The daily morning journal and courier. [volume] (New Haven, Conn.) 1894-1907, 1900-12-15

only to be squaws. He delights to drink
hot blood from the COW which his
father has killed-probably stolen from
some white mans pasture--and which
his mother and other squaws are dres-
sing with scalping knives. He will
thrust in his hands and fill his palms
and drink blood, that he may become
a warrior.
Taught from infancy that woman
was created for use and man for orna-
ment, he soon becomes vain and exact
ing. He delights in having his hair,
which is never cut, plated, for this is
considered his GROWING glory. He
decorates himself with all kinds of
bright things, especially brass trinkets.
1t is the Blanket Indian boys ambition
to become a great warrior like his
grandfather, who has shown him his
scalps of the pale faces" and has
proudly recounted to him around the
camp-fres the treacherous, bloody
deeds committed in his youth. Or, If
he be specially ambitious, he desires to
become mighty medicine man" or q
great war chief" His parents allow
him to grow up in Natures own free
way and exercise no discipline over
him. He does what he likes, which
consists in using the rifle, riding the
widest horses, and going to the pas
ture with his father to round up the
few head Of cattle and horses. When
he reaches the age of 16 he becomes
the most potent factor in his family.
His word is law, and he can give away
his sister iGt tn ms pIi in, CIV
change for some bright baubles.
When he has occasion to go to the
agency he decks himself in full savage
regalia, while his mother or sister
paints and decorates the pony he is to
ride. Reaching the agency he sits
around the stores of the traders and
discusses women and horsefiesh with
the older braves. Or, If it be issue day,
he goes to the commissary building and
draws his government supplies. He may
be the recipient of a bright blanket,
gaudy sombrero, or pair of trousers.
These latter he converts into leggins
and after trimming them with fringe
or some other savage decoration he
considers himself Respondent. When he
draws his allotment OF money
tiV Gt'ehilo w SOille S6ClluGu spDI, where
with other braves he engages in play
ing monte, and so passionately fond of
gambling is he that he will stake his
last cent; or If he be wiser, he will only
look on, while he munches candy or
nuts bought with his 'grass-money"
But he comes to the parting of the
ways" when the government agent or
teacher visits his fathers wigwam on
the reservation and tells his parents
they must send him either to the public
school or the mission. After many
threats or promises, he, contrary to his
own desires, and to his parents ex-
IRENE dissatisfaction, enters one of the
schools, Here he must stay for ten long
months, must be given an English
name, must adopt civilians clothing,
forget his language and the old savage
life. He is docle if he likes his teacher,
but will not study what he does not
wish. When his parents visit him he
longs to go back with them to the
skins and wigwams. In vacation he
does go back and would enjoy the wild
life We're his happiness not marred by
the thoughts Of September and of
the school to which he must return.
Notwithstanding the millions of dol
lars spent in his amelioration the |
Blanket Indian boy much prefers saw
agery to civilization. True, some of |
them attend the noted Carlisle Indian
school, where they graduate, but more |
Of them prefer the skins and tepees.
After all, the Blanket Indian bow Is
really the only American boy.-Lela
Fisher Woodward In the American Boy.