his
love, friendship and all the better feelings of his nature to exhibit
themselves. It is where in early youth he has listened to the legends
of his tribe, and where he is taught those lessons and forced to
endure those trials which are to prepare his heart in seeking out
revenge. It is the place where, as he approaches the age of manhood,
he takes those steps which are to make for him the reputation of a
daring hunter and brave warrior. Here he first learns to shoot his
arrows with precision, and to handle the lance with dexterity. His
boyish feats in horsemanship, which he daily performs in the village,
would be witnessed with astonishment by skillful riders. It is here
that he runs to welcome his father when he returns either from
the chase or the war path; and, while he listens to the marvellous
adventures which his sire has encountered, he secretly wishes himself
a man, so that he can emulate his greatness. In fact, the same
feelings exist between parent and child with the Indian race, as
with those who boast of being more civilized. Youth and the vigor of
manhood, are the golden days with the savage. To be doomed to old age,
is considered by him to be a punishment. When he is no longer able to
hunt and seek out his enemy, he loses his desire to live. His life
is then considered an incumbrance to the camp. The old and infirm,
therefore, are often willingly deserted, that they may the more
quickly die. The village is always under the surveillance of men who
are past the middle age, and who no longer can act out the stirring
deeds of the warrior. Their experience renders them capable of giving
good advice, and attending to the less active affairs of the nation.
They hold the power of restraining the rashness and indiscretion
of the younger men, therefore they are selected to watch over the
property of the tribe, while the strong warriors are seeking to
provide the dependent portion of the band with food, or to revenge
their real or imaginary wrongs. Order and good fellowship is made to
prevail in these villages, somewhat similar to the habits found in
civilized communities, for the passions and evil propensities of all
men are found to be alike, no matter what differences of education or
color exist. We find that the Indian tribes have their wise men, whose
voices are heard and heeded on all occasions. When these villages are
located, or, to use soldier phrase; when the Indians go into camp,
care is taken that eac