The Helena independent., 1889-01-24
FLATHEAo RESERVATION.
Some Interesting information from Montana's
Garden Bpot.

Bone Interesting information from Montana's
Garden Spot.
Major Peter Roman, the vetern agent OF
the Flathead Indian reservation, always
has something OF interest TO say regarding
the reservation, when properly approached.
The major holds the distinction Of being
one of Montanas pioneer Journalists, and
therefore whatever he says goes as gospel
truth. An INDEPENDENT reporter found
him In pleasant mood Mt the C0smopoli-
tan last night. Major Roman considers the
Flathead reservation the most picturesque
spot In the United States, and when dilat-
Ing on Its beauties grows POLITICALLY elo-
quent. IL Is the garden spot OF
Montana, with its hills and dells,
ravines and rivers, lakes and water
fails and cataract with fall In some places
OF 1000 feet. IL Is the p0ers haven and the
hunters paradise. Major Roman says that
many distinguished people from the East
spent several weeks In hunting In the Flat
head last fall, among whom were the Irish
earl of Callad0n and Capt RadclIff. Last
year Sir Edward R0dda, of England, visit
cd the reservation for the sole purpose of
securing specimens OF Rocky Mountain
goat and had the good fortune 10 kill thir-
teen, which he took back TO England and
had them set up In his palace. He recently
had the group photographed and sent
Major Roman one Of the pictures.
The reservation, Major Roman says, con-
tains 1,yO0,OO0 acres. and Is inhabi-
ted by about 1900 Flathead Indians. ST.
lgnatius school, the largest Indian school
In the country, has 200 students, who are
instructed BY the missionary fathers and
sisters; the former look after the boys and
the latter take charge OF the girls. School
Is In session all the year around, excepting
a short vacation In summer, and the major
feels proud 10 state that he can produce as
good scholars as can be seen anywhere, In
similar branches OF learning. The tuition
Is not confined 10 text books alone, but es-
tablished schools OF all kinds OF trades re-
ceiye attention and towards which the pu-
pills show great aptitude. The principal
mechanical branches taught are, carpenter.
ing harness and saddle making, grlst mills
and saw mills, blacksmlthing, and all kinds
OF gardening and farming. Besides these
the school has brass band Of twenty in
struments which, for the production OF
good music, will not take back seat for
any musical organization In Montana.
The new college In course of erection,
Mr.. Roman states, is fast nearing compile
ton. IL Is constructed OF wood, Is three
stories high and when completed will cost
In the neighborhO0d of s50,OO0. II is being
/ uuli Wy COu
tract with the goyernment,th the fathers 10 re-
ceive. besides an appropriation from con.
gress. 80 much annually for the tuition OF
each pupil.
The health of the tribe has been excep-
ti0nally fine the past year, which has
proven very prosperous one. The In
dians all live In their own houses, a num-
ber Of which were erected during 1858, and
the farming products were greatly in
creased as compared with former years,
the principal productions being wheat,
oats and vegetables OF all kinds. There
are several prosperous Indian stockraisers
on the reservation, three OF whom, Mr.. Ro-
nan estimates their wealth TO be between
$4,000 and $4,000 each.
Major Roman says Of the new mission on
the Crow reservation that Rev. l.. Van
| Corp, ;. j., the pioneer missionary and
early parish priest of Helena, who has had
charge OF St lgnatius Mission on the Flat
head reservation for the past fifteen years,
was recently transferred 10 ST. Xavier
Crow agency. This mission was estab
lished last year by the Catholic mission
aries, and Is meeting with good success
The Indians number about 300 They
know but little about religion, but they are
well disposed and very friendly towards
the missionaries. The fathers have alread,
over one hundred children at their school
and II Is reported that both the boys and
the girls are doing splendidly, considering
the short time they have been under tul
tion. st. Xavier Mission Is situated In
bleak, cold country, and though II Is con
sldered n nice location, II by no meant
compares with In beauty ST. Ignatius, IN
Missoula county. Fort Custer Is twenty
commanded by Gen Dudley.
In company with Col Broadwater, Maj0l
Roman leaves for Butte this morning, bu
will return In the evening.