Arizona, New Mexico and southern California, together with portions of
Nevada and Texas, were inhabited by the Yuman, Piman and Athapascan
stocks. I have devoted an entire chapter to the Navaho, and shall
confine this to the Pima, Papago, Pueblo and Apache.
The past fifty years the population of these Indians has not varied to
any appreciable extent. The enumeration of 1906 indicates that there are
about as many Pimas and Apaches as at the present time, although the
Papago have increased.
These tribes are desert Indians, pure and simple. The Pima and the
Papago present many characteristics in common, and remain long in the
same locality; the chief difference being that they belong to totally
distinct linguistic stocks. The Apaches, however, are far more nomadic
in character, not given to agriculture, and were never known to
construct irrigation ditches to any extent, and beyond raising a few
vegetables and a little corn on restricted tracts, were not given to
labor.
The chapter of our dealings with the Apaches is one of the bloodiest,
considering the small number of persons engaged on each side, in
American history. Notwithstanding much said against them, they were not
beyond the pale of civilizing influences. Many of the outbreaks could
have been prevented, but our policy toward these Indians was vacillating
and short-sighted.
Doctor F. W. Hodge of the Smithsonian Institution, long a student of
Indians in the Southwest, presented a sketch of the Apaches in the
Handbook of American Indians.[42] This covers their complete history. I
here insert portions relating to Apache history the past sixty years. It
will be observed that the Apaches were frequently located on
reservations, but because of change in management, or friction, or
incompetency on our part, they were compelled to flee, and such flights
were merely to better their condition.
“No group of tribes has caused greater confusion to writers, from the
fact that the popular names of the tribes are derived from some local or
temporary habitat, owing to their shifting propensities, or were given
by the Spaniards on account of some tribal characteristic; hence, some
of the common names of apparently different Apache tribes or bands are
synonymous, or practically so; again, as employed by some writers, a
name may include much more or much less than when employed by others.
Although most of the Apache have been hostile since they have been known
to history, the most serious modern outbreaks have been attributed to
mismanagement on the part of civil authorities. The most important
recent hostilities were those of the Chiricahua under Cochise, and later
Victorio, who, together with 500 Mimbrenos, Mogollones, and Mescaleros,
were assigned, about 1870, to the Ojo Caliente reserve in W. N. Mex.
Cochise, who had repeatedly refused to be confined within reservation
limits, fled with his band, but returned in 1871, at which time 1,200 to
1,900 Apache were on the reservation. Complaints from neighboring
settlers caused their removal to Tularosa, 60 m. to the N.W., but 1,000
fled to the Mescalero reserve on Pecos r., while Cochise went on another
raid. Efforts of the military agent in 1873 to compel the restoration of
some stolen cattle caused the rest, numbering 700, again to decamp, but
they were soon captured. In compliance with the wishes of the Indians,
they were returned to Ojo Caliente in 1874. Soon afterward Cochise died,
and the Indians began to show such interest in agriculture that by 1875
there were 1,700 Apache at Ojo Caliente, and no depredations were
reported. In the following year the Chiricahua reserve in Arizona was
abolished, and 325 of the Indians were removed to the San Carlos agency;
others joined their kindred at Ojo Caliente, while some either remained
on the mountains of their old reservation or fled across the Mexican
border. This removal of Indians from their ancestral homes was in
pursuance of a policy of concentration, which was tested in the
Chiricahua removal in Arizona. In April, 1877, Geronimo and other
chiefs, with the remnant of the band left on the old reservation, and
evidently the Mexican refugees, began depredations in S. Arizona and N.
