The Clio messenger. (Clio, Mich.) 1907-current, 1914-07-03

StaBeS ARE unaware tnht
there tdwells In the Businesses
:" of the Florida Everglades
ono of THE most interesting
and picturesque bbands Of American
aaborigines in the United States,
known rs the Seminole Indians, who
are now as separate and distinct from
the white race as when Columbus first
sheld mass on the shores OF Cuba
These are the remnants of the one
slime mighty nation of Seminoles, who
Ndefied the United States government
flor more than half century and per
'sistently refused colonization.
While the numerous wars and forced
'emigrations have reduced their num-
beers to few hundred, their mode OF
living, dispositions and customs are TN
many respects the same as when the
naughty De Soto sailed into Tampa
Bay in 1889.
The Seminoles live to themselves,
avoiding contact with the white race
las much as possible, and seldom, II
ever, taking whites into their cpn-
1idence, and on account Of the almost
inaccessible nature Of the country IN
which they live, little is known OF
their intimate home life. Unlike the
Indians of the West, they have per-
sistently refused any assistance from
the government, saying in response
10 offers for their support I'VE only
wish to be let alone"
Memories Are Good.
They have no written language, yet
they are familiar with the traditions
and history of the tribe. The events
OF the seven years war are still vivid
little "pappooses are taught from In
fancy to avoid any semblance of init
macy with the race, who, through the
violation of the most sacred rule OF
warfare, "the flag Of truce" captured
and imprisoned for life their match
less warrior chieftain, Osceola, and
his brave staff. The tribe are taught
that the whites are lacking in honor.
or, in the Seminole language holowa-
gus (no good.
The present Florida Indians are the
descendants of that invincible tribe
who were never completely conquered.
In the year 1859 there we're said to be
only 112 Seminoles left in Florida.
but during the long period of peace
with the white race their numbers
have increased, until there are now
between 500 and 600. These are d.
wided into four bands, the Miamis,
the Okeechobees, the Tallahassees and
the Big Cypress. These bands have
mot been governed by any great
chief" for about ten years, as was
formerly their custom, but each
band has 1t leader, whose duty is to
preside at councils for administration
OF the unwritten laws Of the Seminole
tribe that from time immemorial have
been handed down from generation to
generation.
Many of the Seminole braves are
types of physical excellence. Their
native dress consists of tunic Of va
rious bright gaudy colors, with which
'buckslSin leggins and moccasins are
sometimes worn.
The squaws wear a long, full skirt,
which effectually hides their bare feet,
with long-sleeved waist. They are
very we'll behaved, modest and shy,
and 1t is considered improper for as
much as their feet or ankles to be
exposed TO view, although their waist
and skirts do not meet by or
inches. this discrepancy being only
partly covered by shawl-like attach
ment or collar to the waist. Their
dress is even gayer colored and more
gaudy than that OF the men, having
wide stripes of red, yellow, blue and
white encircling both the waist and
skirt, with great strings of bright col
ored beads around the neck, making
an appearance that would do credit
to masquerade or fancy dress affair
They show no desire to copy the
styles Of their pale-faced sisters
The Seminoles are kind to their |
families, fond OF and devoted to their |
children, are pure in morals and hon
est among themselves and with the |
whites. They do most OF their trading |
In Miami and Fort Landerdale. In
these places are certain etores which |
they make headquarters for all pur-
chases and sale OF their fnrs and |
other DrDducts. They are very sus-
picious Of the motives and designs of |
Waite men. and the few who are able
to speak and understand English
have been taught by their chiefs "Es-
tahadkee, Kolowagus lexeeojus"
(white man 70 good: lie too much).