DENIQ] 



THE ASSINIBOIN 469 



ing by an age what should be their present course among the children. 

 We would say let all the grown generation die as they have lived, 

 though before that event took place many of them would have the 

 satisfaction of seeing their children in comparatively happy and im- 

 proved conditions. This is the only right beginning. Bring them 

 up in the proper way, impressing moral truths and industrious 

 habits when young and fostering the same in maturity. The Gov- 

 ernment can do this, should do it, and would be extending a charity 

 to a part of the human race but few sympathize with, and opening a 

 way for the remnant of aborigines to become a useful and intelligent 

 people. We repeat it, there are no objections to this among the 

 Indians. Proffers of the kind would be readily acceded to by any 

 tribe, even the Blackfeet, and all sensible traders would assist. It 

 would not benefit them, might perhaps hurt their business some, and 

 would in the end lead to its discontinuance. But this is of minor 

 consideration. We are confident that establishments on the princi- 

 ples we have suggested would succeed and answer great ends. But 

 they must begin with the children as their foundation, not merely for 

 the observances of religious duties, without combining active agri- 

 cultural and pastoral pursuits, with a judicious choice of mechanical 

 arts. 



It does not follow that the Indians should abandon their hunting 

 altogether to accomplish these ends. Those who wished to hunt 

 could still do so, as they now do at Red River, and when hunting 

 failed, as it eventually must when white emigration settles the 

 country, the Indians would find themselves in a position to live fully 

 if not more comfortably than before. Some of the money of the 

 United States could not be applied to a better purpose. One-half of 

 the amount Congress expends on the repairs of some old bridge would 

 be sufficient to rear and educate several hundred children. Indeed, 

 after the boys and girls had attained the age of 12 to 15 years they 

 could more than support themselves by their labor. Abstruse studies 

 or extensive mental acquirements should not be striven for except 

 with the view of providing teachers or physicians of their own na- 

 tion, but generally the rudiments of English education, such as is 

 taught the peasantry of England, would answer better. Too much 

 education would produce an unwillingness if not an inability to work. 



Physicians of their own people would tend more to banish their 

 superstitions and encourage these institutions than all the preaching 

 in the world. Correct medical knowledge would be apparent in its 

 effects, and be the greatest acquirement in the eyes of the Indian. 



With its introduction would disappear the host of jugglers, con- 

 jurers, medicine men, and humbugs that now impoverish and kill 

 most of their patients. A distinct idea of crime and the necessity of 



