The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1895-10-19

VI seVerdl tnOusdEu acres all OF. tnlS vast
tract OF land has been allotted to the
Indians. The government contract
and allotments of this land dates
back In the fifties. In all these long
years the soil has remained undisturbed,
fact that goes to prove that the aver
age Chippewa Indian has a certain anti
pathy against agricultural pursuits. In
almost all other pursuits we find them
employed alongside white men. Many
are engaged in loading lumber during
the summer months and are, considered
very competent in the business. They
entertain strong aversion to the voca-
tion of farming and freely express the
opinion that they are desirous of part
ing with these lands severally or as a
whole.
With the existing laws regulating the
disposal of their land, the various
channels through which the papers
must pass, the delays and uncer-
tainities ana amount of red
tape connected with the affair, is not
only unsatisfactory to the Indian, but
also 10 the party purchasing. During
the writer's residence at this point he
has come in contact and transacted con-
siderable business with many of the
members of the tribe. We have con-
suited the business residents who have
resided here for quarter Of century
and in every instance find the Indian
competent and capable of attending to
his own affairs. Doubtless there was
time in the history Of the upper penin-
sula when the red men Of this region
required guarded protection. But that
day. like the papoose position, has
passed from view. The peninsula pro-
crosses, we are in a bicycle age, the
wigwam Is worn out. The iude hutS
that afforded shelter 10 our renowned
and historic characters op these shores
are something OF the past. In their
stead stands the stately mansions.
Government advantages afforded the
members of the tribe changes the
dwelers. The bright light of the burn
ing faggots cast on the bough bed of tie
slumbering brave is eXtinguished. The
rays Of the setting sun now struggles
through the foliage of the open window
on the bordered brussels beneath the
bronze bust Of Beatrice. The red robust
rangers, who proudly peered over their
fatal fire piece. now wan, wasted and
weighted with years. pours and
ponders over the pages Of Blackstone.
Desirous of kecping pace with the pro-
gressive whites, their modern equipped
homes are literally supplied with the
latest literature. Economic in measure,
having accustomed themselves in the
past 10y their limited means 10 the mere
necessaries Of life. and naturally dis
posed to be suspicious by inheritance,
their wits sharpeued by constant dicker-
ing and dealing, they exhibit remarkable
aud surprising shrewdness. 10 the
casual observer their competency for a
proper ulSpOsdl Ol luHu5 were tuey W
realize hv the sale OF their reservation
could not be questioned.
Whether or not the deal will be con-
sumnated largely rests with the resi-
dents anchored In this village. We
should bear in mind that farming is
forging to the front in the Lake Superior
district. Pine is peterng, and the day
is not far distant when species of other
wood will have marketable value.
Then will the greedy corporations grasp
the opportunity to embrace this valuable
tract of land. In the meaatime let the
business men (the backbone OF the viii
lageI lend their aid to the Indian, aid
him in disposing Of his lands at a just
figure. Aid the farmer in obtaining a
home. encourage manufacturing, and
aid the township in collecting its
revenues from sixty thousand acres OF
land. B.