Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1915-08-17
Stimulation of Navajo Blanket
Wearing Urged by CrOWnpOint Man

reputation for rug department Of that
already celebrated house We have
in New Mexico great industry of
many years standing which could and
should be encouraged and stimulated,
lnsomuch as the Indian is the ward
Of the government the government
could well afford to appropriate a sum
OF money sufficient to advertise and
lppularize these Incompatible rugs,
which the Indians its wards, manu-
facture ana depend upon in a large
measure for their livelihood. The best
way possible the writer firmly believes
10 assist a poor people is not to give
them money. but to devise means
whereby they may earn il, which not
only puts food In their mouths, and
money In their pockets, but also en-
eouraEes thrift ana economy, creating
a feeling of self-reliance
Proper legislative measures should
be adopted to protect the Navajo
weaver against INSCRIPTIONS lmita-
tors who manufacture cheap and stem
ciled rugs, selling the same under the
title of genuine Navajo blankets If
such legislation were adopted, il would
assist the Navajo Indians greatly along
the lines of general economy and
would no doubt tend to stimulate
deserving industry which should not
be permitted to pass into everlasting
oblivion as many of the arts Of the
ancients have done II is beyond
comprehension why those who have
been So closely associated with the
handling Of the destiny of the Navajo
Indian have not proceeded with such
measures as would put this worthy in
dustry on sound business basis. Ii Is
indeed crcditable to the present Ad-
minisuauon of Indian affairs i'm
WASHINGTON that IT'S present policy is
Ca encourage the Indians along the
lines of general economies and TO place
them upon "a self sustaining basis
Indian Traders Might Organize.
The Indian traders and business men
of northwestern New Mexico could
well afford 20 form am association and
60 contribute to q common fund for
the carrying on Of a publicity or adj
vertising campaign to let tho world
know Of the value. worthness ana
beauty of this product which the In
dams, their customers, are producing.
II such "a business plan were followed
as this, the product would necessarily
be more in demand and therefore
would increase TO price scale more
in Keeping with It's true worth This
would result ultimately in the diver
sion of a flow of golden coins into
me Golfers Of the New Mexico business
man.
No doubt the Indian Rights society.
which has large membership among
the wealthy ana Influential people of
the eastern cities, would enthusiast
/ cally encourage such an ENTERPRISE
4 We're u shown that the Indian would
/ be materially benefited such an or
ganization should have representatives
/ ~ every large city and houses where
Navajo blankets might be displayed
.hu olieFpd for sale 10 the public.
such establishments as just referred
| to should be those which are con
Quoted along the lines similar TO those
i OF the well known curio house Of
/ Nantine Of New York CITY
Wonid Stimulate Sheen Industry
Were the blanket industry stimulated
the sheep industry among no Nav
aJos would pe stimulated. which would
contribute greatly to the wealth of
i tile great commonwealth Of New Mex
100. 4 few traders in these parts are
/ carving on mail order business and
~ advertising have built up a select
/ ehehtele. As these traders are buy
ing only the best weaves. thew have
encouraged the industry to such An
+ extent that the Indians Of this localitv
nave the reputation OF producing the
pes' blankets in The Navajo country
IL devolves upon every citizen who
mas ne general veal at heart and who
Is glad 20 see every people Of every
cline progress and advance regardless
81 race or color to put his shoulder
% the wheel and assist in encouraging
and IN advancing this worthy industry
EDWARD b. ASHURST
Crownpoint, New Mexico August l2,
1915