denioI THE ASSIXIBOIN 467 



dered 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 exer- 

 tions 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 occa- 

 sionally, 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. After- 

 wards 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. 



Habits of industry should be inculcated as they grow up, and the 

 field of their operations enlarged when they are grown, by portioning 

 out lands and providing a market for their surplus stock and produce. 

 Some of the useful mechanical arts could also be introduced, but only 

 those that are useful in their present condition and growing state. 

 A century or two may elapse before watchmakers, glass blowers, or 

 even tailors and shoemakers would be necessary, though a few gun- 

 smiths, blacksmiths, carpenters, and weavers would find immediate 



