The Chemawa American, October 01, 1915, Page 8, Image 10

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THE CHEMAWA AMERICAN
Then Chief Joseph was taken prisoner by treachery, though when the
Nez Perces captured Lieutenant Jerome as a hostage he was released.
Repeated attacks failed to dislodge the Indians until, on October 2,
a twelve-pound brass cannon was brought into action. This exploded
shells in the middle of the Nez Perce camp, hurling women, children
and warriors indiscriminately into the air. Driven to desperation by
this weapon, against which they could make no defense, the Nez Perces,
by Chief Joseph's advice, finally surrendered and were led away captive
and desolate to the desert home provided by the Government in exchange
for the lovely valleys and lakes of Wallowa. Those who shudder over
the horrors of European warfare may, if they will, find precedents for
the worst of them in our campaign against the innocent and manly Nez
Perces.
THE INDIAN SUITE
A string quartet from the Chemawa Indian School rendered several
pleasing selections at the afternoon meeting of the Y. M. C. A. last Sun
day. For several years, under the superintendency of H. E. Wads
worth, the Chemawa school has made rapid progress, and is now one
of the largest institutions in the Indian service, with over six hundred
pupils enrolled. The music at the Sunday evening assembly has been
one of the notable features of the service. This has been in charge of
Ruthyn Turney, violinist.
The music of the quartet revealed to the public that a unique work is
being done at Chemawa by Mr. Turney as a composer, as well as leader
of the orchestra. He has made a careful study of Indian music, and
has the ability to put its spirit into a melody that is pleasing to modern
ears.
In the "Indian Suite," which was played with fine effect, he has
given a beautiful expression of the spirit of the early Indian people in
their joys, in their sorrows and in their ceremonies. The first move
ment, "Dawn," opens with the first appearance of light in the east.
Earth and nature throb as they struggle to awaken from sleep and meet
the new day. Then we hear the first call of the bird to its mate, and
the mate's response. As the sunrises above the horizon and tints the
mountain peaks with gold the earth throbs cease, and awakened nature
responds with life everywhere.
The second movement, "The Dance, a Tribal Ceremonial," reveals
the spirit of the men around the campfire as they unite in the simple
rites that express their joy and hope and gratitude.
"Lamentation, or the Death of a Warrior," is weirdly solemn and