Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1884-10-11
An ARAUCANIAN PARLIAMENT.
Indians Who speak for Over Fonr Hours
Without Interruption.

Ifofihlghtly kcNleW'I
The Amucanians are. or were. divided
INTO six tribes. and governed bv chiefs or
caciques. under whom are sub-chiefs; and
until lately these tribes could place many
thousand fighting-men IN the field. The
Commandant OF the nearest fort Is now
practically the ruler aud judge, and
IL. he reyerscS or ignores the de-
cisions OF the chiefs, the rule Of the
latter il rapidly coming to an end. 1t
j. curious to notice how litigious these In
dams are. At every fort crowd OF Them
were waiting to bring their complaints be-
fore the cOmmandant. One old Indian
whom saw was clamoring for decision on
Il case the facts OF which had occurred ten
years previously. Throughout this part
Of the country the ChiIan Government has
placed a line OF forts 4 few miles apart for
The purpose Of keeping the Indians in
order. Their mode OF warfare is on
horseback, their one weapon being
long lance Of bamboo. twenty feet
IN length. They attack with the most
awful cries, and when galloping away after
rout will extend themselves along their
horses sides. holding on in the most skill
ful manner. and thus making their horses
bodies serve them as shields. II fell 10 my
lot TO be present at parliament OF these
Indians. and most interesting occasion II
was. bad set out 10 pay visit to one OF
the chiefs. and on arrival at his hut was in
formed that he was presiding at 4 meeting
OF chiefs at some distance of. Thithcr we
rode, and at last came in sight OF the
assembly. which WAS held on m open Splce
II grassland about the size OF Hyde Park,
studded with large trees. On our arrival
within half a mile OF the SPOT we stopped,
according 10 etiquette. Presently about
$50 mounted Indians broke away from the
assembly. gailoped toward Us, and wheeled
about hundred yards of. We follow
ed. and rode three times round the
Gathering. Our escort then left Us,
and we were invited TO enter the circle
II mounted Indians and listen 10 the
debate. Never shall forget the impress
son | formed OF that wild mans parlil-
ment. We were treated with the utmost
civility and attention. But though our re-
ccption was polite, il was certainly not cor
dial. IT was evidently with ~ feeling Of
pleasure that these ancient owners OF the
soil received at last on terms OF equality
the white man. whom for over thee ccntil-
ries they had kept at bay.
The president. who WAS the most power
iul chief present. was mounted on gray
horse, with silver Stirrups and silver bit,
and was in the centre OF the group. Every
now and then a mGrmur OF applause OF
disapprobat,On arose. but beyond thi-
there Yves not word spoken by
any one tut the Indian who was
addressing the assembly. lie was recount
ing how hls kindred had been Sllugh-
tered in neighboring Stlte-hOw his eat
tie had been taken, ms men separated from
their wives, and children torn from thcil
mother, nerribie retaliation for some bor-
der raid. The speaker went on to say that
he had fed to Chilli. and that ii amy
Gillian Indians would let him live
there with the remnants OF his people
they would be very thankful. Thi'
Indian was still speaking when LETT
he never faltered or hesitated for q
word. | was told that some Of these In
dians will speak for over four hours with
out interruption. One Of our plrty, | re.
gret to say, made himself rather conspicu
oU, by his leyity Of manner aad the lout
tone OF voice in which he carried OF
conversation during this harangue
But the Indians did not seem L
lie disturbed by 1t. They listened
10 the orator addressing them with rap
attention. and took no notice OF incidents
which would have irrilated an English
audience plst endurance. | was particu
larly struck by the quiet digni.y Of manner
sud gentlemanly bearing Of these Indians
\ Cblli0n gentleman hear me very justly
observed. . Is it hot curious how extreme,
meet? How much the bearing OF these
poor Indians resembles that Of what wt
call the highest civilized society,""