THE INDIANS.

THE FAILURE OF THE SIOUX BILL.

This bill, known also as the Dawes Bill, for the opening of parts of the great Sioux reservation and settling the tribal boundaries of each division of the Sioux nation now occupying it, failed to become a law by the fatal objection of one man, Representative Holman.

The bill was warmly advocated by the best friends of the Indians as being the best possible compromise with the tide of civilization pressing in on these people from every side. The Black Hills were seized by the whites first, and bought afterwards. It was hoped to prevent the recurrence of such robberies. It was also felt that these Indians needed to be forcibly reminded that their condition has changed, and that they must speedily adapt themselves to the ways of civilization or go under. The majority of them accept this idea in theory, but are very slow to adjust themselves to it practically. The thing they are slowest about is to select for themselves good lands for homesteads. They are loth to separate from each other, and few of them have any idea of what good land is.

Here may be one of the ways in which the postponement of this measure will be a blessing. Time is something much needed in the Indian’s re-adjustment of himself to the new conditions of life. If he can only be encouraged now to exert himself to establish a separate home and open a farm; if he can be guided so as to avoid serious mistakes, he will come out the better for the delay. Let the Christian public throw their sympathy and interest towards securing this end. The Government is well disposed, but cannot act alone. It will do what the public demands.

What is needed is the multiplication of such sub-agents as our Rev. John E. Smith at the Ponca Agency, Dakota, who is both Government teacher and our missionary. He knows every man, woman and child in his charge, and just what they are doing.

Or take our native missionary, Mr. Francis Frazier, at Burrell Station, Swift Bear’s colony. He is himself a practical farmer, and an Indian. What Indian has done, Indian can do.

Now, if such men were planted all over the Sioux country in charge of small colonies of farming Indians, properly backed up by Government, the progress of this people would be rapid. As it is, the colony from Rosebud Agency at Swift Bear’s have to choose between the barren lands near the Agency, or spend half their time traveling back and forth over the one hundred and forty miles to their farms located in the best land of the whole reserve. There is no encouragement in that for an Indian to choose land that will bring him a living when Government rations cease.

THE GRAND RIVER MISSION

Miss Collins’ introduction to work in her new field has been no tame affair, as far as the physical elements could make it. The winter has been unusually cold and stormy. But the people have welcomed her cordially, and she has been especially helpful to the sick. Her administration of simple remedies has been blessed of the Lord to work a number of cures, which, to the Indians, have seemed miraculous and have given her a reputation as a healer, so that they bring their sick to her from all directions. One morning she found at her door a young woman sick with pneumonia, who had been brought there on a hand sled by her mother and sister through a fearful snow storm. Miss Collins expostulated with them for so exposing the sick one. The mother answered: “We heard that unless you see their body with your own eyes, and lay your hands upon them, you cannot heal them.” This report, no doubt, arose from her feeling the pulse of the sick.

A child, whose sister had died with convulsions and St. Vitus’ dance, and who was also thought to be dying in the same way, was brought to her. The spasms were relieved at once, and in a few days the root of the difficulty was discovered and she was cured.

Elias Gilbert, the new teacher who takes the place of Edwin Phelps during his absence at Hampton, works in finely. He is very enthusiastic over the progress the people have made under his predecessor and the hearty interest they take in the school and in church services. On the Sabbath there is a very interesting woman’s meeting, numbering about thirty, mostly mothers.

Adams Wakanna is the new worker at Oak Lake, another point in this field. This is newer ground, and the people are yet in careless ignorance of the way of life. But our native helper is full of zeal, for this very reason. He is working well.

Edwin Phelps, who has worked so long and so well in this field, is now at Hampton, Va., taking Bible studies and serving as Indian Chaplain there. Many of the pupils at Hampton are from his own field at Standing Rock Agency. So he has a special interest in them and a personal hold upon them. He cannot fail to do them good.

This Grand River field should at once have a thorough equipment of buildings and missionary force. Four thousand dollars were given two years ago by Mr. E. B. Monroe to build this Mission. But everything waits for the fit man for a missionary.