The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-12-15
IRTRIBAL CHARACTERISTICS
WOMEN HOLD HIGH PLACE AND
HAVE MUCH INFLUENCE.
An AmfabIe People on the Whole,
They Derive Much Enjoyment of
Rude Kind from Life.
I"Among the Farthest People" Copyright by
W q I Reff

sometimes drawn between settled and no.
mad Mongols-the hypothesis being that
the former, who live in the villages and
cultivate the soil, are the descendants of
the aboriginal stock, while the former,
who live in tents and support themselves
with their herds and flocks and by desul-
tory trading, are conquering invaders-the
explanation will certainly not hold good.
There is, in reality, no ethnic distinction
between the two classes. Mongols who set
tie in villages and towns. mixed with Thi-
betan and other people. very soon lose
their distinctive name, while it is patent
that the nomads more nearly preserve their
original character by their comparative
isolation from disturbing influences, and
really are more proper opponents Of the
race.
The nomad Mongols q speak of them as
such for the sake of convenience gener-
ally bear a very different reputation,
worse reputation. perhaps, than they real
" deserve. Being in this district alien to
both Chinese and Thibetan in language
and religion, they are everywhere treated
with mistrust, and live, as 1t were, in
chronic state of warfare with the powers
that be. They are thus wild and lawless
much given to brigandage, and frequently
Cypress and maltreat the Buddhist popu-
lations with whom they are brought in
contact; but, doubtless, were they not
harassed in turn, they would be less ia
natical and aggressive. for, under ordinary
circumstances their temperament is ami
able. and they are not much given to strife
or warfare among themselves. 1t must be
hot brave
and hospitable. and in common with many
other Asiatic races possess certain rude,
but strict, feelings of honor.
They are shrewd people, with quick in
telligence, and they possess naturally
large amount of common sense. Where
they have been brought somewhat under
organized control and enjoy the advan-
tages of even such a meagre education as
is gained from contact with Chinese and
Thibetans, they have proved themselves to
possess intellectual powers of no mean or
der. Contrary to the opinion of Prejevalsky
and other writer's, they not ''morose
and melancholy people, rarely talking or
holding any communication with each
other" but are almost invariably fluent
speakers. With many of them oratory
seems to be a natural gift, and Mongol
orator will hold the interest of his hear
ers for hours together at political gath
ering and in his speech he will bring in
historical illusions and presidents, and
will make apt quotations from ancient
legends in manner which would do credit
to the best parliamentary orators. Com
pared TO the Thibetans they are brave, and
think little of self-sacrifce for Others
where duty or family honor is concerned.
THE FAMILY AND TRIBE.
The terms for family among this race are
used in two senses, first, of household,
and. second, of all blood relations on both
the male and female side, including the
wife or the husband, as the case may be.
brought in by marriage, also those who
have been adopted by members of the clan.
In the following remarks the word family
is used with the first meaning, and clan
with the second. Each clan has name
which is borne by one of the oldest MEM
bers. who is the chief or head for the time
being, this clan system no doubt generally
prevailing in early times, and being the
origin of the principal chieftainships. Sub
sequently, however, changes have been
made, and the head of clan has be-
come chief over several, while in many
cases large clans have been divided in
this manner the different classes of chief
tainships may probably be accounted for.
As rule, near relations do not inter-
marry This rule is strictly adhered to, ex-
cept in the case of some of the chiefs and
head men; but usually great care is taken
to prevent the union of those within the
prescribed limits of consanguinity. Chill
dren generally dwell with their kin on the
fathers side, but they have equal rights
on their mothers side, and sometimes they
take I'D their abode with their mother
family. The only names used to express
particular relationships are father and
mother, son and daughter, brother and
sister and there is usually no distinction
between brothers Cor sisters) and cousins
All the children of brothers and sisters
speak of each other as brothers and sisters.
and L have heard children call aunts and
uncles, father and mother, although | am
unable to say whether this classificati
was merely local or of general significance.
Above the relationship of parents all are
simply ancestors. no term being used for
grandfather which would not equally apply
to any more remote male ancestor. In the
same way there is no distinctive term for
child as his son or daughter. or simply as
his child
WOMEN HAVE INFLUENCE.
Both polygamy and polyandry prevail
among the Mongols. Monogamy is the rule.
the two former being practiced only by the
chiefs. who also. in many cases, in addition
to their regular wives. have concubines
This freedom and RIGHTEOUSNESS has had a
deteriorating influence on the race as a
whole and female virtue is the exception
rather than the rule. Nevertheless women
occupy a relatively high position amone
these people, have great influence. though
not so much as among some of the Thi-
betan tribes, are treated with much re-
spect, and in some cases take hereditary
titles and hold high offices. As among their
ancestral congeners throughout central
Asia. there may be a chieftainess or head
woman in her own right; and a woman in
high position will command as much re-
spect. and will exercise as great authority
man would in the same position. This
Mongols. not differing greatly from more
civilized mankind. are exceedingly fond OF