The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-07-09
THEORIES ON THE INDIAN
Various Views Advanced at a Most
Interesting Session.

Various Views Advanced ats Most
Interesting Session. .-.....
The fourth session of the Indian edu-
cational department this morning was an
interesting one in developing the oppo-
site theories of Indian education which
exist among the active workers. The
opening address was by 2. K. Snyder,
president of the State Normal School,
Greeley, Col, who advised teachers to
make careful and discriminating study
of the racial character Of the Indian and
adapt the instruction to his stage OF de-
velopment In the human race. He ad-
vocated Industrial training given In the
midst of his own people and considered
that from an economic point of view, the
Indian would be the gamer by plying his
native trades. He warned against taxing
the Indian too far from his own con-
ception Of the Great Spirit, but advised
teaching him to cultivate spirit of self
sacrifice which would be a long step
toward a higher life.
Augustus S. Downing, principal Of the
Training School for teachers, New York
City, was the second speaker. He strong
ly urged leaving the Indian an Indian,
and not trying to make white man OF
him. I'VE should rather help him to be
great Indian than great man OF our own
type" He thought that a higher idea Of
Indian and better conception of home
given to the woman. That the educa-
ton and assistance should be along lines
natural to the Indian and not to COM
pick civilization.
Miss Robertson, supervisor Of the Creek
Nation spoke Of the regretta'ble effect OF
| "shotw'' education. She, too, believed In
| leaving the Indian his traditions, his in
spirations and his pride of race. She had
| found the Indian very like other people
and saw no reason why he should not be
led along better ethical lines while being
| allowed to pursue his natural bent IN
avocations Miss Robertson comes of a
family devoted to Indian. work for three
generations. Her grandfather went as
a missionary to Indian Territory in 1926
and the members of the family have been
active in Indian education ever since. She
has a beautiful adopted daughter who Is
| an Indian, and members of her family
have intermarried with the Indians. so
that her love for the race is very strong.
She is strongly opposed. to deportine
them and educating children apart from
the parents. '',r~
The Agricultural Instinct.
Superintendent MCGOWAN Of Chilloccc
school, Oklahoma, spoke Of the value Of
the agricultural school in Indian educa-
ton He said that the Indian Is naturally
|
oped an instinct which serves him wei
in Judgment of weather and crop condi
tons With this as a basis he believes
that much can be done to make the, IN
dams successful farmers. He, too, be
lieves in teaching them in their own. 10
cality and allowing the younger genera
ton to influence the older, while learning
from it much which is not written II
books. .... ...... ~
The other side of Indian education wa
presented by Edar A. Allen, assistan
superintendent of Carlisle, Pa. Mr.. Alle1
cited instances of Indian education goin
back to the early part Of the nineteent
century and missionary attempts of, eve
earlier date, He declared that the recor
Of Indians friendly to civilization give
then, was the same to-day, but that tn
friendliness had gone no further and tn
civilization was no greater. What dis
J tinguished progress there had been wa
among those of mixed blood. : He sa'
! nothing admirable or worthy Of preser
) walton in the reservation surroundings {
), the Indian: except the appropriation an
the picturesque squalor. He thought q
, the Indian is an American he should b
5 placed in American schools to learn sid
by side with his white brother. All (
Indian character which is worth presery
: ing will endure and gather strength an
. the rest will perish from the earth
cunbers.
s e. G. Nardin, superintendent of Mour
8 Pleasant Indian school. Mich, spoke
t the advisability of making strictly scho.
: room studies applicable to the actu'
problems of work as found in an ayr
!, cultural school. H. M. Noble Of Gran
: River Indian schaal, North Dakota, adye
: Gated greater Individual work among il
: dian pupils and considered that the de