Lewiston teller. [volume] (Lewiston, North Idaho) 1878-1900, 1888-08-09

THE NEE PIERCE CELEBRATION


The Weiser Leader has the following
correspondence in regard to the ith Of
July celebration at Lapvai:
Head Office Ncz Perez Reservation, J
Fort Lapwai, Idaho, July i, 1888.
For the last two weeks or more the
Indians have been gathering in from all
points Tor two or three hundred miles
for 4th Of July celebration, and have
set their tents IN II circle near the old
tort. 1t is estimated that there is over
1900 Indians here today. The cerc-
monies commenced with prayer by
Spencer, an Indian presbyterian. After
this they formed circle inside Of the
tents, standing single file around the
encampment, when one stepped forward,
turning to the right and started he
shook hands with every one he passed,
and the first followed him and SO on in
like manner until all were marching in
a circle and every one had shaken hands
with each other, and each one took his
place where they had started from. The
Agent, Mr.. G.. w. Norris, then rode in
and spoke few words, telling them
what the 4th of July was celebrated for
thanking them for their good behavior
SO FAR, and admonished them to continue
through the day as they had begun it
An Indian then rode into the ring, and
after riding around the circle, spoke al
some length Of their progress socially
and advised them to conduct the affairs
Of the day as they had began. They
then adjourned to a free dinner, and all
took hold with relish. In short time
a party of forty or more Indians rode
into camp dressed and painted in regula,
war rigs and style. After riding at full
galop up and down tho road, around the
camp inside and out, laying on The
horses sides firing blanks under theil
nccks, and other exploits that many Of u.
have seen when it was not SO pleasant as
4th of July celebration. They thcr
dispersed, and all went to the race course
where they had some excellent cayust
racing, from one.half mile up to fou1
miles, but all races were run fair, ant
without a word of contention. 1t il
pleasant to have people get together ant
enjoy IA days sport without making {
quarrel of it, and l doubt if that numbe
of white men can assemble any where il
the Tuited States, and have The SAM
amount Of exciting amusements, withou
brawling aud rowing. During the entir
day VIC have not heard an unpleasan
word, for which the Indians deserv
credit. The Nez Perez Indians hav
among them some very intelligent me-
much more than they have been cred
tied with. Mos. of those men are max
ing the advancement Of the tribe il
industrial pursuits and domestic purit
their principal study and VIC may loo
for the rising generation to take an uppe
seat among the people. If the q. S
government will discard some Of tn
broken down politicians from the India
department, and iill the rank with me
Who are willing TO do as near ri ht a
these Indians Of the higher order, en-
less political wrang!iug amous themselve
for higher positions, when they ar
making poor showing Of the one the
have, thinking the Indians do not kno'
anything Of their contentious. TheI
are plenty Of Indians here who can te
you Of all the little political trlckery an
how the appointments are made:
i FAR WEST.