Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1896-04-18

THE INDIAN AS A SOLDIER.
ned MON DO Not raAs x,aaIs . on
Array Lie. *
The scheme inaugurated BY the war
department in March, 1901, to enlist
Indians IN thu regular army has now
been concIusiseiy demonstrated a fall
nre. All possible means were adopted
to make the experiment d success; en-
thusiastic and suitable oficors were
placed in charge Of THE Indian com
panies; tribal rights Of the rcdmen were
observed; cooks. tuilors and artisans
were taken, when practicable, from
those Indians who had undergone in
structlon at Carlisle or similar schools;
discipline was not nearly so stringent
as with other troops; but all to no avail.
II was proposed to enlist 10 com
panies Of infantry and eight troops OF
cavalry, attaching them TO white regi-
nlents only; but not near that number
was ever obtained. In 1891 there were
All enlisted Indians; 1882, 1850; in 1893,
III; in,1594, SAT, while at present there
remains but one troop.
The reasons for this failure are mani
fold. IIliteracy and an almost total ig-
norance of the English language was a
main factor; instructions and COM
nands were given almost entirely
through interpreters or by signs. The
total new conditions imposed on the
Indians, their restlessness and the prox-
unity of reservations where they saw
their brethren living in freedom and
idleness were likewise elements breed
ing discomfort.
An Indian generally mnrries when
young, and this is almost imprncticable
when he chooses soldiers life; but ten
married men were recognized in each
company. SO that many men could not
live with their families Zen On mar
ried men in comPd'h entniled nu-
merous scamp followers" The Indians
were not as d rule good soldiers; the bet-
ter ones were half-brecds. They are
careless and uncontrolIable when intox-
icated-a very frequent condition after
the monthly pay day. The attention of
army surgeons was usually ignored; II
any became sick or injured the medicine
treatment was practiced with savage
scrupulousncss, and it often happened
after wound was carefully dressed
that the surgeon found, on his next
visit, the bandages had been removed.
That they gained some ideas of neat
ness and cleanliness is indisputable;
but whether they will retain them is
another question. They liked the dis
play part of the military life and the
use of authority.
A case is recalled during the Coxey
movement when an Indian troop was
ordered out to assist at the stopping OF
a stolen train on the Northern Pacific.
The Indians braided their horses names
and tails and desired permission to
wear war paint. On another occasion
ali Indian was ordered to direct three
tramps to leave military reservation.
The embryo cavalryman equipped him
self complete with carbine, saber and
pistol, and, mounting his horse, rode up
to the tramps, saying: John, you go
home, damnl"
On guard no reliance could be placed
in them, for, as rule, they could not
comprehend the various instructions;
nor did it seem just to place an intelli-
gent white soldier under an Indian cor
poral. Fatigue duty was mental to
them. Punishment by confinement to
the guardhouse was considered great
dishonor. Two cases are recalled of In,
dams attempting suicide, one success
fully, after having been confined for a
misdemeanor. Rr
BY enlisting them the desire was to
provide them some means of honorable
employment, teach them good habits
and furnish nn example to others Of
their tribe; also to learn more thorough
" the characteristics and military ca
pabilities of the different tribes. This
was partially accomplished, though re-
ports from one reservation are that the
most discontented Indians present are
those who have been discharged from
the army.
Officers, and especially younger ones,
have no doubt learned much from the
experiment. in regard to the Indian
character and better how to deal with
them. 1t is not likely that the military
knowledge gained by the redmen would
greatly benefit them in case of future
wars with the whites, for their time
honored method Of fighting would still
be practiced; their chiefs did not enlist,
and these still exercise influence.
The government was certainly liberal
to them, for aside from the pay, ration
and allowances received from the war
department they also drew a ration
from the interior department.; sand,
though an Indians appetite is eBor-
nous, no complaint with respectto food
has been heard.
While it is true that many of the
tribes are excellent riders, the Indians
as soldiers were not found to be good
horsemen. The care and attention be-
slowed by the cavalryman on his horse
was not appreciated by him; with him
it was to ride horse hard all day, and
if the animal played out mount an
other.
AS scouts, when enlisted for six
months at a time, they have always
been extremely useful, but the occa-
sions for their future employment to
fight one. another will soon have van
ishcd.
Upright agents, good treatment on
the reservations, the gradual introduce
ton of means Of support, plenty OF
food, abolition of savage rites and chief
tainships are important factors In the