persons who really are in want and almost everyone else. All the
roving tribes are great beggars, even if they do not actually stand in
need. But viewing the question only in the light of an act of charity
they are numerous indeed. Unskillful in the treatment of diseases,
the different demands for medicines and attendance are great, which
at all times it is not safe nor expedient to comply with. The forts
are the depositions of all the old, lame, sick, poor, and feeble; in
fact, every one who can not follow the camp, or is of no use there,
is thrown on the hands of the traders, and his house has often more
the appearance of a hospital than a trading establishment. For all
this there is no pay, not even thanks nor kind words, but frequently
reproach and revenge if they are told to move off after recovery. It
would appear that the feeling of gratitude is unknown to the Indian. We
believe this to be the case among these.
It does not appear from our actual observation of 21 years, and
pretty correct information of as many more of still an earlier date,
that the principal animals have suffered diminution in the district
of which we treat, viz., from the Sioux country to the Blackfoot,
inclusive. How numerous they were in former years we do not know,
but understand from old Indians that more buffalo have been seen in
late years than were noticed 50 or 60 years since. It may be that the
range of these animals is becoming more limited from the pressure
of emigration westward. Yet this range is very extensive, reaching
from the Platte to the Saskatchewan and from Red River to the Rocky
Mountains, through all which immense district buffalo are found in
great numbers. Out of this question appears to us to arise another,
viz., Is not the decrease of the Indians from diseases communicated
to them through white immigration and commerce, thereby reducing the
number of hunters, equivalent to increasing the number of buffalo? And
does not the remnant of the Indians at this time require fewer animals
to feed, clothe, and provide all their necessaries, than the multitudes
before commerce was established with them? We think this view merits
consideration.
If the buffaloes diminish, so do the Indians, and the diminution is not
felt. The manner in which they hunted before firearms were introduced
(by driving the buffaloes into pens) was infinitely more destructive
than at present. Hundreds, perhaps thousands, were necessarily killed
when a camp of a few Indians was stationed and when a small number
would have sufficed. That commerce stimulates them to hunt is true,
and a great many buffaloes are annually destroyed expressly for the
hides. Yet even this destruction is limited. An Indian’s family can
only dress a certain number of hides during the hunting season. The
hides in their raw state are of no value, and not traded, and can not
be packed and carried when they move, which they are obliged to do in
the spring; therefore no more are killed than the Indians can handle.
Besides, there are but four or five months when the hair or fur of any
animal is seasonable or merchantable and the rest of the year only
enough are killed for meat, clothing, and lodges for their families.
As far as we can be allowed to express an opinion, would say that the
Indians by diseases brought about by commerce, and of late years by
white immigration, will diminish and perhaps be destroyed as formidable
bodies long before their game. The loss of Indians from smallpox,
cholera, measles, scarlet fever, venereal fluxes, etc., within our
own recollection can not be estimated at less than 15,000 to 20,000,
without taking into consideration the consequent loss of propagation.
Were the destruction less we think it would have the effect of
increasing these animals so that many must die for want of proper
grazing or be forced to seek other lands for food. This would reinstate
us in our first position, that it is more probable the small number
of Indians now in existence will disappear before their game, or at
least will be so reduced as not to retard their increase. Immigration
in settling the country would banish the buffalo from that part of it
where these movements were going on, and force them to the alternative
of scattering through the settlements and thus be destroyed; or, being
confined and limited in their grazing, they would die for want of
sufficient nourishment. They are a shy animal and will not remain where
they are much troubled. Indian hunting has not this effect. The Indians
do not occupy the proportionate space of a town of 100 houses to a
county, and in some places not more to a State of the United States.
Moreover, they herd with order, and in the winter, not being able to
remain on the plains where there is no fuel, and very deep snow, are
obliged to place their camps on the banks of streams and hunt merely
the outskirts of these immense herds.
