The Detroit times., 1910-05-30
maine INDIANS
HAVE NOVEL LAWS
Professor Speck Says Compulsory
Marriage and No Divorce
Is the Rule.

BANGOR, Me-, May .S.-Compul-
sorry marriage and no minority repre-
sentation of any kind are among the
features discovered among the Penob-
scot and Passamaquoddy Indians, OF
Maine, by DR.. Frank G. Speck, OF the
University Of Pennsylvania Archae-
illogical Museum, who recently re-
turned from an extended visit among
them. DR.. Speck, who has special
ICED in chronological subjects for many
years, has lived among fifteen differ
emit Indian tribes, in various parts OF
the New World, during the past de-
cade, IN order TO make a discrimin-
ating study of their politics, religion,
manners and customs. The Penob-
scot tribe Is practically an empire
within an empire, he says, for In many
respects II is complete in itself politi-
cally. Despite the provisions OF the
United States constitution that con
gress shall deal with Indian tribes,
the Penobscots recognize only the
state OF Maine. and their relations
with It are most cordial.
There are two political parties, the
old, or conservative, and the new, or
radical" said Dr. Speck yesterday.
They split, many years ago, on the
subject OF Roman Catholicism, but
the basis OF their differences today is
wholly economic. The. new party Is
against admitting any more Indians,
such as those from Canada, TO tribal
rights, for the state OF Maine treats
its wards lavishly and any increase
in numbers would reduce the pro rata
share OF the annuities. The old
party, on the other hand, favors open
ing the tribal books, on the theory
that an infusion of new blood will
keep alive race that is now fast dis
appearing. Cash bribes in the cleo
tons are unheard OF, but few Indian
voters are not susceptible to the po-
tent argument of quart or two OF
whiskey. There are bosses, strong
minded, aggressive division leaders
among the Indians, Just as among the
whites. Indians seem to be particu-
larly accurate in sizing up their pub
lie men and wedding out the weak
and hypocritical.
An indian In Legislature.
Elections are for a period of two
years When the Old Party is in
power the News are absolutely
frozen out. having not so much as a
minority magistrate to console them.
The party in power elects COVER
nor, or Chief, at $500 per year, the
lieutenants, or division captains, and
the tribal policemen. The position
Of representative in the Maine legis-
lature, which carries with II the mu-
nificent salary of 5000 per year, has
been held, through one administration
after another, by CharfegtD. Mitchell,
a highly educated and diplomatic full.
blooded Penobscot. MitchelPs ca
pacity TO sit tight. no matter what
faction may control at home, would do
credit to Secretary Of Agriculture
James Wilson, OF whom, by the way,
he is a great admirer.
The representatives in the legisla-
ture can speak only upon matters af-
fecting Indian policy. The elections
are characterized by frenzied speech
making and tent.totent canvassing
On election day, the big feature, while
the votes are being counted, is the
tribal dance. The first dance lasts
an hour and a half, and Is executed
by famed singer and dancer from
village forty miles up the river, to
the monotonous droning of the crowd.
After a short interval, the Mu Mae,
another weird dance. is given for an
hour without cessation. American
waltzes and two-steps follow, for
these are rapidly becoming the fad
among Indian young ladies'. The cleo
ton itself is a formality, for the par
ties are bound to exchange places
every two years, whether in the ma
jority or not. The radicals are in
power now. until Jan. !, 1911.
Every Indian Must Marry.
Since the tribes are under the pro-
tectorate of the Roman Catholic
Church, there is no divorce. Every