The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-10-02
OJ|BWAYS GREAT
 INDIAN NAT|OR Are Progressive and Number
 30.O00 Souls HAVE MANY FINE TRAITS Indians Now Occupying Territory South and West of Hudson Bay Are Best Representatives
 of Red Man.
HAVE MANY FINE TRAITS

As far back in history as one finds traces of this nation are recorded deeds which indicate their superior strength. Seldom have they been defeated in con- f1ict, and until the Americans crowded them northward the OJibways were ever acquiring new lands and increasing in number For the last decade, however, the Ojibways have held their own, through the liberality of the Canadian govern ment, which has encouraged tho race to become better citizens and has provided opportunities for education.
 Time has brought a transformation of the Indians nature. Instead of the brutal and wild disposition he originally pos sessed are traits of character which en- dear him to the whites and make toward better condition for the tribes and the Americans with whom they come in con tact Canadians profit considerably by trade with the Ojibways, who are active in agricultural pursuits and fur trading. Many Indians have acquired considerable wealth in dealing with the Canadians. The fur trade in the Hudson Bay coun- try has no mean proportions and summer finds the Indians active in their corn fields. They are learning to provide bet ter homes for their families. The old saying that An Indian once will be an Indian still," although disputed by stu dents has truth in it, for even today one of the greatest delights of the Indian Is to teach his offspring the language of his race and the legends of his ancestors. Have Many Traditions.
 The Ojbways have many traditions. Some are historical some are of mythical origin. "The Long Chase is one of the principal traditions of the Ojibways. 9th CTS almost as sacred to their tribes are "The Star and Lily" "Thunder's Nest,' "The Two Cousins" ''The Effects of Liquor and the legends composing the fabric upon which Henry w. Longfellow wove the famous poem of 'H1watha." Chiefs are regarded as the best reposi- tories for the Ojibway legends. The chiefs attend to their duty of preserving these legends well. They tell them on various occasions and see to it that young In dians are instructed at an early age.
 The Ojibways several years ago first produced the play of "Hiawatha." The Indian as a dramatist had hitherto been undiscovered, but the ability to act has Been demonstrated in the production Of the play. Each summer the Indians troop down to the northern shores of Lake Huron, where they see the play produced by a company of their own people, The spot selected has been an island near the Huron shore, about thirty miles east of Sault Ste. Marie.
 This Is the fifth season that the Indians have produced 'IIiawatha." Chief Ka- kaosa, one of the most eloquent of In diansf is a central figure in the play. His Indian title Is Chief Obtosaway meaning Cloud of the South Land" The Indian who gathered the legends for Longfellow died six years ago.
 Carey w. Hartman, formerly of To- ronto, is probably more familitar with the Ojibway Indians than most men. When a lad he was adopted into one of their tribes and can speak the language hu- ently. He has many friends among the red men. Although it Is now more than seven years since he left them, he fre- quently returns to visit them. On a re- cent visit he went through their country fin canoe, making use of a camera as he went. Oibways who belong to the com pany playing 'IIiawatha'' donned their best leggings and war paint and gave the play for him. That was in the forest, between Lake Huron and St. James Bay. The Indians call him Ininipahyhpit. Mrs. Hartman a few years ago was formally adopted into the same tribe in which her husband was adopted.
 Great Nation of Indians.
 "The Ojibways are a great nation of In- dians,'' said. MT. Hartman. Few persons know of the strength of these people through the forests of Canada( cultivat- ing and hunting from the north shores of Lake Huron to the Hudson Bay I have never found more sturdy class of people. They have wonderful endurance and great courage. Originally they were great fighters, and provocation would not take long to start them in their old ways They used to be a very cruel nation. Just now the Canadian government is doing much to better their education. Natur- ally they are a very intelligent people and they learn easily. Most of the young Indians attend school several months out of the year and are being trained in agricultural pursuits.
 Tt is, in my opinion, a regretable thing that the white man does not have better influence for good among the Indians In so many cases, just when we think a certain tribe of Indians has been brought to a better understanding of things, some white men will lead them astray. Unfortunately the Indian does not have opportunity to associate with the class of people who will help him do better. The men he sees most, very of- ten, are people whose example he should not fellow. The Indian would love the white man more If he could meet men of higher ideals of Christianity.
 T believe it will not be many years before Americans and Canadians will be very proud of the Ojibways. They consti- tute the greatest Indian nation we have in I thls part of the country. Being ambitious, and having among them many very clever red men who are trying to elevate their people, 1t seems that at some time before long their efforts will be rewarded fully"
 Is Good Education.
 MT. Hartman believes in good education for any one to live among the Ojibway Indians. Their ways. he says, are instinc- lively Indian Historians record that cer- tain great Indian chiefs were fine orators. Some Indian speeches have been pub- Ished as examples of splendid oratory. To one who understands their language these seem beautiful. There is a flow of words that Is fascinating.
 Among the Ojibways are found text books setting forth the principles of their language Some of these Indians insist that their children be taught the Ojibway language Most of them learn sufficient English to enable them to converse with the white men who live near their reser- vations.
 The northern winter is the hardest thing for the Ojibway Indians to endure. Those living in the most northerly portions of their lands usually move in the fall to the north shores of Lake Huron. A few install themselves in log cabins. we'll banked, and face the winter and the deep snows as best theyi can. Those moving southward often find employment among Canadian farmers during the winter. while others spend their time hunting and trap ping. Deer, beaver and other animals valuablye for food or for their fur are common in the country inhabited by the Affkwxn co vrfva ffor Ia mt common.