The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1899-12-17
PASSION PLAY BY INDIANS.
THE STORY or CHRIST TOLD IN
PANrOMINIIE.

| How the Indians Took Their Parts.
Father Chirouse Produced the Play
in 1850 as an object Lesson in His
scheme of Missionary Labors. and
Its Success Was SO Complete That
Preparations Are Under Way TO
Repeat the Performance.
| st. Paul. Mimi, Dec. 16--Imag CINE In
dams, performing the Passion Play! Pic
ture to your mind. if you can, the solemn
| scenes OF Chrisrs passion presented in
pantomime by ordinary redskins, ana that,
too, for the purpose OF impressing the
truths of Christianity more deeply upon
their fellows!
Yet this idea was actually conceived by
a missionary to the Siwash tribe in Brit
ish Columbia few years ago. and what
is more, was actually carried out with
great effect Father Chirouse was the
man who did it, and the play made such a
success in 1889. mat preparations are I'M
der way TO repeat it.
When the priest, who is a French Ca
madam and Roman Catholic took up his
work among the Siwash tribes he found
them sorely in need of light He labored
early and late in the little chapels or the
dingy, weather-stained tents which served
for chapels and after time he found
that his efforts were not bearing fruit of
much promise.
It was comparatively easy to teach the
Indians the verbal word of God but when
it came to an understanding of the real
meaning of Christianity there was fail
ure. 1t seemed as if the wonderful story
of the Passion could not be brought clear
ly to them. In their own folklore they
had many parallels, many wierd stories of
strange doings, and it was not dong until
Father Chirouse began to see that the
suffering and death of the Savior was to
them merely a tale, possibly told to Illus
trate a point
Day after day he went among them en-
deavoring to impress the living truth upon
their minds. He had had success in chang
ing their moral views and had made of
them moral men and women as Indians
go. But he was not satisfied. There came
to him in time what the good father con-
sidered divine inspiration. 1t was a hap
BY thought that bore happy fruit and per-
! haps the father was right in placing it's
source where he did.
How the Inspiration Came.
One Sunday after morning mass, which
was held in small settlement named
Seachel the priest entered into conversa-
sation with an old Siwash somewhat re-
nOWned as medicine man. The language
used was the Chinook, that universal
tongue of the Indians and whites in the
Northwest.
Ever mindful of his absorbing ambition
in life, the teaching of the Savior's pas
sion, Father Chirouse repeated the old,
old story TO his companion, describing in
detail the career of Christ and his ultl-
mate crucifxion. When he had finally
ended he glanced inquiringly at the aged
Indian.
''Sah-a-le Ty-ee kiosche (Jesus good),"
replied the Indian rather indifferently
But you believe that He suffered and
died for our sins?' persisted Father Chi
rouse.
The siwash thought awhile then with
an inscrutable smile, &e answered:
see-ow-ist, Pah-pah" q have eyes,
Yes"
NO man-ich." (But did not see that)
My son, my son, how could Won see
it?" exclaimed the priest fairly exasper
ated. 1T happened almost nineteen cen
turtles ago"
Then he went away TO think Within
three days a perfected plan rested in the
brain of Father Chirouse 1t was the
plan of play to be enacted by Indians
for Indians, a play with living actors. and
with scenes IMPLYING The Passion of
Christ
He sought aid in prayer and for three
days and three nights invoked divine as
sistance neither sleeping nor ealing dur
ing that period. Then after resting awhile
he began his task with confidence. His
first duty was to select the actors. In
the cast if il might be so termed he need
ed at least a score. Besides the saviour
there were the disciples, Mary, PLATE, the
guards and others. 1t was necessary not
only TO train Indians to take the parts
but what was almost as difficult Father
Chrouse had to find The costumes
These had to be made In the village and
by persons who did not know a tunic from
a toga. Spears, uniforms helmets, girdes
and other paraphernalia were required to-
gether with cross, stage and divers sets
of scenery
At first there was some jealousy Those
given the minor casts were piqued be-