The increases of buffaloes must be very great. Each cow has a calf
yearly and the fourth year these also have calves. Now, supposing a
band of 4,000 cows to increase for eight years without accident. The
computation would be as follows:
Say increase One-half
one-half cows bulls
4×4=16÷2=8 8
=== ===
One-half increase----------------------------------- 8
Old stock------------------------------------------- 4
---
12×4=48
Old stock------------------------------------------------ 12
One-half bulls------------------------------------------- 8
-------
Total in 8 years----------------------------------------- 68,000
Now supposing the whole number of buffalo cows in existence to be
3,000,000, which is certainly not an overestimate, then—
One-half One-half
cows bulls
3×4=12÷2=6 6
=== ===
One-half increase in 4 years-------------------- 6
Old stock--------------------------------------- 3
---
9×4=36
Stock------------------------------------------------ 9
Bulls------------------------------------------------ 6
-----------
Total in 8 years------------------------------------- 51,000,000
Making every calculation for their reduction in the many ways they are
killed, or die by accident, and the consequent loss by propagation, yet
being so numerous their ratio of increase is too great to diminish the
whole number much by any of these means.
The conclusion is that, in our opinion, both Indians and buffaloes,
with all other game, would disappear in consequence of white
immigration and occupation, though the Indians, being the smaller
number, would be the first to vanish. Also that commerce, by
stimulating the exertions of the hunters, can not increase their labor
beyond what they now perform, and that, being limited, is too small
to hasten the destruction or even diminution of any game as plentiful
as the buffalo. The same argument does not apply to beaver, foxes, or
even elk and deer. Should all the Indians be obliged to live on elk
and deer only, and have no resources but the furs of the beaver and
fox to get their supplies, a diminution of these animals would soon
be perceived and destruction follow, because their increase is not so
great, neither were they ever so numerous. They are smaller, and as
more would be required they would therefore soon disappear before the
united hunts of all the Indians. But as they are not as yet driven to
hunt them they do not diminish, except the beaver, which has been, in
this district, destroyed by large bodies of white trappers. Red foxes
are not, we think, so numerous as formerly, though it may be they are
not so much hunted. The trading posts or houses do not have the effect
of diminishing or frightening away the buffalo any more than the Indian
camps.
Their locations are few and hundreds of miles apart, and their
operations confined to within a few miles of their houses. Even while
we are writing thousands of buffalo can be seen by looking out of the
fort gates, which are quietly grazing on the opposite bluffs of the
Missouri, and yet this post (Fort Union) has been established 27 years.
The only good hunting grounds for elk and deer are on the Yellowstone
from 4 to 30 miles from the fort, beyond which though there are but few
Indians they are not nearly so numerous. Beaver and foxes are caught
every few days within one-half mile to 6 miles of the fort, not in
numbers, certainly, neither are they very plentiful anywhere in this
district. A trading post in a new country may have but few buffalo the
first and second years and innumerable herds the third, or vice versa.
There is no rule for this. The buffalo migrate and return. The other
animals are scattered over an immense region of country, are difficult
to kill, must be hunted separately, which is dangerous on account of
enemies, consequently not followed, therefore they are not diminished.
Thus no person can say to a certainty which are the first to disappear.
Perhaps the entire destruction of game would lead to the Indians
devoting their time to agricultural pursuits. It would force them to
do that or starve, but judging from their present indisposition to
work, and tribal organization, great distress would follow the sudden
disappearance of their game and starvation thin their ranks before they
would apply themselves to hard labor. The Indians who raise corn, etc.
(Mandan, Gros Ventres, and Arikara), do not do so from any scarcity
of game or apprehensions on that score, but have done so beyond the
recollection of any trader, or even of themselves. It appears to be
a desire to possess something else to eat besides meat, and a custom
handed down to them by their forefathers. Their corn is entirely
different from any raised in the States, and is the real original maize
discovered with the continent, the seed still kept in its original
purity. The labor attendant on planting and raising these crops is
performed by the women, while the men hunt like the surrounding
tribes, work of this description as their present ideas exist being
a disgrace to the males. Several of the other wild tribes have for
years entertained a desire to cultivate, not because they apprehend any
failure of game, but having become fond of corn, potatoes, etc., wish
to have them, but can not exert themselves enough for the purpose.
