Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1892-09-30
BRATTLEBORO LOCAL
THE INDIAN MISSION.
Mrs. Quinton Speaks in Behalf of Poor


Mrs. 0uinton Speaks in Behalf of Poor
LO.
An audience of several hundred people
gathered at the union service at the Centre
church Sunday evening to listen to the adj
dress of Mrs. Amelia S. Quinton, the pres
ident of the Woman's National Indian as
ISOLATION. After the opening services, in
which Rev. Mr.. Parry and Rev. Mr.. Phalen
took part, Mrs. Quinton was introduced
by Rev. Mr.. Parry, who said that it was
one Of the delightful features of the early
colonial life that the settlers could say that
they did not occupy an acre of land which
they had not lawfully acquired by purchase
from the Indians. Mr. Parry briefly re-
ferred to the great wrongs which were per-
petrated as civilization advanced westward.
Mrs. Quinton spoke of the two-fold work
of man as related in the Scriptures-that
of construction and that of destruction.
Many wrongs have been righted since the
WOman's association began its work ID
years ago. Instances were cited where
Indians had been unjustly prosecuted. An
officer of the United States army led an at
tack against the Pegans in Montana, be-
cause of some fancied act of depreciation,
which it was afterward proved the Indians
did not commit, and wiped out an entire
village. For years 5000 acres of land in
California owned by the Indians was con-
trolled by less than 20 men, who managed
it for their own profit, and who considered
it no crime to kill Indians who raised OBJ
jections to their methods. The friendly
Wapheton and SissetOn Sioux, who fought
for the white men, in return had their lands
contiscated. The women resolved to make
their appeal to Christians, to ask for the
Indian the protection granted to other
men, and as a result the severalty bill was
passed and now 10000 Indians are citizens.
The work for the advancement of the In
dian is now supported in 40 states, and is
managed under eight departments. No
more important work was ever done than
last year. One important act was the de-
feat of the bill to remove the Utes from
their fertile lands in Colorado to arid lands
in Utah. When the women began their
work of agitation $4,000 year was used
for the education of the Indians, but now
the sum is 100000. The number of
military posts in charge of the Indians has
been reduced from 20 to 10. Ninety thous-
and young Indians are now attending
school. Sixty tribes were formerly without
missions, but % missions have now been
established, and much mission work is
done indirectly. Homes have been estab-
lished and the home influence cultivated.
The young Indians have been educated to
act as DOCTORS lawyers, teachers, and mis-
sonaries among their own people. The
Young Peoples society is doing a valuable
work. There should be a mission estab-
lished by each state. The cost is only
from $500 to $500 year. The eastern
part of Vermont could easily support one
1t has been proved concluslvely that the
Indians can be taught, civilized, christian
lied. Out of a population of 100000
$4,000 are now self-supporting, engaged
in civilized work.
Much of Mrs. Quinton's lecture was de
voted to a seven months trip to the Indians
in different parts of the country, beginning
with the Seminoles i'll Florida, and after
ward going to the Navajos, Apaches, tn
Pueblos, the Diggers, and other tribes
Many pathetic incidents were related
showing that the Indian has human
heart, and desire for higher development
if only properly treated and encouraged.
But while so much has been done Their
are still grave wrongs to be righted, i'm
portant steps to be taken in civilizing tn
Indians among whom horrible rites still
prevail, and in closing Mrs. Quinton plead
ed earnestly for interest in and support o
the work of the association. \ collection
was taken, amounting to S26.