th itself, which is more than can be said
for our modern civilization. He knew that virtue is essential to the
maintenance of physical excellence, and that strength, in the sense of
endurance and vitality, underlies all genuine beauty. He was as a rule
prepared to volunteer his services at any time in behalf of his fellows,
at any cost of inconvenience and real hardship, and thus to grow in
personality and soul-culture. Generous to the last mouthful of food,
fearless of hunger, suffering, and death, he was surely something of a
hero. Not "to have," but "to be," was his national motto.

As parents are responsible for the conduct of their children, so was the
Indian clan responsible for the behavior of its members, both among
themselves and in relation to other clans. This simple family government
extended throughout the bands, tribes, and nations. There was no
"politics" and no money in it for any one. The conscience was never at
war with the mind, and no undue advantage was sought by any individual.
Justice must be impartial; hence if the accused alone knew the facts,
it was a common thing for him to surrender himself.

INTERTRIBAL WARFARE

As regards the original Indian warfare, it was founded upon the
principle of manly rivalry in patriotism, bravery, and self-sacrifice.
The willingness to risk life for the welfare or honor of the people was
the highest test of character. In order that the reputations thus gained
might be preserved as an example to the young, a system of decorations
was evolved, including the symbolic wearing of certain feathers and
skins, especially eagle feathers, and the conferring of "honor names"
for special exploits. These distinctions could not be gained unjustly or
by favoritism, as is often the case with rank and honors among civilized
men, since the deeds claimed must be proved by witnesses before the
grand council of war chiefs. If one strikes an enemy in battle, whether
he kills him or not, he must announce the fact in a loud voice, so that
it may be noted and remembered. The danger and difficulty is regarded
above the amount of damage inflicted upon the enemy, and a man may wear
the eagle plumes who has never taken a life.

It is easily seen that these intertribal contests were not based upon
the same motives nor waged for the same objects as the wars of
civilization--namely, for spoil and territorial aggrandizement. There
was no mass play; army was not pitted against army; individua