The Saline County journal. [volume] (Salina, Kan.) 1871-1893, 1879-08-28
rmnLoRmAn INDIANS.

Prom IL savlnaaA HevA
But little il known Of the remnant Of
Indians Who still inhabit the southern
extremity Of Florida. They lead seclu-
ded existence, avoiding general inter
course with the white settlers, and immur-
ing themselves within the dark and almost
impenetrable recesses Of the gloomy Ever
glades. That unknown and mysterious
region is to them q paradise, and they find
within Its woods and waters what Is
requisite to satisfy their simple wants.
Its forests supply game In profusion, its
lakes and seacoast an unlimited supply
Of fish, oysters and turtle. Arrowroot,
comtil. cassava and other farinsceous
roots grow Wild in abundance, while the
weather is 90 mild that these children Of
nature require neither elaborate dwellings
nor many changes Of clothing. They are
fully aware OF their weakness and will
never again dig up the Ratchet unless
provoked by repeated and gross outrages.
rebels. thew desire to be let
severely alone, and permitted to
conduct their own affairs in their own man
ner. The lands they occupy are not desir-
able, contain neither gold nor silver mines,
and could only be fitted for cultivation by
an extensive and costly system Of drain
age.
For many years they have lived in
peace with their pale-faced neighbors,
and seldom commit any trespass upen
their property. Occasionally few Of the
older braves visit the stores, bringing with
them peltries and dressed deer skins,
which they exchange for ammunition and
calico. II is believed that many of them
understand English although they gener-
ally disavow any knowledge Of our Ian
guage, and usually converse through the
aid Of an interpreter. Their number is
estimated at from three to four hundred
souls, and physically they are said to be
| tall, erect and athletic race. There are
few negroes among them, and it is
stated that one ambitious darkey aspires
TO the chief tianship when a vacancy &C.
ours.
The term Seminole signifies ''outcast."
and was conferred upon these Indians
from the fact that the tribe was largely
composed Of refugees from the Creeks.
| Cherokees, Choctaws, Yemassee s and 9TH
ed the States Of Georgia, South Carolina
i anu hibudLuo, WIN SOukut sAhttuay
among them in consequence OF offences
cure from sheriffs and laughed at requis-
itions, being adopted as citizens and con.
forming TO the customs and usages OF
their protectors. As civilization advances
southwark upon the peninsula hunt.
ing grounds Of these savaaes viii neces.
sarily become more circumscribed, and
l., a. a. q
merge with the whites. They shrinh
from the idea of n removal west Of the
Mississippi, where large body Of then
people are now located, and refuse to con.
verse upon the subject. An attempt to
Dust them forcioly would only result in a
Iprotracted war, costing much money and
blood and interfering greatly with the
settlement Of that section. At presen,
they are no expense TO the Government,
and lead an absolutely independent ex
istence, less being known Of them, per
haps, than any other tribe within the lin
its of the country. 1t is somewhat strange
that no missionary has ventured intt
their Businesses. and rs 10 political honors
not one among them has been nominated
and elected to the Legislature. in thu
lower branch Of which they are entitled Il
a member under the Constitution. A
brave arrayed In his war forgery, feather
and paint, would create quite sensation
should he make his appearance among
the State Solons. they are not well post
ed in history, and it is rumored that on,
Of the chiefs, in recent interview will
a white acquaintance, gravely expressed
the desire to purchase a couple Of negrt
boys in exchange tor ponies. Schools
are evidently sadly needed. Here is 4
fine opening for enterprising and patriot,
teachen.
A xpedition has recently been sent
down among the Indians from the De.
parfmeak a The Interior. under command
OF Captain Pratt, ofthe army. That Off.
Ger reached . camp Of the Creeks and had
talk with the head meu Of the Seminoles.
He found them extremely reticent and un-
willing 10 converse about their Attain.
They were conteRted and happy. and ~
parently in need of no assistance. They
have no faith IN Nv ashington talk" and
are anxious to be permitted TO work out
their own destiny without let or hinder
ance. They gave the cold shoulder to one
of the Indians formerly confined at st.
Augustine, who accompanied the party
for the purpose Of procuring specimens for
the Smithsonian Institute, because he
spoke English and was dressed in white
mans apparel. Some few of these inter
esting people cultivate the fertile islands
within the Everglades, and raise corn.
pumpkins and sugar cane. Captain Pratt
states that one had invented rude sugar
mill. As general thing. however, they
subsist, as did their fathers, upon the
products of the chase, and are "a primi-
tive as they were century ago.