Chihuahua, but in May 433 were captured and returned to San Carlos. At
the same time the policy was applied to the Ojo Caliente Apache of New
Mexico, who were making good progress in civilized pursuits; but when
the plan was put in action only 450 of 2,000 Indians were found, the
remainder forming into predatory bands under Victorio. In September 300
Chiricahua mainly of the Ojo Caliente band, escaped from San Carlos, but
surrendered after many engagements. These were returned to Ojo Caliente,
but they soon ran off again. In February, 1878, Victorio surrendered in
the hope that he and his people might remain on their former
reservation, but another attempt was made to force the Indians to go to
San Carlos, with the same result. In June the fugitives again appeared
at the Mescalero agency, and arrangements were at last made for them to
settle there; but, as the local authorities found indictments against
Victorio and others, charging them with murder and robbery, this chief,
with his few immediate followers and some Mescaleros, fled from the
reservation and resumed marauding. A call was made for an increased
force of military, but in the skirmishes in which they were engaged the
Chiricahua met with remarkable success, while 70 settlers were murdered
during a single raid. Victorio was joined before April, 1880, by 350
Mescaleros and Chiricahua refugees from Mexico, and the repeated raids
which followed struck terror to the inhabitants of New Mexico, Arizona,
and Chihuahua. On April 13, 1,000 troops arrived, and their number was
later greatly augmented. Victorio’s band was frequently encountered by
superior forces, and although supported during most of the time by only
250 or 300 fighting men, this warrior usually inflicted severer
punishment than he suffered. In these raids 200 citizens of New Mexico,
and as many more in Mexico, were killed. At one time the band was
virtually surrounded by a force of more than 2,000 cavalry and several
hundred Indian scouts, but Victorio eluded capture and fled across the
Mexican border, where he continued his bloody campaign. Pressed on both
sides of the international boundary, and at times harassed by United
States and Mexican troops combined, Victorio finally suffered severe
losses and his band became divided. In October, 1880, Mexican troops
encountered Victorio’s party, comprising 100 warriors, with 400 women
and children, at Tres Castillos; the Indians were surrounded and
attacked in the evening, the fight continuing throughout the night; in
the morning the ammunition of the Indians became exhausted, but although
rapidly losing strength, the remnant refused to surrender until
Victorio, who had been wounded several times, finally fell dead. This
disaster to the Indians did not quell their hostility. Victorio was
succeeded by Nana, who collected the divided force, received
reinforcements from the Mescaleros and the San Carlos Chiricahua, and
between July, 1881, and April, 1882, continued the raids across the
border until he was again driven back in Chihuahua. While these
hostilities were in progress in New Mexico and Chihuahua, the Chiricahua
of San Carlos were striking terror to the settlements of Arizona. In
1880 Juh and Geronimo with 108 followers were captured and returned to
San Carlos. In 1881 trouble arose among the White Mountain Coyoteros on
Cibicu cr., owing to a medicine-man named Nakaidoklini, who pretended
power to revive the dead. After paying him liberally for his services,
his adherents awaited the resurrection until August, when Nakaidoklini
avowed that his incantations failed because of the presence of Whites.
Since affairs were assuming a serious aspect, the arrest of the prophet
was ordered; he surrendered quietly, but as the troops were making camp
the scouts and other Indians opened fire on them. After a sharp fight
Nakaidoklini was killed and his adherents were repulsed. Skirmishes
continued the next day, but the troops were reinforced, and the Indians
soon surrendered in small bands. * * * *
“In March, 1883, Chato with twenty-six followers made a dash into New
Mexico, murdering a dozen persons. Meanwhile the white settlers on the
upper Gila consumed so much of the water of that stream as to threaten
the Indian crops; then coal was discovered on the reservation, which
brought an influx of miners, and an investigation by the Federal grand
jury of Arizona on Oct. 24, 1882, charged the mismanagement of Indian
affairs on San Carlos res. to local civil authorities.
[Illustration:
PIMA HOME, ARIZONA
Aboriginal house type.
