The Spartans of the West 33 



jugal affection, that is met in more enlightened communities. 

 I have found them moral and religious; and I am bound to give 

 them credit for their zeal, which is often exhibited in their modes 

 of worship, however insuifficient they may seem to us, or may be 

 in the estimation of the Great Spirit. " (Vol. II., p. 242.) 



While Hunter, after living with the Kansas Indians for 

 nineteen years, says: ^ 



"They are very assiduous and attentive to the wants and 

 comforts, particularly, of the aged; and kind to all who require 

 their assistance. And an Indian who failed in these respects, 

 though he otherwise merited esteem, would be neglected and 

 despised. To the credit of their morals, few such are to 

 be found, except where debauched by the vices of the white 

 people." (Hunter's "Captivity," 1798-1816; p. 251.) 



Among the maxims laid down by the venerable Chief of 

 the Kansas, was: 



"Obey and venerate the old people, particularly your par- 

 ents." ("Teachings of Tshut-che-nau, Chief of the Kansas;" 

 Hunter; p. 21.) 



Father J. F. Lafitau, the Jesuit missionary, was far from 

 being predisposed in favor of savage ways or views, yet 

 says of the Eastern Indians : 



"Toward each other, they behave with a natural politeness 

 and attention, entertaining a high respect for the aged." 

 (Moeurs des Sauv. Am., 1724.) 



"The Indians always took care of their aged and helpless. 

 It was a rare exception when they did not." (Francis La 

 Flesche, Conversation, April 27, 1912.) 



There have been cases of Indians abandoning their very 

 aged to die, but it was always done by request of the vie- 



