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Show H4 BASIS OP AMERICAN HISTORY [ 1900 ditions based on credit has grown up which is quite analogous to those present in any civilized community. The Indian of this region has as his main object in life the acquisition of property, and consequent social position for himself and his children. This involves the prompt payment of debts and the amassing of wealth, and the result of his efforts is the system just outlined. As an example of the independent growth of an elaborate financial system in a rude community, it stands almost, if not quite, unparalleled. Strict social orders of chiefs, common people, and slaves also exist among these tribes, though in late years slavery has largely disappeared under the influence of whites. Wealth is the great means of attaining rank, and this is the explanation of the passion with which the northwest native seeks to obtain property. The religion of these peoples is animistic and closely tied up with their totemic beliefs. Any individual may, if fortunate, obtain by proper fasting and training a supernatural helper, who will be one of the innumerable spirits supposed to exist in the world. By the aid of this helper the individual becomes a successful hunter or warrior or craftsman or seer, and the best shaman or medicine- man is the one who has the most powerful spirit at his command. This system of obtaining supernatural aid is more fully developed in the interior than on the coast, and, as will be brought out later, is a funda- |