The independent-reporter., 1910-05-12
INDIAN PATRIOTS OF
OLD.
Continued from Page one)

SlonB. The state OF MdSSdcnuSettS,
In the autumn of 1856, formed n
treaty with the Penobscots, the latter,
releasing certain lands with an as
surance of protection of their inter
ests In the use of their hunting
grounds, and the bestowal of material
supplies as a token of good faith on
the part of the government. Ten
years later, this compact being inter
preted differently by the contracting
parties a more definite treaty was
made. All land lying above a point
in Eddington. for thirty miles was
given up, an area afterward divided
into nine townships and of great val
ue, portion later being sold for over
$25 900.
The tribe were still to retain In
dian island and all others above and
as compensation for their loss, they
received a large amount of household
and hunting supplies, with promise
of certain annual gift of such fur
nishings thereafter. 1t is noticeable
that Rum was one of the articles
named in the exchange, thus supply
ing the one commodity to provoke
discomfort and decentralization.
In 1878. the poor Indians executed
deed to Massachusetts in consider
alton of $500, conveying all of their
possessions and rights save those per-
tanning to four townships and the is
lands, which they were to hold for all
time In addition the government was
to.purchase for their use and training
in husbandry, tract of land in Brew
er, opposite our present railroad sta
tion. also a promise was given to erect
a storehouse for supplies to make
needed repairs upon their church.
Gifts of cannon, hunting knives, calico
and ribbon, were also made to make
the compact a binding one. When
Maine became a State the existing OBJ
legation was assumed save in regard
to the plot reserved for cultivation
which in the meantime had been re-
turned to Massachusetts Maine in
remaining townships. depositing there
for in the State treasury the sum of
Fifty Thousand dollars in payment
An agent was appointed to act in be-
half of the Indians and the State
through this office, assumed charge
of their affairs. The interest on this
fund in the Treasury (the unexpended
interest being added annnally) with
the rentals OF shore privileges of the
numerous islands, constitute the in
come for the support of the tribe
These islands are 146 in number and
are valued at five thousand dollars.
This fund is at present about $4,000
dollars and is regarded by the State as
held in sacred trust The tribe was
formerly under the leadership of a
Sycamore or Chief with Councillors
or Sachems as advisers) which office
was held for life. Accounts of the as
sumption of this high office tell of
the imposing ceremonial connected
Herewith when members of friendly
tribes were bidden, which was fol-
lowed by a grand feast often marred
by excess in eating and drinking No
squaw was allowed to be present dur
ing the official ceremonies but they
were admitted after the Chief was in
stalled. when they dressed in their
gaily ornamented attire. danced be-
fore the assemblage. for It's entertain
ment. During the reign of Aitteon
the last Sycamore, division arose in
the tribe. and new party was formed
which elected a governor and lieut.
governor as their leaders. Previous to
1898 delegate had been appointed to
the Legislature by the Sycamore. At
ter the period of discomfort in 1866 an
act was passed by the Legislature by
which a governor, lieutenant and rep
resentative were elected by the tribe
from either party alternately, indepen-
dent of the other. and the elections
were biennial. A band of Sisters of
Mercy was sent to the Penobscots in
1878 through the efforts of Bishop
Healev and a convent and school were
established. The results of the in
fluence of these gentle women were
shown not only in their work as teach
ers in the schoolroOm but in the signs
of general progress, along lines of
manual training and improvement in
home conditions BY the thoughtful
gift of many interested Boston friends
books have been sent to the tribe from
time to time so that they have libra
rv of some 1900 volumes which are
housed in a building purchased for
the purpose. Care has been taken in
the selection of these books. which
consist mainly of historical works
particularly those dealing with tradi-
tions of Indian peoDles and biogra-
phv. All religious books which con-
flict with the teaching of Catholicism
are excluded. The children resnond
to the educational privileges. and Of
ten graduate from the High School of