Commerce not as yet having reached the tribes of whom we write except
in the form of trade for their furs and skins, the question as to
its ultimate effects, as a cause of civilization, can not by us be
determined, but the effects produced by traffic have had a decided
tendency toward their improvement and advancement by stimulating
their exertions and increasing their knowledge. It must be obvious to
every one who is acquainted with the character and history of Indians
that they have an antipathy to work, that as long as they can support
themselves by hunting they will do so; for through these means they
are enabled to avail themselves of the labor and arts of Europeans
in procuring articles necessary for their subsistence, in exchange
for their furs and skins. This method being more consonant with their
fixed habits, is less toilsome though more dangerous than civilized
occupations. Having clothing, utensils, arms, ammunition and all kinds
of provisions furnished them by the traders certainly increases their
desire to obtain these things, stimulates them to greater exertions in
hunting, but does not lead to a sufficient energy of mind to endeavor
to produce these things by a slower though more certain employment. In
the event of a sudden disappearance of game they would be driven to
extreme want and thousands would perhaps perish before they would of
their own accord apply themselves to agricultural pursuits.
If no human exertions be made by those in power to instruct them in
the superior advantages of such labors over their present precarious
life, they must by a sudden pressure of emigration, and a consequent
annihilation of game, become the drudges of the whites, destroyed and
degraded by their great banes, whiskey and smallpox. It is impossible
to conceal the rapid strides made by emigration or its immoral tendency
on the Indians, and it would be very unreasonable to conclude that its
destroying effects would so revolutionize the habits of an uneducated
Indian as to meet the emergency. The change from savage to civilized
life and occupations must be gradual, accompanied by instruction,
education, and practical experiment illustrative of its utility.
The introduction of woolen goods has been of some advantage to the
Indians. It has added to their comfort, cleanliness, and pride, and
has had other good effects; but these alone can not be said to have
much increased their means of subsistence, though other things have.
As long as an Indian is a hunter, his dress must answer that purpose.
There is no fabric of European manufacture clothed in which he could
crawl after game over the plains covered with cactus in summer or that
would protect his body from freezing in winter. Blankets can not supply
the place of buffalo robes, cloth the place of skin, boots that of
moccasins, in these high latitudes and terrible snowstorms.
These things are bought for summer and fall wear in their homes or
when traveling, are preferred because they are not damaged by wet,
are gay, soft, and handsome, will make tolerably good undercoats
in winter, will serve for traveling horseback in summer and fall.
But the real hunter of the plains must have his buffalo robe coats,
moccasins, mittens, and cap, skin leggings, his extra buffalo robe on
his back and his snowshoes on his feet, or the cold and wind would
prove more destructive to his person than he to the game. The articles
introduced by commerce that have increased their means of subsistence
are firearms, horses, knives, kettles, awls, fire, steel, and metallic
instruments for dressing hides. Besides, the conversation and
instruction received from the traders has increased their knowledge,
elevated their desires, and stimulated their industry. These are some
of the effects of commerce, and this subject will meet with further
discussion through these pages.
We are not aware of any great moral evils consequent on the trade with
Indians in this section. The variations from truth and deceptions
practiced by rival companies are, however, the greatest. The
introduction of ardent spirits has been demoralizing and debasing, but
has in no great degree tended to the depopulation of the tribes of
whom we write. From a long period of actual observation and experience
we can safely say that the whole number of deaths arising from the
consequences of intoxicating drink does not amount to 100 during the
past 20 years, from and including the Sioux to the Blackfeet. That it
is morally wrong no one will doubt, but this has been much exaggerated,
and can not be reckoned among the causes of their depopulation. If that
cause is sought for it is very plain in the history of the smallpox,
which even while we write is sweeping off the Crow and Snake Indians,
upward of 1,200 of whom have died from that disease contracted on the
Platte emigrant trail last summer. The destruction of Indians from
cholera, measles, and smallpox since that road has been opened has been
incredible and there is no probability of its decreasing. These are the
causes of their depopulation and will be of their entire extinction.
