The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1896-07-27

BemidJi; so do the Carsons, White
Brothers, and in fact several others.
The next day was the Fourth Of July,
and the fact was chronicled by the fir
ing of AL Newman's anvil about
1910 a. m. From daylight, however,
the Fourth really did begin. The day
before whole tribes of Cass Lake,
White Earth and Winnibegoshish
Indians were busy erecting their abor-
iginal tents of birch bark Mrs. ''Lo"
and the children were also in evidence
and each lent a helping hand to tie
the birch bark canoe, unpack the ward
robe or entertain the staring visitor.
The only regular tent was occupied by
the deacon of their church, this partic-
ular band being members of the Epis-
copal church. One would be surprised
how orderly, well behaved and obed-
lent the Chippewa Is under the direc-
ton of his chief. There was no loud
talk. no abuse, not one harsh word
They were all intelligent, and some Of
the young squaws were fine-looking
specimens Of womanhood. Early in
the morning of the Fourth. at o'clock,
the Indians began a parade and made
UP to represent warriors, feathers and
red paint playing conspicuous part
in the action. The Chippewa is not
bit Warlike, his tastes being more
domestic. Yet with the yelling,
whooping and flourish Of scalping knife
one could form very fair idea Of
what 1t meant to antagonize them.
Between and 10 the professor turned
again. escorting the speaker Of the day. B.
f. Wright, very clever young attorney,
from Park Rapids, who delivered very ap-
propriate address. some 500 people listening
thereto. After dinner ball game; score II
to 3 In favor Of Bemidji of course. The con-
testing nine were from Moose. After supper
came the most interesting part of it all.
n q hod hnnr, HrrJlk
the lake, and from there a fine display of
fireworks was sent out. The lake was dotted
with boats, as all those who were fortunate
enough to have them, or friends who did,
were in progress a study of most of the faces
of the Indians would be well worth repro
ducing II possible. One of the features was
canoe race by six Indian women Ny how
they did paddle. person can scarcely real
lie how hard 1t Is to navigate a birch bark
canoe unless they have had experience. Each
Indian had his favorite, and he yelled. The
daughter OF the village doctor was fortunate
In catching several very fine kodak views of
their faces, also of the canoes and their occu-
pants. While the fireworks were still in pro-
gress the Indians had roped off circle some
twenty-five feet or so in diameter, making a
raised place in the center for the "orches-
ira Some twenty braves who sang two
forty, too forte! keeping time on a drum
Wn1eh was suspended upon four stakes in the
center, and beaten by each individual men,
Der. The dancers ranged themselves about
the circle. Each dancer gave to his partner
some present as a mark of respect for the
person so invited AS the dancing kept up
all night, and the next succeeding days. by
this time every white man and woman had
joined in giving the men presents of tobacco,
pipes knives, etc., and the squaws bits of
ribbon. beads cheap rings calico and various
other things, till they had almost exhausted
the stores supplies and sent the dancers
themselves into the bankruptcy court.
Several were well repaid, however as the
indian is an unselfish fellow. and when he
has nothing left to give but his horse he
as freely gives that, or any other article of
value ne may be possessed Of. 1t was anus
ing to see how completely the Indian is
master of ceremonies. A couple purchased a
sack of flour. They brought sack to empty
part OF 1T into, then madame shouldered the
sack, carrying it to camp. Meanwhile her
husband watched the part left. When his
lady love returned she took the balance, while
the lord and master walked grandly in 'front.'
leading the way. On Tuesday the whole
posse broke camp, and from our position in
a boat on the lake we could see the men
were steering the canoe. while the woman
furnished the motive or propelling power A
very pretty operette enacted in the af-
ternoon by the school children under the
direction of the teacher. Miss Cell. The fish
Ing is superb. We took trip to Bass lake
and caught fine mess in a very short time
1t would be an easy matter for party to
rig up a boat and start at Bemidji and make
the through trip down the Mississippi to st.
Paul left Bemidji with regrets, with warm
ana cordial invitations to come back as soon
as l could and I am sure when railway
gets In there 1t will be not only the pretti-
est, but the most desirable town in that
part of the country. They certainly deserve
to succeed. as the original inhabitants are
made up OF sturdy stock, coming from
Maine and Eastern Canada and have SPARED
no E2ins to beautify and aid their little town
In all that holds for good order and pro
gresslon. May their next Fourth of July
snow an increase in the same ratio as this
one over the year preceding.
-Chas. A. Forbes.