OCR Text |
Show seen the Exposition and its surroundings, no difflcully would have been experienced in getting from their respective tribes delegations of any size desired, including the best men. The delegations present are, on the whole, well equipped as to camp and outfit, and are most excellent types of their several tribes, and the Indian encampment affords an opportunity for the student of aboriginal Indian life never before presented. It was soon found, however, that this feature was of comparatively little interest to most visitors, who, having seen one or two camps, had seen them all. In other words, the real differences and characteristics of the Indians were of slight interest to the averege visitor. A scientific exhibit appeals to but a small per-centage of those who attend the Exposition. The greater portion of the people coming to the Exposition visit the Indian Congress, and express the fullest satisfaction. However, what they really want is amnsement. They prefer to see the Indians, in their full Indian dress, on parade, conducti~~tghe ir ceremonies, and their dances, or engaging in sham battles. A11 of these are being provided so far as practicable, and the eager crowds are ofLen larger than the grounds can oomfortably accommodate. For many weeks after the erlcampmeat opened the weather was extremely trying. 'Great heat, accompanied by dry, hot winds, made camp life anything but pleasaut. Ulose upon the heated period came a week of cold, heavy rains, which made it even more disagreeable. But with the coming of clear, cool weather the camp has taken on a new aspect, aud conditions are more favorable in every respect. Indian school exhibit.-From the opening of the exposition on June 1, the work of the Indian Bureau has been represented thore by an exhibit in the Government building similar to that prepared for the Atlanta and Nashville expositions. It preseuts maiuly the effort of the office to educate Indians, and for lack both of space and facilities does not undertake to show what progress, outside of the schools, Indians are making in adopting the habits of thought and life, as well as the occupations, which pertain to civilization. The attempt is made to set forth the aim, scope, and success of Indian school^, both intellectually and industrially. Certain schools were asked to send samples of the regular work of their pupils in schoolrooms and shops. The exhibit is necessarily incomplete in that it can indicate the training given Indian youth in domestic arts and in farming, garden-ing, care of stock, etc., only by photographs. But the trades are well represented. The course of instruction is shown, and the age and experience of the Indian workman are given. There is blacksmith and wheelwright work, from a bolt to a farm wagon; woodwork, from sloyd to a finely finished cabinetj leather, from the sewing of two pieces together to a complete harness and well-made shoes; needlework, from patchwork and darning to fine embroidery, drawu work and ureal"laee, |