Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1914-07-31

NM EU SluteS are UNAWARE tudt |
W there dwels in the Businesses |
IVH 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 frst
held mass or the shores OF CUBA
These are the remnants of the one
time mighty nation of Seminoles, who
1ehed the United States government
for more than half century and per
sistently refused colonization.
While the numerous wars and forced
smigrations 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
naughty De Soto sailed into Tampa
Bay in 1889
The Seminoles live to themselves,
Woiding contact with the white race
as much as possible, and seldom, If
ever, taking whites into their con
1dence, and on account of the almost
inaccessible nature of the country In
which they live, little is known of
heir intimate home life Unlike the
indians Of the West. they have per.
'istently refused any assistance from
he government. saying in response
TO offers for their support, we only
wish TO he let alCnp"
Memories Are Good.
They have no written language, yet
they are familiar with the traditions
and history OF the tribe. The events
)f the seven years war are still vivid
their campfire memories. and the
title rappooses are taught from in
'ancy to avoid any sewblance 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 cheftain. Osceola, and
ais brave stan. The tribe are taught
hat the whites are lacking in honor,
or. In the Seminole language holowa.
gus tno good.
The present Florida Indians are the
descendants of that invincible tribe
who were never completely conquered.
In the year 1859 there were said to be
only ll2 Seminoles left in Florida,
but during the long period of peace
with the white race their numbers
nave increased, until there are now
between 500 and COO These are di.
vided into four bands. the Mlamis,
,he Okeechobees, 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 II leader. whose duty is to
preside at councils for administration
of the unwrlttcn laws Of the Seminole
tribe that from time immcmorial have
been handed down from generation to
generation.
Many Of the Seminole braves are
types Of physical excellence. Their
natiye dress consists Of n tunic Of va.
-ious bright gaudy colors. with which
bucksldn legglns and moccaslns are
sometimes worn.
The squaws wear n long. full skirt.
which encctunlly hides their bare feet.
with n lonG.slecyed waist. They are
very well behaved, modest and shy.
md II Is considered improper for as
much as their feet or ankles to be
exposed to view, although their waist
md skirts do not meet by G or 8
inches, this discrepancy being only
rarty covered by a shawl.like attach.
mcnt or collar TO the waist. Their
ircss Is even Tayer colored and more
'udy than that OF the men, having
vide stripes OF red. yellow. blue and
uhi'c oncircling both the waist and
skirt. with great strings OF bright col.
rod beads around the neck. making
an appearance that would do credit
20 masquerade or fancy dress AFFAIR
They show no desire TO copy the
styles Of their palo.iaced sisters.
Tho Semnolos are kind 10 their
families. fond Of and devoted TO their
children, are pure I'm morals and hon
est among themselves and with the
whites. They do mort of their tradinr
In Miami aud Fort Laudcrdale. In
these places are certain stores which
they make headquarters for all pur
chasos and sale Of their furs ant
other products. They are very sus
plcious Of the motives and designs o.
white men. and the few who are abl,
10 speak and understand English
have been taught by their chiefs "Es
tahadkee. Kolowagus lexeeojus'
(vhite man no good: lie too much)