THE ABORIGINES OF AMERICA.



OUR forefathers who first came to America, called the people that they found here Indians, because they thought that they had sailed around the world and had arrived at what is now called the East Indies, not knowing that they had discovered a new continent. 

At first the Indians were inclined to be friendly; but as they saw the forest trees disappear before the ax of the white man, and their broad hunting grounds converted into farms for his benefit, a feeling of hatred was kindled toward the "pale face," and they resolved to drive him from their country.

Failing in this, the white man has ever since been regarded by them as a common enemy, and every effort of his toward their civilization, they have steadily resisted, choosing to retire before his advancing strides rather than witness in their midst the trophies of his enterprising spirit, until now their once powerful nations have dwindled to a few small tribes, which are mostly confined to the Rocky Mountains and the Indian Territory. Those in the Rocky Mountains, especially, are veritable Indians, still following the same habits of life as did their ancestors before the persevering industries of the white man confined them to their present limits.

At an elevation of 11,000 feet above the level of the sea, on the western slope of the Rocky Mountains, is a large tract of country reserved by the government as the exclusive possession of the Indians. This is the hunting ground of the Ute nation. 

The accompanying cut represents one of their encampments on White River, Colorado. A portion of this warlike nation still dress in the primitive style, and live in rudely constructed huts. Although surrounded by civilization, its hand has scarcely relieved their hair of one feather, or diminished the quantity of paint used in decorating their faces. In this mountain fastness, the indolence of the red man remained undisturbed until the desire for gold led the miners to enter their country, notwithstanding the danger from their threatening enemies, and the warnings of the government.

In his onward march in search of the precious metal, the gold-hunter has deliberately pressed his way into the reservation, and invaded the home of the savage, who in turn has stubbornly resisted what he considers an encroachment of his rights, until within the past year his mountain haunts have presented the same cruel scenes of war and bloodshed that have ever followed him in his westward retreat across the continent.

And now, the great question agitating the minds of all in the surrounding country is, How shall the Indian be disposed of; in what way can he most successfully be driven from his hunting grounds for the general decision is that he must go and thus provide a way to satisfy the growing avarice of the incoming white man?

Although some have been willing to attribute the late Indian troubles to the turbulent spirit of the original natives, yet we are inclined to think the secret will be found in the words of the great apostle: "The love of money is the root of all evil."

As long as there is a foot of territory that "hath dust of gold" beneath its surface, the steady, persevering industry of the white man will search it out; and the onward march of civilization will continue till all traces of the red man will be obliterated from American soil. 





J. O. C.