St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1893-11-24
INDIANS AS HERDsMEN

reports OF Indian agents to the de-
partmeDt of the interior are full of in
terest, and convey to the observant
reader much information bearing upon
the future of the aboriginal race.
There is the usual complaint that the
Indians do not take kindly to the GUS
toms of civilization, vet are eager 70
adopt the vices of the white men. On
most of the northern reservations the
tribes are decreasing in numbers as
result of disease and of privation re-
sultlng from their own improvldence.
The Indians have not yet learned to lay
aside a store for rainy day. They
feast sumptuously when they have the
means, and when the morrow comes
want frequently stares them in the face.
Association with the whites has a ten
dency to degrade them. Recognizing
their inability to compete with the
Anglo-SaXon, they abandon themselves
to lives OF seryility, dissipation or vaga-
bondism. Where their reservations are
remote from white settlements they still
retain some of their traditional indie
pendence, endure hardships with stole
ism, and rear their families, to habits
COMFORTING with the ideas that
have descended to them from past gen.
erations. In few localities they have
taken kindly to agriculture and stock
raising the latter being the most con-
genial and popular. Indeed, it is the
opinion of some of the more Intelligent
of the agents that the business of cattle
grazing must ultimately be looked to
as their especial province. The Indian
is at home i'll the saddle and upon the
ranges. He takes pride in the man
agement of horses and cattle. They, at
least, are inferior creatures. He can
command and direct them. He under
stands their nature and their value.
They are representatives of value to
his conception, which field of corn or
wheat cannot be. They appeal to his
own wild nature. The work of herding
them is pleasure to him, for it is a
substitute for the chase. partaking
much of the excitement that pertains to
the hunting of wild ANIMALS. 1t is the
testimony of all the agents in localities
where Indians are employed in this
capacity that they are in all respects
equal and in some superior to the white
men, and that, besides showing nat
ural adaptation for herding, are fast
learning the business of breeding and
caring for the animals.
The experiment of making farmers Of
the Indians has been long tried, and,
except in rare instances, has proved a
failure. The bucks leave the care OF
their farms to the squawS, while they
genial occupations of hunting and fish,
Ing. There is no system i'll their farm
ing methods, and as consequence the
returns are scanty and dlScouraging.
They cannot be made to understand the
benefits of thorough tillage, of the rota
ton of crops, or OF the eXpediency of
obtaining good seed. They pursue the
business blindly, for they have no nat
ural adaptabillty or liking for it. But
give them herd of cattle on range
and they will speedily become familiar
with every animal, its disposition and
it's haunts. They require little instruc-
ton or supervision, for nature has en-
dowed them with all the knowledge
that is necessary Tor the care of focks
and herds.
This may furnish an indication of the
ultimate destiny of the native races of
North America. They will never be-
come hewers Of wood and drawers of
water. They would sooner starve than
engage in such occupations. The cult1-
walton of the soil has few attractions
for them. The processes of develop
ment-tirst the seed, then the plant,
and after that the frut-are too slow
and tedious for their dispositions. Re
suits are what they demand. And
while they understand the mysteries of
animal life, the laws that govern plant
life are closed book. The solution of
the Indian problem has long been
sought. Perhaps it may be found in
the direction of pastoral pursuits given
into their keeping.
The subject is we'll worthy of the at
tention Of the government and of the
various organizations having for their
purpose the elevation OF the condition
of the aboriglnes. Perhaps further in
CURRY may be necessary to demonstrate
the truth of the conclusions arrived at
by the Indian agents whose reports are
alluded to. These Investigations and
experiments may be pursued, however.
without great outlay, by the intelligent
cooperation of philanthropic citizens
with the Indian bureau, and the re-
| suits, we are satisfied, will amply war
| rant the effort.