]
“Gen. G. H. Crook having been reassigned to the command, in 1882 induced
about 1,500 of the hostiles to return to the reservation and subsist by
their own exertions. The others, about three-fourths of the tribe,
refused to settle down to reservation life and repeatedly went on the
warpath; when promptly followed by Crook they would surrender and agree
to peace, but would soon break their promises. To this officer had been
assigned the task of bringing the raiding Apache to terms in cooperating
with the Mexican troops of Sonora and Chihuahua. In May, 1883, Crook
crossed the boundary to the headwaters of the Rio Vaqui with 50 troops
and 163 Apache scouts; on the 13th the camp of Chato and Bonito was
discovered and attacked with some loss to the Indians. Through two
captives employed as emissaries, communication was soon had with the
others, and by May 29, 354 Chiricahua had surrendered. On July 7 the War
Department assumed police control of the San Carlos res., and on Sept. 1
the Apache were placed under the sole charge of Crook, who began to
train them in the ways of civilization, with such success that in 1884
over 4,000 tons of grain, vegetables, and fruits were harvested. In
Feb., 1885, Crook’s powers were curtailed, an act that led to conflict
of authority between the civil and military officers, and before matters
could be adjusted half the Chiricahua left the reservation in May and
fled to their favorite haunts. Troops and Apache scouts were again sent
forward, and many skirmishes took place, but the Indians were wary and
again Arizona and New Mexico were thrown into a state of excitement and
dread by raids across the American border, resulting in the murder of 73
white people and many friendly Apache. In Jan., 1886, the American camp
under Capt. Crawford was attacked through misunderstanding by Mexican
irregular Indian troops, resulting in Crawford’s death. By the following
March the Apache became tired of the war and asked for a parley, which
Crook granted as formerly, but before the time for the actual surrender
of the entire force arrived the wily Geronimo changed his mind and with
his immediate band again fled beyond reach. * * * *
“Being a nomadic people, the Apache practised agriculture only to a
limited extent before their permanent establishment on reservations.
They subsisted chiefly on the products of the chase and on roots
(especially that of the maguey) and berries. Although fish and bear were
found in abundance in their country they were not eaten, being tabooed
as food. They had few arts, but the women attained high skill in making
baskets. Their dwellings were shelters of brush, which were easily
erected by the women and were well adapted to their arid environment and
constant shifting. In physical appearance the Apache vary greatly, but
are rather above the medium height. They are good talkers, are not
readily deceived, and are honest in protecting property placed in their
care, although they formerly obtained their chief support from plunder
seized in their forays.”
Of the other Indians in the southwest there are some 3800 Yuma, 4,000
Pima and nearly 6,000 Papago.
These three bands occupy the lower Colorado basin. At one time they
constructed extensive irrigation ditches and raised large crops. The
history of the Pimas has been set forth at length by Mrs. Jackson and
Mr. Humphrey.
As the country settled up, white settlers appropriated the water from
the Gila, Salt and other streams and these Indians were much reduced.
Many of them became paupers. The larger portion of the Papago left their
ancient homes and located on the public domain, seeking only to be
removed from white persons.
As in the case of all other Indians, the Government has established
schools, and Agents, Superintendents, physicians, and employees may be
found wherever there are a considerable number of Indians congregated
together.
It became known that the very existence of the Pima and the Papago, as
well as the Yuma, was threatened because of the changed conditions, the
influx of Whites, and the haste on our part to make of these Indians
citizens in the full sense of the word. Water is the very life of all
desert Indians. With white people appropriating the bulk of it, very
little was left for the Indians. Hence various irrigation schemes were
set on foot. It would be very interesting to discuss how that we have
improved their condition and made available a large acreage in some
places, yet in others we carelessly sank wells deep into alkali-bearing
ground and thus ruined unnumbered acres; but space forbids discussion of
this subject.
The Board of Indian Commissioners late last year, through its Chairman,
Honorable George Vaux, Jr., commissioned Rev. William H. Ketcham,
Director of Catholic Missions, and Rev. Samuel A. Eliot, President of
the Unitarian Association, and both members of our Board, to visit these
various Indians and recommend what should be done for them. Their
findings were published in pamphlet form, but merit wider circulation. I
herewith append their remarks on the Papago.
