The Montgomery advertiser., 1906-04-11
A srRANGp STORY.

STRANGE STORY.
 In sturm's Statehood Magazine for April there is a true story which H. illustrates the deep hold that ancient be- iiefs and expectations yet hold on come of the pnciviiized Indians. notwith- standing their long contact with the civilization of the whites. Many years ago there was a young osage who ex- erted powerful influence in his tribe. He was honored and respected by his people. both in war and in the coun- cil, and bid fair to become the leader of them in time.
 But this Indian was taken sick and died. so far as the Indians could judge. The medicine men of the tribe pro- nounced him dead. and in due time he was buried with all the pomp and display usual among them on the death of a brave. There were feasts and presents. and everything was done which the red men considered appro- priate and necessary on such occa- sions. He was buried according to the osage custom by laying the body on the top of high hill and over him was built a rude tomb of loose stones. so laid as not to rest on the body.
 But this Indian was not a dead one, by a great deal He revived. pushed away the stones that covered him and returned to his tribe Medical men among us could easily explain that he was in comatose state. and could readily have been revived by the use of proper skill and attention. Such cases are not so rare as to be consid- cred miraculous or even wonderful, but to the savage, mind it was very Indian was dead and buried and should have remained where they put him. His coming back was clear violation of all the rules, traditions and religion of the osages. and they wouldn't put up with it. He had not only surprised his people but had evidently broken faith with the keeper of the happy hunting grounds" in whose care 1t was his duty to remain. In short, he was a double offender. for he had vio- lated all their habits and had proven a traitor to the keeper of dead In- dians.
 Here was a dilemma for which there was no precedent. They had no right to kill him, nor could they put up with a ghost wandering about their grounds. It was his duty to remain dead. and so far as his tribe was and is concern ed. he has remained dead. From that day to this," says the account. mo | Indian has ever spoken to him. No Indian has proffered him food, drink, or the shelter of his tepee. He Is shun- ned by the adult members of his tribe. and mothers have frightened their children with him until they flee in terror at his approach"
 The members of his tribe gave him a name which they considered appro- priate for corpse and no one knows the real name he bore when he was alive. as they put it. He sleeps rolled up in a blanket on the road, in the woods or on the sidewalk, and has no communication with any one. One of the Indian agents draws the poor fellows annuity for him out of which he furnishes him canned foods and such clothing and blankets as he needs. No questions are asked or answered and no accounts are kept.
 The most pathetic feature of the af- fair is that the poor fellow himself believes that he is dead. He believes that he really died, that for some req son the evil spirit put a curse on him. and that he was returned to earth to await the pleasure of the Great Game Warden" who will some day pardon and release him. Like the Wan dering Jew, he feels that he is on earth but not of 1t, and that he must endure his condition until such time as the Great Spirit sees proper to take him away. It is curious story to read in this day, but it Is vouched for as true in all the main features. It is a graphic illustration of the fact that among the savages the same supersti- tions prevail now that have always ex- isted among them
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