The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-01-28

knowledge - The Fine Boarsiin Z
ColIeges-CuIturcd Young ChicI,n-
saw Misunderstanding for Orphans.
In the Indian Territory, that land where
the Five Civilized Tribes have so long
dwelt, there exists today a system of free,
or public. schools that is not eXcelled and
scarcely riyaled in the world great
many people, if they have not inTestiga-
ted the matter. will be inclined TO doubt
this statement; for 10 the majority the
very words Indian Territory" are sug-
gesti.e of an absence of culture, refine
meut. education. and art. One has but to
journey TO the home of the Five Civilized
Tribes TO become convinced that for thor
oughness of instruction and completeness
Of system the public schools there are net
really excelled anywhere.
To begin with, there Is a radical differ
ence between the Indians OF the Terri Dry
or the Five Civilized Tribes, and those wild
denizens of the plains. The latter are. in
the largest sense. wards OF the Govern
ment, and simply reside on lands reserved
out OF the public domain for their use
the title Of which rests in the United
States; while the Five Civilized Tribes
cwn their territory in fee simple. in COM
mon, and were granted patent thereto by
this Government. The Government holds in
trust for the Five Tribes an immense fund,
realized from the sale of their lands in
Mississippi and other States at the time
of their removal to the Indian Territory.
The interest on this fund amounts TO an
enormous sum each year. and is paid to
the Indians sem-annually. This. in con-
nection with the immense royalties paid
the Five Tribes by companies who lease
and operate the many coal, asphalt, and
other mines located within the boundaries
OF the Territory, renders these Indians
not alone wealthy, but absolutely indie
pendent in SO far their internal and
domestic affairs are concerned.
The Educational system.
BY way of example, it will be of interest
to examine the system of schools in the
Chickasaw Nation, whose territory Dor
ders on the State of Texas This Nations
amount of interest on its trust fund is
$4,000 annually, and up to one or two
years ago, this money devoted entire
ly to, and was sufficient for. its schools.
But with the inevitable increase of, and
improvement in, the latter, this sum be-
came inadequate to meet the demands, SO
finally in the last agreement made be-
tween the Chickasaw Nation and the Uni
ted States Government, whereby certain
radical changes were made in the tribal
government, it was provided that the roy
alties from the leasing OF the coal and
other mines should be set aside and used
as a permanent school fund. This ensures
at least 100000 yearly for the public |
schools in the Nation. In this Nation the |
school system was inaugurated fifty years |
ago, when the Indians first removed to |
the Territory, and has been continued I'M
interruptedly TO the present time.
There are 5000 Chickasaws, and they |
spend more per capita for education than |
any other people in the world, the amount /
being about $500 for each person. Each |
district has from three 10 four day schools 4
for boys and girls, there being about thir |
ty pupils to each school, and fully 500 stu
dents altogether. The teachers in these |
schools are selected from the graduates Of /
the colleges in the Nation.
Five Boarding Colleges.
The district schools are similar TO the |
public schools of the whites, but. in addi-
tien to these. there are five boarding col
leges iorated in different parts of the Ma
ton. Any Indian child between nine years
and twenty years Of age is at liberty TO
attend one of these colleges, where be or
she is given board lodging, and complete
tuition absolutely free OF charge. until
graduation. Two of the boarding colleges
are given over TO females. and two TO
males. while the fifth is set apart for all
orphans of the Nation. the latter number
ing about sixty. These orphans are cared
for and educated thoroughly, until they are
able to fight life's battles alone.
The five boarding colleges are situated in
locations In the country, conven-
lent TO all the people. The method OF run
Eing them is as follows: The trustees OF
each college award to some educator,
whose qualifications must be first rate.
contract for conducting or operating the
school. Under this contract the person
who liz TO take charge Of the college must
furnish board. lodging, and full instruction
10 students for five years. for which he
VIII receive $4,000 yearly. These con-
tracts must be ratified and confirmed by
the Chickasaw Legislature. and, at present.
the United States Government attends to
The disbursing of the school fund.
Educators from all parts OF America are
10 be found teaching in the colleges; and.
as before said. the graduates thereof arc
qualified to teach in the Indian distric.
schools. The course at the latter school
Is elementary and is intended to iit tho
'hild for the more advanced college train
ng. which is similar to that of the average
college. Beginning with the primary
lass, the student is carried on upward
through all the intermediate grades, until
he senior or graduating class is reached. | !
creek. Latin, French, and other languages
ire taught. and all arts as we'll The
'olleges are empowered to grant diplomas
ind confer degrees.
Talented Indian Girls.
The Bloomfield Female College. in ths
'hickasaw Nation. is a splendid example OF
be system Of public schools carried to its Z
ogical development. Hon. Holmes COL
pert. Delegate from the Chickasaws TO ,
is one of the trustees of this
iourishing school. and is eloquent in his |
raises of its perfection and advancement
laid Mr.. Colbert: For fifteen years the
resent Governor OF our Nation. Hon ID. II.
ohnston. was president of Bloomfield, and !
pon his election to the governorship, the
ssistant instructor, Prof Hinshaw. a !
uaker minister. from Indiana, was
sarded the contract. and Is now president !
nd chief instructor.
There are cighty-fye girls In attend
nee at Bloomfield. and they are being
thoroughly instructed in all the mode n
ranches OF education, including painting.
,usic. and other arts. Our people are BY b
a,ure lovers OF things beautiful. and en- |,
II upon the study of art with great zest n
nd enthusiasm, and become proficient in | :
II its branches.
a commencement at Bloomfield Is most n
Entertaining and instructive There one a.
nay see an array OF young women who. h
] all that makes the refined. well-edu. a
ated. and cultured girl. equal their fair a
sters Of the country; and after Witness
q the exhibition OF musical skin. paint b
nj nor rst-h.a