“_Land._ Approximately 5,000 Papago Indians are living, as they have
lived since they were first known to history, on the public domain in
Pima and Pinal Counties. They are an industrious and self-supporting
people and maintain the habits of life that have been theirs for many
generations. They know no other home than the desert and are able to
sustain life under conditions which would be difficult, if not
impossible, for white people. These Indians on the public domain are
more or less nomadic, moving from two to four times each year from their
farms in the valleys to the ranges on the foothills. They are scattered
in some fifty or sixty small villages over a vast tract of desert and
mountain country. On their farms, which they break out of the desert
wherever water can be obtained, they raise two crops a year, in summer
raising beans, peas, squashes, melons and corn, and in winter wheat and
a little barley. Each family or village owns some cattle, horses and
mules. Their tribal customs are good and the habits of family life,
while exceedingly primitive, are excellent. The Franciscan Fathers have
for some time maintained missions and a few schools among these nomadic
Papagoes and the Presbyterian Board of Missions has also several chapels
and schools in the chief villages.
“These Papagoes on the public domain have no title whatsoever to the
lands where they have made their homes from time immemorial The desert
nature of their country is such that thus far they have had little
contact with white settlers. The time is, however, fast approaching when
the better parts of the land which they occupy will be desired by white
settlers or prospectors. A railroad project, the Tucson-Ajo Railroad,
has already put a survey through the Santa Rosa Valley for the purpose
of transporting the output of the Ajo Mines in Southern Arizona to
market and opening the country to settlement. If this project is
completed it will mean the coming of Whites into this territory and
inevitably imperil the continued occupation by the Indians of the
irrigable lands. In order to preserve the rights of these people it is
our judgment that a number of Executive Order Reservations drawn upon
lines to be recommended by the Department of the Interior should at once
be made. The reservations should contain the lands adjacent to the
villages which are needed for farming and grazing purposes and
sufficient sources of water supply for irrigation, stock and domestic
use. The village sites and the water sources should be held in common.
The allotments heretofore made to Indians upon the public domain should
then be cancelled where actual residence has not been established. Any
delay will greatly imperil the character and prospects of these
self-sustaining Indians, who have never had any trouble with white men,
and who deserve the sympathy and protection of the Government.
“An almost equally urgent situation exists on the Papago Reservation
itself. The Indian population on the reservation is mostly centered
about the Agency at San Xavier. This is the only part of the reservation
where there is water. The remainder is arid and uninhabitable. These
Indians are also self-supporting and well governed by their own tribal
laws and chiefs. Their farms are productive, wherever water can be
secured, and they have good habits, so long as they remain beyond the
evil influences of the neighboring city. Their continued welfare is
obviously dependent upon the supply of water. The Tucson Farms Company
has acquired practically all the land between the Agency and the City of
Tucson, and is opening this land for cultivation. The Farms Company also
owns the land bordering the reservation on the east and a considerable
tract to the south of the reservation. There is naturally some conflict
as to the water rights between the Farms Company and the Indians. The
welfare of the City of Tucson can evidently be promoted by increasing
the agricultural productiveness of the land held by the Farms Company
and the plans by which the Farms Company hopes to encourage settlement
are well-devised, but it must be borne in mind that the Indians, who
have lived at San Xavier for many generations, have the prior claim upon
the water supply. It is hoped and expected that there is in the Santa
Cruz Valley enough water for both the Indians and the incoming white
settlers, but the utmost vigilance will be necessary to protect the
rights of the Indians to the water which is absolutely essential to
their well-being.
“The trust patents under which most of the Indians near the Agency hold
their allotments will expire in the course of the next two or three
years. The officers of the Farms Company evidently expect at that time
to acquire title to the Indian lands together with any improvements
which the Indians or the Indian Service may have made. It is much to be
feared that the Indians will too readily yield to this temptation to
sell their lands. We earnestly recommend that these trust patents be
extended and the Indians thus protected. It appears that the lines of
the original allotments were badly surveyed, and the present fences or
boundaries of the Indian allotments do not conform to the survey. If,
therefore, an Indian should sell his allotment, he will very probably be
selling the land occupied by the homestead of another Indian. We
recommend, therefore, that new allotments be made to the Papago Indians
living at San Xavier, and that trust patents be dated from the time of
the new allotment. By the adoption of this plan not only the lines of
the allotments will be correctly adjusted, but also the Indians will be
protected in the possession of their lands.