The introduction of firearms has been beneficial to the trade, and in
some respects to the Indians. Deer, elk, and smaller game can be killed
when buffalo are not found, and in default of horses to run them the
Indians can support themselves with the gun.
The gun is a useful though not an indispensable implement. The loss of
an Indian horse is easier replaced than that of his gun, as he could at
any time steal the former from his enemies, and to get the latter would
require means to purchase, which have been destroyed by its loss. Also
the accident might happen when skins were of no value or unseasonable.
Another advantage in having a gun is that the means of making a fire
are thereby possessed, which on the plains is a matter of great
consequence, and a gun often saves the lives of several travelers. In
short, an Indian with a gun has double the chances of support that one
without has. Should his horse be stolen he can use his gun, and if
that is broken he can use his horse. By firearms a great many smaller
animals are killed, and skins traded which would not otherwise be the
case, though in hunting in bodies or large camps the gun is not much
used, except when there are but few horses that they can catch. The
possession of firearms has unquestionably promoted war. Many arrows
may be shot, perhaps all the Indian has, without doing any damage
unless at very close quarters, whereas at a distance or in the night
guns are effective. It also facilitates waylaying and killing their
enemies, a manner of which they are remarkably fond, and could not
well be accomplished with arrows, lances, etc., without nearly equal
danger to both parties. Guns and ammunition are considered the soul of
warfare, more so than of the chase, and a few Indians thus armed are
more efficient than a crowd with bows, lances, and war clubs. So much
is this the case that the want of a sufficient number of guns often
delays, and sometimes entirely stops, a war party.
There is only one way we know of by which the trade could be placed
on a better basis, and that being inconsistent with the principles of
our Government, is scarcely worth considering. It is that it should be
a monopoly. A charter granted to a body of efficient people who could
give bond to a large amount for their lawful prosecution of the trade,
and their operations subject to the revision and examination of a
competent board of directors.
EDUCATION
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.
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 gunsmiths,
blacksmiths, carpenters, and weavers would find immediate employment.
The principles of the Christian religion would of course at the same
time be taught, but the principal feature of these establishments,
as soon as the boys and girls were able to work, should be industry,
principally in agricultural and pastoral pursuits. The great errors
into which missionaries have fallen are that they make the observance
of religious duties the sole object and neglect the others.[16]
Also their zeal in this induces them to interfere with the present
government, domestic arrangements, and superstitions of the grown
Indians, thereby incurring their enmity, disgust, or revenge. The
present grown-up generation should be left entirely alone, not
interfered with, no attempt made to convert them, or even induce them
to work. It is useless, inexpedient, and subverts the general ends.
The first thing a missionary does is to abuse the Indian for having a
plurality of wives.
[16] Here Denig mildly protests against the unreasonable emphasis
placed on the observance of religious rites by the missionaries to the
exclusion of other duties.
Would the good missionary be so charitable as to clothe, feed, and
shelter the supernumerary woman; should all the Indians follow his
advice and have but one wife? Will the Indian consent to separate his
children from their mothers, or to turn both adrift to please the
whim of any man? This advice is uncharitable, unjust, and can only be
excused on the plea of ignorance of their customs and feeling. The
next difference that arises is that the priests take away all their
charms, medicines, and idols, and present them their cross instead.
Now as far as any of these old Indian reprobates can conceive the
idea of the cross, it is nothing more than a different kind of idol
in exchange for theirs. What in the name of common sense could induce
old priests, in every other respect sane and well informed, to think
that by administering baptism and giving an Indian the symbol of the
cross they have thus converted them, we can not imagine. If the Indians
believe anything thereby, it is that the image or medal possesses
some intrinsic supernatural power to prevent them from personal harm
or give them success in war, known to be efficacious by the whites,
and is to them in fact nothing more than a different kind of medicine
bird or medicine ball. Can they (the priests) suppose that an Indian,
only a grade above the level of the brute in intelligence, could
without education form a correct idea of the ordinance of Baptism,
the Incarnation, the Trinity, the Crucifixion and Atonement and other
abstruse points in which even whites, with all their education, can not
agree?