ARE THE INDIANS DIMINISHING? 167 
in the United States as there were in the same territory in 1520, when the 
Spaniards met the Indians of Florida. 
While it must be conceded, as a matter of history, that some tribes and 
bands which once inhabited the country occupied by the people of these 
United States have greatly diminished, and a few have disappeared alto- 
gether, other tribes have been on the increase. War and “spirit water,” 
and the diseases introduced among them by the white people, have wrought 
out their legitimate effects. A different course of treatment would un- 
doubtedly have greatly modified or entirely changed the character of these 
results. 
But there is one way in which a diminution of some tribes is taking 
place, viz, by ceasing to be Indians and becoming members of civilized 
society. In Minnesota all persons of mixed blood, 7. ¢., of white and Indian 
descent, are recognized as citizens. The same is true in other States; and 
the privilege is extended to those who are not mixed bloods. Also, under 
present homestead laws, Indians are becoming citizens by going off their 
reserves. Let a well-arranged severalty bill be enacted into a law, and 
Indians be guaranteed civil rights as other men, and they will soon cease 
to be Indians. 
The Indian tribes of our continent may become extinct as such; but if 
this extinction is brought about by introducing them to civilization and 
christianity and merging them into our own great nation, which is receiving 
accretions from all others, who will deplore the result? Rather let us labor 
for it, realizing that if by our efforts they cease to be Indians and become 
fellow-citizens it will be our glory and joy. 