“We understand there is litigation pending between the Government and
the Tucson Farms Company in regard to the title to the Berger Ranch at
San Xavier. The Agency offices and residence have always been located in
the buildings of this ranch and it is obvious that the Government must
own and control the property. The suit should be pressed to settlement
and title established.
[Illustration: © _by Rodman Wanamaker 1913_ _The Voice of the Water
Spirits_]
“_Irrigation._ The plans for the irrigating of the Indian land at San
Xavier have been well studied and the report of the Superintendent of
Irrigation is on file at the Indian Bureau (Senate Document No. 973, 62d
Congress, 3rd Session). We recommend the adoption of the plan there
suggested, but only if the trust patents can first be extended. In other
words, it is obviously undesirable for the Government to expend a
considerable sum of money for irrigating Indian lands which in the
course of two years may become the property of the Tucson Farms Company.
It is true that better irrigation will increase the value of the Indian
lands and the Indians will secure more for their property than they
otherwise would, but it is to be feared that this increase in price will
simply accrue to the benefit of the saloon keepers at Tucson and other
persons eager to prey upon the Indians. In order to save these
self-respecting, industrious and peaceful Indians from demoralization
and vagabondage, we earnestly recommend: (1) The extension of the trust
patents under which they now hold their lands, and (2) the prompt
adoption and carrying out of the plans by which they will obtain an
adequate and reliable supply of water.
“_Schools._ The Government maintains only two small day schools for the
Papagoes, whether living on the reservation or upon the public domain. A
few elementary schools are also maintained by the Catholic and
Presbyterian Missions. It is not necessary for the Government to
duplicate these schools. They cannot, however, reach more than a small
proportion of the school population. Without further and more careful
survey of the best centers of population, we do not wish to recommend
the establishment of any considerable number of Government day schools.
They will naturally be established where permanent water supplies can be
developed. We believe, however, that provisions should at once be made
for the opening of day schools at the villages known as Indian Oasis and
Coyote, which are natural centers of population within the proposed new
Executive Order Reservations. We understand that plans have already been
formed for the establishment of the first of these schools.
“_Health._ The health conditions among the Papagoes are not different
from those on other Indian reservations. There is a great deal of
tuberculosis and trachoma, and there are no hospital provisions
whatever. We earnestly recommend the establishment of field hospitals at
San Xavier and at Indian Oasis. These hospitals should be of slight
construction, but they are greatly needed for the welfare of the
Indians.
“_Liquor._ The Indians living on the Papago Reservation and on the
public domain seem to be well protected because of their remoteness from
white settlements, their own good habits, the vigilance of the Agency
officers, and the influence of the missionaries. The Indians living near
Tucson, Casa Grande or Maricopa are much more exposed to temptation and
are too often demoralized and vicious.
“_Native Industries._ It is highly desirable that the Papagoes should be
encouraged both in the industries by which they have always sustained
themselves and also in the arts which they practice. They are remarkably
successful desert cultivators. They have more to teach Whites about
desert farming than the Whites can teach them. Nevertheless, there are
certain methods of farming which can be brought to their attention by
skilful and tactful Government farmers, and we commend the present
activity of these officers. In particular the Indians can be helped in
the use and conservation of water, and in the securing of water for
domestic purposes apart from its use for stock. The Superintendent of
Irrigation has now at his disposal a small appropriation which he is
using to discover and develop new sources of water supply and in
teaching the Indians to separate their own drinking-water from the water
used for the stock.
[Illustration:
INDIAN BUILDINGS OF RECENT CONSTRUCTION
On an allotment near Wewoka, Okla.
