The Pascagoula democrat-star. (Pascagoula, Miss.) 1878-1920, 1899-12-08
Ehe1rmnrrat=Star
MISSISSIPPI INDIANS.
A MOST INTERESTING REPORT CON.
CORNING THEM.

CORNING THEM.
Clarion. Ledger.
The biennial report OF State Super
intendent Whitfield TO the Leuisla.
ture VIII contain a report on the edu-
cational condition Of the Indians OF
the State, prepared at the Superiuten-
dents request by Mr.. II. S. Haloert,
OF Newton county. The report OF
Mr.. Haibert has just been submitted.
and it is Of especial interest not only
because of its accurate portrayal of
the present religious and educational
condition Of the Indians, but on &C.
count OF the fact that it contains n
good deal OF information in connec-
ton with the visit of the Dawes Com
mission to this State last January for
tile purpose of enrolling the Choc-
taws in Mississippi who might be en-.
titled to property rights in the In
dian Nation. The report deals with
the Indians in Newton. Leake, Ne
shoba, Kemper and Jasper. No in
formation is afforded as to the race in
Scott and Greene counties. Seven
schools, public and private, were
taught in the first 5 named counties,
the public schools being taught by
white men and the private by Indian
teachers. One public school was as
signed to Scott county, but no teach
err could be secured for it. The at.
tendance was good and the progress
OF the little Choctaws rapid.
The schools are as a rule very moor
ly fitted up, which may in a great
measure he ascribed to the poverty OF
parents Of the children. Some of
them, says Mr.. Halbert, are so poor
that the children are unable to bring
any dinner to school. The education
al and religious condition OF the In.
dams is gradually improving, but de.
ponds in a large measure on the white
communities that surround the settle.
ments whether the improvement is
rapid or not.
The Dawes Commission, continues
the report, enrolled during a short
stay IN Mississippi, about 2,2i0 Choc.
taws. or this number 1861 were full
bloods and 279 half bloods. The COM.
mission was surprised at the freedom
from amalgamation with other races.
AT least 500 Indians were not enroll
ed, because OF the cold weather and
the few places OF appointment reach
Ell ny the Commission. In addition.
many OF the Indians were opposed to
the Commission, on account OF tribal
traditions as to the way in which
their ancestors had been treated by
government land agents. Fully 200
Neslioba Choctaws refused, for this !
reason. to 90 and he enrolled. Mr.. /
Halbert states that there is no posi-.
bllity of any number of the Mississip-
pl Choctaws ever emigrating even in I
.'se they should acquire property !
rights in the Indian nation. y
- q
A recent traveller in the Transyaal
Tells OF the manner in which a Boer y
his ladylove. The girl in cues. Y
blon was the daughter of his employ Y
,r. The lover in question dashed up y
10 the house on horseback, wearing 3
new clothes and an ostrich feather in Y
lis nat. He made his fine horse prance Y
caper before the house ere he de. 4,
'cended. Then he gave the lines tn -
me OF the Hottentnts standing near, e,
ma walked up and down in front of
he windows OF the house, well know.
ng that the eyes Of his sweetheart
'ere reeping through the blinds at !
I'M. Then he went into the house.
nd hrst shook hands with "Tante,"
ne mother, and said, "Guten tag"-
God day. The same salutation was
ven TO the father, and at last he adj
ressed the girl Of his choice. and her :
sters n brothers. The father said
a seat-and then there
rs complete silence, which lasted I'm.
| the oowl OF coffee was brought in.
men each In turn spoke a few words.
ne rather then asked how everything
as at nome, and he was in turn told
the health OF each member of the
mlly' and how the cattle and crops
ere doing. At last the sutton rose 3
II handed his chosen bride the z
ichergoo," conlectioner, which SHELF
lshlngly and ~laughingly accepted.
was the critical moment. for
she had refused the gift that would 2
We ended the courtship. Then there
gayer conversation, funtil all but ~
/, " left the room, for il was the ~
lit of the sutton TO remain alone
Ia her of his choice. But so that ~
should not stay too long, the moth. h,
according to custom stepped up to ~D
wax candle and made a mark on
With a needle, saying that the visit y
last until the candle burnt thus ~
This Is a command that even
most ardent swain dare not disrc. -
LIZ
-n.ss.S- ~
u ARKANSAS editor, in reporting an