The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1879-12-25

him buckskins of deerskin, or sandals Of
rawhide; or she presents him foxskin
jacket in Winter, and even carries wood
to his already abundant fire. The father
is almost unrecognized by the son. All
obedience and kindness are for the
mother
COURTSHIP AND MARRIAGE.
When brave concludes to marry,
either first or any subsequent wife, the
manner of his courtship is the same.
He makes no effort to become agreeable
to his intended bride-indeed, rarely if
ever notices her, or speaks to her, except
in answer to questions she may put to
him. He pays more attention, however,
to her male relations, particularly her
brothers, if she has any. Finally, If he
becomes satisfied that a declaration will
not be rejected, then the whole affair is
accomplished in few hours, and gener-
ally in this fashion. At night he takes
the presents intended for the girls
parents, who alone are entitled to receive
any-and places them near the lodge
in which she resides. If the presents
are horses, they have their trappings
also, and are tied with macate near the
lodge; if a COW is to be given, single
straw, or a cows horn, which signifies
the intention, is tied to the lodge. If
the presents are accepted, which almost
always happens, the girl goes in the
morning and builds new lodge or hut
for herself and husband, and puts the
straw into it for their bed. If the man
is rich, there is some ceremony about the
marriage; if poor, very little or none.
When the parties ale Of consequence,
one of the orators of the tribe is en-
ployed by the bridegroom to place the
the presents near the lodge and make a
speech to the brides family for him.
The orator stands at distance of several
yards and in his best style makes the de-
claration for his principal. In this he
dilates on his great quali.ies-his cour-
age, his skill in hunting, or anything in
which he is distinguished. The orator
confines himself strictly to the truth in
his speech, and promises that his princi
pal will maintain and defend his bride;
but at the same time informs her family
that he may at some other time take an
other wife, and even may become tired
Of her and send her home-all of which
are the necessary incidents Of Apache
married life. He also tells them that
while she should remain his only wife,
he would be faithful to her, and should
expect fidelity, obedience and service
from her.
When he returned from hunting, for
ay or play he wanted his food prepe red
as soon as possible, and he should ex-
pect her always to have store of food
on hand so that he might never want.
On his part he would bring her game
and spoils OF the enemv whenever he
could.
After the speech making, during which
Indians about the camp usually rise up
On their elbows and listen, all then 90 to
sleep The next morning the girl-some-
times assisted by her companions
builds a new lodge to commence married
life. in. Her relations make presents to
the parents or family of the husband,
and this is all that generally is done.
FILIAL AFFECTION.
The obedience and attention of the
son to the mother is one of the prom
inent characteristics of Apache customs
Sometimes an Indian is gone a long
time, perhaps from being pursued by
enemies, or taken prisoner, or from
being hurt by wild beasts in the noun
tains but whatever happens to him, if,
when on his way home, he kills any
game, no matter how great his hunger,
he takes it to his mother. If he have
a wife and children it is all the same
he passes them by to his mothers lodge
and gives her the game.
Great affection is shown by Apaches
among themselves, particularly among
their women. II one returns from a
visit of many days to a neighboring
band, they all gather around her-men,
women and children. The women
laugh and pat her shoulder, and put
their arms around her, offer her food,
caressing her in thousand ways, and
showing evidence of unbounded gladness
at her return. In fact, they are really
childish in the expression of their emo
tions; they will repeatedly pronounce
the name of the returned one in en-
dearing tones, as little child would its
mothers. This caIessing is universal