]
“The Papago Indians are at present a primitive, but self-supporting
people. The Government does very little for them. Their livelihood is
now seriously threatened. A failure on the part of the Government to
protect them in their land and water rights, will be most disastrous.
The Indians will become homeless outcasts and a menace to all southern
Arizona. There is abundant evidence to justify the conviction that
neglect of the Papagoes at this time will result in the corruption and
degradation of these worthy Indians, and write another chapter of
disgrace in the history of our dealings with our Indian wards. Now,
before irreparable harm is done, is the time to act. An ounce of
prevention now, will be worth pounds of cure later. To prevent the
threatening abuse, to protect these deserving Indians and to promote
their permanent welfare, it is necessary; 1st, To establish Executive
Order Reservations on that part of the public domain where some 5000
Papagoes have always made their homes, and provide for their efficient
administration. 2nd, To extend the trust patents of the Indians holding
allotments at San Xavier and provide for the adequate irrigation of
their lands. 3rd, To establish schools at Indian Oasis and Coyote, and
hospitals at San Xavier and Indian Oasis.”
The Pueblos present a very interesting spectacle. Living as they do in a
number of stone and adobe villages, carrying on a highly developed
communistic life, practicing ceremonies the like of which does not exist
elsewhere in America, if anywhere in the world—they have been the
subject of numerous ethnological investigations. Mrs. Matilda Stevenson
published a volume through the Bureau of American Ethnology relating to
the ethnology of these strange folk. The late Frank Hamilton Cushing
lived for years in Zuni Pueblo, was adopted, mastered the language,
joined the secret society, and presented us with a great deal of
valuable and technical information. After Cushing’s death, Doctor J.
Walter Fewkes spent years in studying the various Pueblos. Mr. Charles
L. Owen of the Field Museum, Chicago, and other investigators have
approached the subject from various angles. We have, all told, a score
of books relating to the life and beliefs of the Pueblos; their famous
snake dance has been repeatedly described until it would seem that not a
single detail has escaped publication. Others have concerned themselves
with Pueblo arts, the origin of the Pueblo and the relation between the
Pueblo and the Cliff Dweller. Few tribes in America have been more
thoroughly studied, and it is safe to say that the various departments
of the Smithsonian Institution, the past thirty years, have published
5,000 or more pages relating to these people. As the peculiar customs
are handed down from antiquity, we shall study them in detail at some
future time and adhere to our rule of confining this book to the modern
Pueblo. The following report submitted by Messrs. Eliot and Ketcham is
self-explanatory and covers their activities, their needs, and warns us
against the dangers with which they are threatened.
“_Land._ The primary need of all the Pueblos is for a determination of
the boundaries of their grants. The encroachment of squatters on the
Indian lands is constantly increasing and producing friction and
litigation. These trespassers are not always blameworthy because the
limits of the Indian lands are so indistinct. There is urgent need of
surveys and of definite marks or bounds with indestructible monuments.
When these have been established, vigorous action should be taken for
the eviction of trespassers who have not established a legal right to
occupancy. We earnestly recommend an appropriation for the immediate
survey of all the Pueblo grants.
“We recommend an Act of Congress prohibiting any Pueblo Indian from
selling land. Such an Act will prevent endless misunderstandings and
litigation. All the land problems of the Pueblos would be settled by
accepting the proposal of the Indians to place all their lands in trust
with the Department of the Interior. We believe this proposed course of
action to be wise and just.
“The liquor question is at the front in nearly every pueblo. Illegal
selling and bootlegging are very prevalent and as a rule public opinion
among the Indians does not condemn the use of liquor. In spite of the
vigilance of the officers of the Government bad whiskey is demoralizing
many of these Indians. The efforts of the Superintendents and their
policemen for the suppression of this traffic should be heartily
supported by the Indian Office and the superintendents should be
authorized to employ additional policemen.
“The prosecution and punishment of land thieves and liquor sellers put a
very heavy burden upon the attorney for the Indians. We particularly
commend the able, alert and disinterested service of Mr. Francis C.
