony wa
J. performed by F. Thoizbow, Prince 0
the Iroquois, and son of King Anishen
= thane, or White Cloud. Their matri
monial proceedings were opened by tn
COUNTING DANCE,
. which was performed in the following
manner: Three warriors of the tribe
. headed by a chief, beating on a drum
named Karenishon, sat in a row O.
their launches, while the intendin
), bride and bridegroom remained in
tent. They chanted a sort of melan
choly ditty, the burden of which is t
the effect that if the pair have, real
serious intentions they had bette
: make known their engagement and en-
ter the state of wediock. AS soon a
R the song ceased, the bridegroom issue
from the tent, bowed, and danced ono
!. around the warriors. The bride the
appeared on the scene, and, as til
IS young lady had evidently determine
= to take a. chance. in the matrimoni;
lottery, showed her preference to til
object of her affections by tapping hi
S on the shoulder and presenting hi
8 with marriage present in the shap
of head-band Of elegant bead-worl
This he took in triumph and Shove
. as pledge of love to his companion
~ who pretended to be jealous, an
5. feigned to snatch it away. The 'thre
warriors, after he kissed her, aros'
and all the contracting parties entere
y thetent, when the marriage settlement
were made and the young people &C
rs monished not to enter into an alliant