TUtf CHKMAWA AMERICAN
7
But, perhaps, the most conspicuous
feature of Valentine's purpose is to edu
I ate the Indian to thorough methods of
.loing things. The latest interpretation
pf the law gives the Secretary of the In
terior power to determine which Indians
jare capable of managing their own affairs.
Those who are will be encouraged to
.sell enough of their allotted lands to
jenable thorough cultivation of the bal
ance. During 1908, 2970 Indians, and so
far this year 1000 have been so lifted to
the higher level to which he hopes even
tually to raise all of thorn.
Down on the Pala reservation in Cali
fornia, probably the best results referred
to as the commissioner's prime desidera
tum have been attained. The Superin
tendent lives in a house not above the
grade which his Indians may erect, if
they will. The Indians are to live some
what on the village plan with about two
or three acres contiguous to their homes
and with grazing plots and other plots
among the creek bottom for each family.
It is, indeed, cheering, to learn the
spirit with which the Indians are enter
ing into that plan. I'hey are building
their own houses, and realizing the high
est hopes of those who depended on their
ability to develop.
Everyone knows that western folk are
prone to belittle any plan based on other
than the old time saying that "the best
Indian is the dead Indian." Valentine be
lieves, and his helpers mustbelievej that
ths best Indian is one who has been- en
courage to self aid, and they have got to
work along that line or get out of the
service. Portland Journal',
Subscribe for the Chemawa American.
Twenty-five cents per year.
j puptesv Teems 1
Louise Brisbois has entered school.
She "likes this school very well.
Some of the boys went to town Satur
day to see the football game.
The pupils weie pleased with Mr. En
right's lecture last Monday night.
The blacksmiths are ironing another
wagon and will soon have it ready for
painting.
We were all sorry to hear of the
death of Simon Mathews' mother at Slick
poo, Idaho.
The girls had a good time the night
before Hollowe'en. , We played games
and had lots of fun.
We are all glad to hear that Alex
Cajete is making a success in his trade
in Yakima, Washington.
,The farmers are kept busy all the time
for they have lots of work to do in the
line of plowing and seeding.
John Brown and Joe Purns put in a
new sink in the Teacher's Club kitchen
last Monday and did a very neat job.
The Carpenters fixed the window in
Mrs. Campbell's school room which was
broken when the farmers were blasting
near the pig-pen.
Mr. Smith or Coach Smith is out every
evening working hard with the football
team, in order to get the boys in shape
for the game,, with the O. A. C. freshman
Saturday.
Nathan Nelson and Albert Griffin are
learning to be wagonmakers. They are
also making tables for the boys' building.
Twelve boys are now at work in this
department.