Wilson, who with very small resources has been remarkably successful in
protecting the Indians and punishing those who would rob or degrade
them. We earnestly recommend that his salary be put at $3,000 and that
at least $1,000 be allowed him for the prosecution of the suits now
pending.
“We commend the good sense, vigor and assiduity of Superintendents
Perry, Lonergan, Coggeshall and Mr. Snyder. They understand these
Indians and without pampering or pauperizing them have their real
interests at heart.
“_Irrigation._ Owing to the sandy nature of the soil of the Rio Grande
Valley the seepage from the irrigation canals is excessive. We recommend
that the canals at Isleta and Laguna, where conditions are particularly
bad, be concreted. A reservoir is urgently needed at Taos.
“_Health._ In spite of pernicious inbreeding and unsanitary conditions
the health of the Pueblos is comparatively good. Instruction is needed
in elementary sanitation.
[Illustration:
SOUTHERN UTE, COLORADO
Modern Indian pictographs in the rear. 1902. Photograph by E. R.
Forrest.
]
“_Education._ While heartily commending the work and efficiency of the
boarding schools at Albuquerque and Santa Fe, we are clearly of the
opinion that the best education for these Indians can be obtained in the
day schools. Boarding schools are well adapted to nomadic Indians, but
the Pueblos have always lived in permanent villages and the best schools
for them are the day schools in or immediately adjoining the villages.
The new day schools are well planned, but there is urgent need of more
of them. The school accommodations at Isleta are a disgrace to the
Government. They are unsafe and unsanitary and there is not room for
half the children of school age. New school buildings should also be
provided at Acoma, Acomita and Encinal. A farmer is greatly needed to
give agricultural instruction at Isleta and Laguna. The needs of the
boarding schools have been sufficiently set forth in the recommendations
of the superintendents. We especially commend the application for
appropriations to buy additional land at Albuquerque and to build a
dairy barn at Santa Fe.
“We recommend the applications of Superintendents Lonergan and
Coggeshall for additional policemen, and for authority to hire laborers
when needed. It is absurd to have to request a physician to milk the cow
or for a superintendent to personally have to carry the chain for his
surveyors.
“The training of the Pueblo Indians for life in a civilized environment
must be slow. Their inherited habits and customs are exceedingly rigid
and their prejudices are stubborn. The educated or progressive Indians
among them have now a very hard road to travel. They need not only moral
support, but sometimes actual physical protection. The superintendents
should be encouraged tactfully but firmly to break up the personal
despotism which often rules the villages, to protect the right of the
individual to personal liberty, to insist upon the gradual adaptation of
the pueblo life to its new environment. The Pueblos are now in a
transition stage. They cannot pass through it without some bitter
feelings and some hard experiences. They need the consistent,
sympathetic, courageous leadership of their guardians, in whose good
intentions they are beginning to trust.”
In closing the chapter on the desert Indians I desire to suggest that
the older Pueblos be permitted to continue their weaving and
pottery-making in their own way. It is perfectly proper to train the
young in our arts, but the superb native arts of the old Indians should
be encouraged. With the death of these old people, the art will
deteriorate and disappear. I mention this particularly for the reason
that several well-meaning, but misguided persons sent one or two
representatives to Zuni and attempted to instruct the women in the
manufacture of pottery. They even persuaded them to glaze the pottery
and to make tiles. The movement, if continued on a large scale, would
result in ruining an art which is fast disappearing.
The population is about stationary. The ceremonies of the antelope and
snake societies are becoming more and more public. Recent photographs of
them show hundreds of white persons, teams and automobiles, and
admission is now charged, for the dances and attendant ceremonies are
fast becoming commercialized. They have persisted because of the curious
life of these people—a people who live, as it were, in a different
world. With the extension of education, the allotment system, and the
continual effort of Government employees to break down the old and
insert the new, the real life of the Pueblos will soon pass away
forever.
-----
Footnote 42:
Vol. I. pages 63–66.