Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1913-11-05
Abor1gi,,e Becomes
Handy With Cue
Special to Times-Republican'

4
Tana, Nov. 5.-When the indian
took up the manners and customs OF
the pale face he showed tendency to-
ward the white mans pleasures rain
er than any inclination toward the
| latter's more serious pursuits. Inc
child of the forest was forced to aban-
don the bison chase and the still hunt
for the white brothers scalp lock When
old Dame Civilization spread the 1oiu
Of her garments westward over the
plains states, but instead of seeking
solace in the conqueror's BOOKS and
stiff bosomed shirts, the erstwhlie war
rior sought pleasure by the side OF the
ian bark ring and in sports on WHICH
the whites claimed TO hold sole rlght.
The Indian became an apt pupil ana
quickly took up baseball and track
work and in his desire to become pro-
ficient in competitive games sometimes
swallowed the whole pill and accepted
the book training of college and uni
versity as a necessary adjunct to the
accomplishment which he most assid-
uouSly sought.
The Indian is a natural sport. He
would rather attend an athletic contest
than listen to the best symphony con-
cert or gaze on the works OF the o!o
masters. The Tama branch Of the red
race is no exception. He vii. traVei
forty miles to witness the performance
of a one-rins circus or follow the In
dian nine half way across the state to
witness a baseball game. But when
the circus has gone into winter quar-
tiers and the hoary covering On the
pumpkin vines betoken.s the demise OF
the baseball season, the sporty RED
must find other amusement to prevent
ennui during the long winter months.
II is a general belief that the Indian
hibernates in the winter, but such is
not the case. Instead he camps in the
pool halls of Tanla. That is when it
is not necessary for him to replenish
the larder after the government al
lowance has expired, by inveigling
the muskrat and skunk into the home
made trap.
The Indian takes to pool like a duck
to water and at this season OF the year
the pool halls are crowded with the
reds from early dawn to candle light
ing. The patriarch and the young buck
show equal pleasure in the game on
the green baize and more often the
S.Seil csGo o!t dii Va lac t'1-9S
shows greater proficiency than does the
youngster who has lost his keen sight
edness in the study rooms Of the In
dian school.
Many OF the reservation braves have
become expert with the cue and play
q remarkably good game. Some have
even taken up billiards and are rap
idly developing into expert players. The
pool hall has made the Indian less a
stole, it Is said, and ne has even de-
veloped a sense of humor. an attain
ment which he failed to gain thruout
any other touch of civilization.
The favorite game OF the Indian is
crazy eight. atrho he will play any.
thing from fifteen BALI to Kelly.
Thefdyoung Indian takes his sport
less seriously thar did his father.
whose principal mission on earth ap-
parently was to pose as an example
Of a sour disposition.
While prosperity continues with the
governments wards, from now until
the first wood violet peeps its head
thru the decaying leaves next spring,
John Indian and his clan will welcome
callers at the Tama pool halls. He will
keep the ivory balls chasing each oth-
er around the tables until the advance
man adornst farm buildings with the
hued pitcher will timber up his throw
ing arm. Then. but not till then. will
he forsake the pool palace, and in the