The Miller press. [volume] (Miller, S.D.) 190?-current, 1914-06-18

there dwells In the Businesses
kv4 Of the Florida Everglades
one of the most interesting
and picturesque bands OF American
aborigines in the United States,
Known as the Seminole Indians, who
are now as separate and distinct from
the white race as when Columbus first
held mass on the shores Of Cuba.
These are the remnants of the one
time mighty nation of Seminoles, who
defied the United States government
for more than half a century and per-
sistently refused colonization.
While the numerous wars and forced
e~migrations have reduced their num-
bers to a few hundred, their mode OF
living, dispositions and customs are In
many respects the same as when the
Bay In 1889.
The Seminoles live to themselves,
avoiding contact, with the white race
as much as possible, and seldom. If
ever, taking whites into their con-
fidence, 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
to 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
in their campfire memories, and the
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 W completely conquered.
In the year 1859 there were 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 GOO. These are di-
vided into four bands, the Miamis,
the ~OReechobees, the Tallahassees and
the Big Cypress. These bands have
not 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 a tunic Of va
rious bright gaudy c%olors, with which
buckskin leggins and moccasius are
sometimes worn.
The squaws wear a long, full skirt,
which e~ffectually hides their bare feet,
with a long-sleeved waist. They are
very well behaved. modest and shy,
and it is considered improper for as
much as their feet or ankles TO be
exposed to view, although their waist
n skirts do not meet by 6 or 8
inches, this discrepancy being only
partly covered by a shawllike 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 a masquerade or fancy dress affair.
They show no desire to copy the
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 Lauderdale. In
these places are certain stores which
they make headquarters for all pur-
chases and sale OF their furs and
products. They are very sus-
of the motives and designs of
white men, and the few who are able
to speak and understand English
been taught by their chiefs "Es-
tahadkee. Kolowagus ~lexeeotus"
(white man no good; lie too much).