The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1892-04-17
OLD MISSION CHURCH.

times larger than Rhode Island and about
one-tcnth az large as Pennsylvania This
vast territory is inhabited by less than
/ coo people, according to the census OF
1890 Of whom 6S5 are males over eighteen
years old.
The population comprises the remnants
Of eight tribes. viz, the Colvilles Lakes,
Okanogans, Nespilems, Columbias, Me-
thows. San Puels and Chief Joseph's band
of Nez Perces. in former years one OF the
most hostile and trou blesome Of the Pacific
coast tribes. The largest of these tribes,
the Okanogans numbers but az Persons
all told, and the smallest, the Nespileins'
numbers but G.. Other inhabitants are
considerable number OF "squaw men
whites who have married Indian or hair
breed wives but who have no other tribal
relations or possessory rights and a few
white settlers who took up government
land prior TO the creation OF the reserya-
tion.
The Colville reservation was created by
executive act during Presidents Grants
administration, the first occupation by In
dams being in 1872 Prior TO that time the
several tribes were in nomadic condition
and did not recognize the guardianship or
protection Of the government. Since that
time they have lived in apparent content
ment on the reserve, for the most part
along the banks and in the fertile valleys OF
the Columbia, Okancgan, San Puell, Bona
parte and Kettle rivers. Their summers
are spent i'm "shacks," or huts, rudely con-
structed Of logs or, if the family be well to
do. the domicilc is more prctentious and
Il. In In
as a matter Of greater comfort, they hud-
die together in the traditional tepee. Ow-
ing to the jealous ministrations or the
Jesuits. who established mission near old
Fort Colyille in the thirties, the Indians
have attained degree of intelligence and
civilization far above the average standard,
and the majority of them are inclined to
industry and thrift. But after all, and
Notwithstanding the restraints and disci-
pine of the Jesuit fathers, they are-In-
dians.
In 1890 the commissioner of Indian af-
fairs at the national capital appointed a
commission TO treat with the Indians for
portion of this reserve, and in May, 1881.
this commission met with them in a coun-
ell Of all the tribes and q treaty was made
and ratified being signed by JOG Indians,
whereby they coded 10 the government
10000 acres, or little more than the
north half Of the reserve. For this the gov
eminent agrees TO pay $l,50O,OOO, build
school houses, a blacksmith shop, saw
mill. furnish necessary instructors and OPP
orators, give each Indian over eighteen
years old eighty acres Of land in severalty
and make special grants in cash to certain
chiefs. Thetreaty was subsequently ratified
by the commissioner of Indian affairs and
secretary Of the interior, and received the
Endorsement Of President Harrison.
To secure to the people this valuable
tract of land requires an act OF congress
appropriating from the public funds sut-
fcent sum for its purchase, and favorable
action is almost assured.
The western portion OF the reservation IS
a beautiful, rolling country, but narrow
strip bordering on the Columbia is of
rugged and mountainous character, and 1t
abounds in streams and fertile valleys. A
large portion of the land is arabic, although
probably not over 800 acres are now under
cultivation. While the valleys yield pro-
lifcalIy of cereals and vegetables, the bench
lands even at an elevation Of 1900 feet, are
not less fertile, and are capable Of produc-
ing enormous crops In other portions OF
Stevens county, bordering on the reserva
ton, better crops are garnered on the
bench lands than on the bottoms.