The Coeur d'Alene press. (Coeur d'Alene, Idaho) 1892-1907, 1905-06-24


less than 100 years old. lie was
totally blind for many years before
bis death, and was waited upon By
his daughter who died last spring,
deaf and blind At over 30 years Of
sge. Coo Na-Cha, Q Occur d'Aiene
woman died recently. age 90, Vic
toria, another woman Of the same
tribe, still living, is supposed TO be
in her Goth year. Seam tai-am-to, .
Spokane Indian woman who lives on
the reservation, Is 81 years old.
There are several others Of both men
and women, who have seem the SHOWS
Of more than four score winters.
LOST THEIR POWER.
i With the majority 81 these people
their longevity is the only remarlra-
bic feature Of their lives. Some Of
the men in their prime we're looked
upon as medicine men, " endowed
with supernatural power, and con
sequently Of great infuence among
their fellows. When the "black
gowns" or priests. began their
work, they condemned that sort Of
superstition, and the medicine men
gradually lost their power and in
fiuence. Little, then, remains 70 be
told Of the career Of any Of these old
men or women. unless il be their
conversion to Christianity.
At the present time, ell, both cid
aud young. are devout adberents Of
the Roman Catholic religion. Their
devotion is something really note
worthy. AN those living within a
reasonable distance Of the mission
attend every church service with
great punctuality. On special oc-
! casions, such as Easter, Corpus
Christi, the Feast Of the Ascension or
Christmas, both sexes and all ages
turn out en- masse to participate in
the ceremonies. On those days they
assemble at the mission from all
parts Of the reservation, many com
ing from long distance.
In the intervals between religious
T ceremonies, they take part in various
d athletic games and exercises, such as
n running, jumping. horse racing and
0 baseball. They are especially fond
Of the latter, and many Of the young
e men are experts At the great national
game.
It A vigilant. police system Is main
: tanned, With Indian officers, under
+ Subageut worIey. Drunkenness is
e punished by a term Of imprisonment
a ia the jail at ne Smet
Regarding the financial status OF
n these people, il may be Of interest to
e note that many OF the Occur d'Alenes
0 are in a condition that may be
II described as we'll TODD, while there
: are few who have accumulated
modest fortunes IN land. livestock
Is and ready money.
}: WEALTHY TRIBESMEN.
J; Louis Mitchata, who resides on the
reservation, ON the road between
re Tekoa and De Smet, is probably the
e. wealthiest of the Occur d'Alens
le indians. He is reputed to be worth
in at least els. 600, Of which $4,000 ii
in money at interest He lives in /
he house which would be no disoredit t
N any farmer in the country, aud has /
IN good barn for stock and comfortable
Of outbuildings. A beautiful grove o.
ID trees surrounding a large flsh pond Il
ID pretty feature Of the premises.
ly Lo-lo, who lives near the govern
IS ment sawmill. few miles east Of tbs
he mission, has possessions in livestock
ee produce and cash To the amount Q
IS sl0. 1000 or upwards.
CHIEF WiLDSHoE.
1t, Pierre Wildshoe. the present chief
a. who succeeded Andrew Seltice, VIII
he died in 1909, While not the wealth
las lest. is une II the most respected an
1t. influential men on tho reservation
A moderate estimate % his posses.
ions places them at about $4,000.
Considering the handicups Of rae
= and environment, there are some {
!, these red men Who are worthy I
special mention for their uprigl
~ character aud good influence IN
:. most prominent of these are Pier
= Moctielma. who is suhchief. an
=. John Davenport. The head OF q
Indian police. The former is ms
= :, Of much more than average int
ligeuce for bis race. with habits
- the ssrictest honesty aud sohriet.
'''e He has the respect Of all, and by q
= ample and precept has done niue
-. amongst the younger generation.
- Davenport, who assumed the nan
of a merchant In Colfsx with who
- he lived In his youth. Is the iollie
aud best natnred Indian Of the trih
-. Unlike the majority Of his peopl
- - who are morose aud tactituru,
II. possesses a rare sense Of humor a
enjoys Joke Is keenly as any viii