Indian Tribes of the Upper Missouri: Edited with Notes and Biographical SketchDenig, Edwin Thompson
History
Indian Tribes of the Upper Missouri: Edited with Notes and Biographical Sketch
Denig, Edwin Thompson
Assiniboine Indians; Indians of North America -- Missouri River Valley
There are no serious or valid objections on the part of any Indians
with whom we are acquainted to the introduction of schools,
agriculture, the mechanical arts, or Christianity. We have examined
the subject in all its bearings for upward of 20 years; counseled with
Indians about it; and it appears to us very singular that as yet the
Department or some charitable persons have done nothing in this respect
for the Indians. It is the only way they can be really benefited,
saved, recompensed for territory bought, or rendered useful. It is the
only way by which they could eventually be brought to have some certain
source or means of subsistence. They have often pressed upon us their
desire that we should use our exertions to get some mission or school
opened among them to instruct their children in agriculture and the
mechanical arts. With this view we have for years corresponded with the
Rev. G. I. De Smet of the St. Louis University (Jesuit), who intended
and perhaps still intend to commence operations of the kind among them.
Not being of the Catholic persuasion, it is not on that account that
the Jesuits were thought by us the most competent for such a purpose,
but that they have more zeal, knowledge, perseverance, and tact to
manage Indians than any others we know of. Their religion is peculiarly
adapted to that purpose.
The imposing rites and ceremonies of the Catholic Church would at
once attract their attention and excite their interest; afterwards
they could be made to comprehend. However, it is not with the grown
Indians the commencement must be made. The first step to be taken is
to stop, as much as possible, their internal wars, and this is rapidly
being accomplished by the treaty made at Laramie in 1851, which has
had the effect of making a general peace between all nations except
the Blackfeet. This peace may suffer interruptions occasionally, by a
few being killed, or horses stolen, but these things will be settled
among themselves, and the peace continue, especially if the Indian
agents are particular in enforcing the treaty stipulations. With the
Blackfeet a peace must be made in some way and that at Laramie having
proved successful, why not in the same way? They are very numerous and
hostile, and nothing but a large appropriation judiciously distributed
in merchandise could gain the point. Afterwards it might be kept up
for a series of years by smaller annuities, and when the general end
is gained these could be discontinued. The only way to work upon the
wild Indian is through his cupidity and necessities; force is not to be
thought of.
This point being gained, establishments should be formed among each
tribe, at the same time receiving a number of their children and giving
them a common English education and as soon as practicable bringing up
these children in agricultural and pastoral pursuits.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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