ndependent.
And therefore, I earnestly wish, if it were possible, that the
Grandfather would enable us to receive a year's rations at a time, and
then we would make speedy progress in the white man's way.
And because of this also, the children do not advance much in their
learning. For when we go after the food they also go along. If they
should stay behind, food is scarce, therefore they go along.
And now I hear it said that schooling in the Dakota language is to be
altogether stopped, and on this account I am sad. For in the
school-house here they learn well and also they pray. It is because they
do these things in the Dakota language that we have been brought to
understand them and to love them, and gladly live in accordance with
them. Then also if it was all done (the teaching and praying) by a white
man we would understand nothing about it, and so I do not think it would
be well.
And now this is the last thing I want to say. The Grandfather has for
his own the Indians all over the land, and he always helps them
according to what may be for their welfare. Now he is measuring off the
land for them, but I hear it said that he measures it very, very small,
and I am sad about that. If only he would have mercy and measure it off
for them largely, that is what I think. A good while ago the Grandfather
made a treaty with the Indians and promised to give them three hundred
and twenty acres, and according to that I have chosen my homestead and
that suits me. Therefore I prize the Grandfather's word and measure
myself by it. And thus I possess myself and my children.
Although we are not many people here, yet I always command them to give
heed to the words of the Grandfather. And I bear witness to their
constant attendance at the house (the school and church) that stands
here. Although I am wholly an Indian, yet these are my judgments and so
I tell them. And I write them in order that some may think about the
Indians. My friends, I wish you to hear these words and so I write them.
I shake hands with a good heart.
LOAFER REDHORSE.
Burrell Station, Rosebud Agency, D.T.
* * * * *
BUREAU OF WOMAN'S WORK.
MISS D.E. EMERSON, SECRETARY.
WOMAN'S STATE ORGANIZATIONS.
CO-OPERATING WITH THE AMERICAN MISSIONARY ASSOCIATION.
ME.--Woman's Aid to A.M.A., Chairman of Committee,
Mrs. C.A. Woodbury, Woodfords, Me.
VT.--Woman's Aid to A.M.A., Chairman of Committee,
Mrs. Henry Fa
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