The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1885-08-07

IL
that refraius from wiping these people
from the face of theearth. In the olden
times they would have been slaught-
cred as SO many wild beasts, and that
was then. and perhaps it would be
now, the true policy. We have not
pursued that course in the past, mel
ther can we pursue it in the future.
The giving of these people lands and
placing them upon reservations Is also
commendable. The holding of the lands
in common and without the power to
ALLEVIATE. them or to commit waste, is
good thing that ought never to be
changed. Each of these reservations
is sufficiently large to give its own
ers plenty of freedom, and each of them
contain within their borders all the re-
sources to maintain and supply them.
What we now need is common-sense
treatment of these people; a treatment
that will take into consideration the
character, habits and customs of these
savages. If we advance them but
single step we have done well; if we
can change them from a savage
people, living on game, fish and roots,
to people living on their fiocks and
herds, we have done enough.
In the east there is a race of people
who are called Nomads. They live in
tents and have their flocks and herds.
They change their camps as it pleases
them, seeking for their herds grass and
water. They have but little knowl-
edge of the schools, arts or crafts. Like
our savages they manufacture for their
own needs. Should family of our
Indians fall in with camp of these
people, would they find it difficult
thing to adapt themselves to the ways
of these Nomads? Certainly not. AS
herders and tenders of stock they could
continue to live in their tents; their do
mestic arrangements would not have
to undergo single change. They could
retain their dress which seems so dear
to them, and they could change their
camp as often as they desired. While
they are not fit for farmers or trades.
men they are in many respects well
qualified to care for herds of cattle and
horses. They are an active, watchful
people and capable of undergoing all
the hardships connected with the rear
ing of stock. The handling of and the
breeding could be taught them much
easier than farming or any of the trades.
And it is source of wealth that out
strips all others. If the money and
energy that is expended yearly on
these people to make them farmers,
tradesmen and scholars was changed
into cattle and instruction how to
manage them, a very few years would
find them not only able to provide fol
their own wants but the wealthlest
people under the government. 1t will
be found to be true that the Indian
will not be the successful stock raiser
that his white brother is, but it will
also be found that he will succeed, for
cattle and horses are almost the natu-
raj production of his country and will
increase and grow if they are but let
alone.
This seems to me to be reasonable
and practicable solution of the question.
| call your attention to the reservation
of the Cheyennes or the Apaches; it is
capable of supporting thousands OF
horses and cattle. For this employ
ment not single change would be re-
quired In the habits or customs of these
people. The trouble is only with our
selves. Are we willing to give up our
pet ideas that we can educate them,
Christianize, civilize aud make them
as white people? Are we willing to
let them workhip God after the die
tates of their own hearts? To live In
tepees and cowas; to wear their hair
long and retain their blankets? If we
are not willing that he shall do these
things, then there is nothing left for
us to do but continue struggling with
him until the end of time, or till he
fades away before the power of the
white man.
might add for the comfort of those
who desire to do SO much for the In
dian, that it is probable that many of
them will cultivate little farms, or
when they become the future cattle
cattle kings Of the country they will
seek the knowledge and the comforts
of our civilization. Then when they
knock at the doors of our institutions
of learning it will be time to open
to them. Armed troops cannot keep
these people quiet like the possession
of tlocks and herds.
w. g MCDONALD.