Weekly Chemawa American., January 16, 1903, Page 7, Image 7

THE CHEMAWA AMERICAN.
7
A Successful Indian.
Mr John Leslie is an Indian after ourown
be,rt He is native of Squaxon Island
where his mother still resides. John h as
had, therefore, no unusual advantages, but
he has aways made good use of such ad
vantnges as he had. He was always am
bit ious to learn, and was never afraid of
wok Years ago he attended the boarding
fchool on the Ohehalis reservation: later
he came to Puyallup and, in time, accepted
an offer of transfer to the large school at
C rlisle, Pennsylvania. At Carlisle he
studied hard and soon completed the re
gular course; and in addition thereto stud
ied photography, becoming quits proficient
in that art. Upon his return borne and
not finding a suitable opening for photo
graphy, he went to work industriously at
whatever he could find to do. He finally
hired as deck hand on one of the Puget Sound
steamers. From deck hand he became fire
men; as firemen he assisted the engiueer
some, and eventually took up tho study of
steam-engineering. On August 29, 1902,
he went to Seattle and was duly examined
by the U. 8. Board of Examiners and li-,
c nsed as a "first assistant engineer of steam
vessels," with special permit to serve as
engineer of the "Cityof Shelton." In this
capacity his wages are $75 per month with
board and lodging. Next year he will bd
examined again and receive license as en
gineer Johnny is a thoroughly honorable
and, trustworthy man. lie has acquired
none of th se habits t hat ruin so many of
our Indian youngmen. Hi. success shows
what an Indian boy can do who has the
right stuff in him. Indian Guide.
Money for Puyallup.
WASHINGTON, DC. Dec. 29. The
Commissioner of Indian affairs has given
assurances that from $20,000 to $30,000 will
be expended in making repairs and
improvements at the Puyallup Indian
school, and probably a part of thi3 sum
will be devoted to erecting much needed
new buildings. The Washington dele
gation is very anxious. to have this school
plant rehabilitated, as it serves a large
number of pupils, and is one of the leading
institutions on the Pacific coast. They real
ize the miserable condition of most of the
buildings at the present time, and urge
that as a reason for immediate relief.
As soon as possible Supervisor of Con
struction John Charles, of the Indian
service, is to go to Puyallup and lay out a
plan of improvement to come within the
allotment to be made by the Commissioner
from the general fund appropriated for
school improvements. Mr. Charles is a
practical man, of considerable experience
in laying out school plants and erecting
modern buildings, and it is thought in the
department that his suggestions will do
much in the direction of upbuilding the
Puyallup school. The funds to be allotted
by the Commissioner will not be sufficient
to meet all demands, but will serve to tide
over until a special appropriation can be
secured. It is hoped to get a liberal allow
ance in the Indian appropriation bill with
which to carry on the work near Tacoma.
Indian Guide. .
Congressman Tongue's Death
The news of the sudden death of Con
gressman Thomas H, Tongue last Sunday
in Washington D. C, cast a gloom over our
school. Mr. Tongue was greatly interest
ed in the growth and improvement of Che
mawa, and during the past six years has
been a most ardent friend and tireless
worker in building up and advancing its
interest, by securing large appropriations'
for new buildings and increased attendance.
Before going to Washington last fall, he
spent a day visiting every department of
the school, inspecting carefully all the im
provements made from the appropriations
made by Congress, and delivered a most
able and earnest address to the pupils and
employes, which will never be forgotten.
Iu the death of Mr. Tongue, Chemawa
has lost a good and staunch friend.