Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1899-08-31


man. But this is not the worst o
it; this tyranOus method of educa
ton invades the most sacred terri
tories Of cOnsanguinity and vio
lates the most delicate laws of nat
ural affinity. The young Indian
is taught, and is made to believe
that his own father and mother are
unfit examples for him to initiate
that their counsels are not to be
the guide of his youth; that he is
no more to look up to them with
filial reverence and esteem, but
rather down upon them at the long
range of sincere pity and commits
seration.
Now, with such an outfit, it is,
that the young Indian is turned
loose, and IS expected to go back
to his people, and, like an accom-
plished craftsman, work them all
over into something like himself
into white people. The folly of
such an experiment is to too obvi-
Gus to need elucidation; but try it
upon some other specimen of hu-
manity, and see how it will work;
go to Paris, catch a young French
man, bring him over to the United
States, put him under drill in Har-
ward, or Yale, and keep him there
until everything of a Gallo nature
has been drilled out of him, and
everything strictly American sub
stituted; then send him back home
as a missionary to persuade his
fellow Parisians to abandon their
old hereditary institutions and be-
come like himself, all American;
let him begin to preach his reform,
and what would be the result? He
might possibly be taken care of as
an idiot; but, if found to be sane,
then treated with contempt.
Now, as to the fundamentals of
human nature, there is no differ
ence between the natural Indian
and the artificial Frenchman.
1t is interesting, as well as in
structive, to study the career of
the young Indians who have been
educted in this way.
A few, who had the strength of
character to withstand the biasing
influence of their training, have
gone back TO their respective
tribes as educated Indians, and
without scruple, or criticism, have
to the innocent and
congenial customs of their people,
and are quietly enjoying the ad-
vantages of their education, while
the presence of their salutary ex-
ample is inaudibly, yet very sure
ly, coaxing their countrymen into
habits of noble imitation. These,
as far as the good of their respec-
tive tribes are concerned, are the
most useful graduates that ever
issue from these government
schools; yet, strange as it may
seem, they are the ones that 60
down on record as having apostsl-
lied from the true faith of civiliza-
ton and are remembered only as
A few, too, enter the missionary
service in good faith, return to
their people, and, in their deluded |
begin to preach to them |
their whitemanism, appealing to
themselves as illustrations of the |
doctrines which they proclaim.
But unfortunately they are, as il
we're, only Americanized French
men trying to evangelize Paris by |
preaching to them the gospel OF
Uncle Sam. at is no co." they |
ire failures.
But, by far, the greater number
axe quite a different course.
Their school drill has drilled all
he Indianism out of them COM
,letely. They cease to love
md be proud of, their race. They
eel no sentimental attachment to
heir tribe. Their affiliation with
heir people is mainly for the pur-
,ose of gain. They are easy in
Washington society. They ride
N railroads with unpunched tick
is. At home they generally man
ge TO stand exceedingly close TO
Il the sources of honor, profit and
rust, they constitute a convenient
Medium of connection between
he internal resources of their
country and outside adventurer.
they are Jealous advocates OF pro-
.ress, and are always ready for
ny breezy reform that will effect
Ially jostle the persimmOn tree.
As to the qualifying of young
indians for taking care of them
elves for turning short corners,