Seattle daily post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, W.T. [Wash.]) 1881-1888, 1883-02-03
A CIVILIZED INDIAN CoMMUNITY.

We have all heard OF civilization
among Indians, but the Pacific coast
reader must believe, after reading the
letter following from the Colonist, that
the Port Simpson Indians, Of Northern
British Columbia, take the lead:
PoRr S1MpsoN, Jan. IL, 1888.
A pleasing feature of Indian life in
the Tsimslyean peninsula is the steady
but certain growth of the people in civ
ilization. as marked by their improved
style of living and their greater industry
in providing for their families. As Port
Simpson is approached from the sea,
the visitor is struck by the town-lik as
pect of the place and the neat appear
ance of the peoples homes. Walking
through the village, ne finds the leading
streets in tolerably good condition, fair
IL graveled and clean. He will be sur.
prisod to find organizations 40 like
those found in countries with centuries
of civilization at their back, a. temper
ance society. fire brigade, a rifle COM
pany. and q brass band, in addition to a
we'll filled church on the Sabbath and a
fairly attended public school, and all
this accomplished within the last ten
years. The temperance society num-
bers over seventy members. Its turn
out in regalia ON the first day of the
year was a pleasing sight. Besides alb
staining from the use of Intoxicating
drink, the members endsavor to provide
for the sick and the destitute.
The fire brigade numbers sixty. Their
full dress Is navy-blue pants with scar
let coats. Fortunately they have little
in their limo to do, as the watohful care
of the people makes fires" rare OCCUR
rences. The hremen have IN course Of
completion fine hall 45x25 feet. II
fronts the west and is surmounted by q
rectangular spire capped with pretty
dome, at whose base is large project
ing lookout ON the sea, protected by
balusters. The building is credit to
their skill and enterprise.
Over the bridge connecting the island
with tho mainland the rifle corps has
erected q tower with 2 parapet which
commands the harbor ON either side.
This company wears a dress Of navy
blue when on parade. A fair critic in
military movements would not consign
any ono of the fifty members Of this
corps to the awkward squad.
The brass band, wien ON the march,
commands the admiration Of every be-
holder by their fine appearance and
comparatively excellent performances.
They do not play by ear, but each has
tho notes of his part before him, and.
considering these men are almost SELF.
| taught, il 10 q matter Of surprise that
| they play 60 we'll.
The temperance society proposes TO
erect a hall for their public and private
meetings, which, together with the other
buildings to be built this year. viii make
Port Simpson ono of the most handsome
Indian villages in the country.
An epidemic, in the form of . some
what malignant type OF measles. ees IN
about the beginning Of tho holidays,
and continues TO spread. More than one
hundred cases have occurred, mostly
among tho children, though . few adults
have been attacked. BY constant a.
teution and frequent cautionary advice
given By the missionary, Rev. Mr.. Croe'
BY, very few Gases have proved fatal.
Owing to q religious revival which
broke ont in November, our Magistrates
and village Council have had exceed
inely easy work in maintaining peace
The people striving after higher typ!
Of life, the common enemy ct man had
llttle power over them.
There has bean a great dearth Of com
municatio0 with the outaide world thu
wiutsf. For months no mail has beeu
received. Surely the Dominion Gov
eminent, with its millions Of GuTplui
lYsvonue, ooold afford the business mel
ok this coast . mail at least once moufi
during the winter mOnfhs. From Qusei
ChaYloets's Sound noEfhwaxd an exten
Gjvo buninonu y done, from which tn