The Minneapolis journal., 1902-04-22
INDIAN HANDICHAFTS

'"The Red Mans Present Needs is the
title of an article in the April North
American Review by Hamln Garland, in
which the writer, drawing upon his own
extended experience and observation
among the Indians obtained during his
study of western life for his book and
magazine work, offers some criticisms
upon the Indian policy Of the government
and makes some suggestions that are
worthy of consideration.
In the first place, Mr.. Garland calls al.
tention to the widely differing conditions
under which the Indians of the various
reservations live and the consequent un
wisdom of trying to apply the same rules
Of treatment of the red men to all reser-
vations. Policies which prove wise and
profitable at one post or reservation
might prove very unwise and Improbable
at another owing to the difference in
disposition of the Indians themselves, the
character of the soil and other resources
Of the reservations, the climate and the
degree of proximity to white settlements.
Mr.. Garland not only offers criticisms
UuJ uldhSS SuSSSSllOllS. LII luS Ill 81 pldCC,
he would depart from the allotment in
severalty plan far enough to plant groups
of each tribe on the watercourses Of its
reservation in settlements of four or five
families SO that the Indian might enjoy
that which is indispensable to- his happi
ness and contentment-the society of his
fellows. He would have more care taken
viding farmers for education in agricul-
ture and stock raising. He would have a
matron well as q farmer that the In
dian woman might be taught at least the
rudiments of successful housekeeping
He would have schools established in the
farming districts and the children col
lected there rather than taken off the res
ervation. He would have the missionarie:
exercise a little more common sense will
regard to the habits and customs of the
Indians, and exhibit little more lib
erality with respect to their amusements
Moreover, the Indian whenever he take
his allotment should henceforth be re
garded as a citizen free to come and g.
as he pleases the same as his white neigh
Dor. This would. remove the restriction
with regard to the staying always on tn
reservation. Finally, he would no
abolish the reservation and governmen
aid until the Indian has become NOR
CAPABLE and self-reliant than he is to
day.
But, perhaps, the most interesting an
valuable suggestion offered by Mr.. Gar
land, and the one to which we wish t
call particular attention. is that whereve
tribe has peculiar aptitude for a
art. as for instance, canoe building
blanket making, basket making O
pottery making, they should b
encouraged TO rescue perishin
= forms and symbols and aided to develo
new processes and methods built upo
the old. The Jcarilla Apaches, for ex
ample, are fine basket makers. Thes
articles are in great demand, but no effol
is made to encourage the industry or
provide a suitable outlet for the produc
Spectators in these goods drive shar
bargains with the Indians for their bas
kets, blankets, pottery and curos of We
r1OuS KINGS, obtaining them dL flulCl
lously low prices and retailing them !
fanciers of these goods at very hig
prices. These industries properly mar
aged, might be made a source of gre
revenue to the Indians and render the
more than self-supporting if the govern
ment could be induced to appreciate al
encourage their facility in their nati'
handicrafts and provide for profitable di
position of the goods made.
The suggestion appears to be an excee,
ingly practical and useful idea tt
curio shops of the country, east and ives
are stocked with baskets, blankets, po
terry and other articles manufactured ]
the different tribes, many Of which a
much sought after for their artistic meI