And now:[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
transcribed by Barbara Landis
THE INDIAN HELPER
~%^%~
A WEEKLY LETTER
-FROM THE-
Indian Industrial School, Carlisle, Pa.
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VOL. XV. FRIDAY, November 3, 1899 NUMBER 2
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THE BETTER WAY.
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He serves his country best
Who lives pure life and doeth righteous deed,
And walks straight paths, however others stray,
And leaves his sons, as uttermost bequest,
A stainless record, which all men may read:
This is the better way.
-SUSAN COOLIDGE.
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OUR BELOVED PASTOR IS NO MORE.
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The school was greatly shocked on last Friday morning to learn by
telephone message from town of the death of Rev. Dr. Henry B. Wile,
pastor of the First Lutheran Church, Carlisle, and for the past eight
years, our school Chaplain.
Dr. Wile's sickness began about three weeks ago with serious head
trouble and cerebral exhaustion. He had the best physicians that
Carlisle, Harrisburg and Philadelphia could afford, but they could do
nothing to save him. Although the deceased had been the picture of
health, he was not a strong man, and had symptoms in the summer which
caused his physician to advise a rest from his too arduous pastoral
duties, but he would not.
On Sunday afternoon, appropriate and very impressive memorial services
were held in the school chapel. To quote the words of a student "a
feeling of deep solemnity" came over the school as the student body and
faculty filed into their accustomed places. The pulpit was covered with
flowers and there were other floral decorations. After a word or two
from Major Pratt, explaining the nature of the service, the choir sang
most beautifully and touchingly a hymn in which Miss Senseney took the
leading part. Then Assistant-Superintendent A.J. Standing led in
prayer. With hearts that are filled with tender memories and grief by
the absence of the counsellor, friend and guide, who has been accustomed
to meet with us, whose face shall be seen no more, and whose tongue is
silent forever, we bow in prayer that the great lesson of the
uncertainty of life be not lost to us. Dr. Wile has preached to us
Christ, and he failed not to entreat us to follow in the pathway of
righteousness.
Major Pratt read several appropriate selections from the Bible, Miss
Senseney sang a beautiful solo, and then the Major spoke feelingly for a
few moments.
It seemed to him that when anything stirs us deeply we cast about to
see what it means and draw lessons from the occurrence. Never in the
history of the school has there been one who has stood before us so
long, who seemed to be in better health and vigor with the possibilities
before him of a long life, but in a moment he is taken from our midst.
The greatest lesson of life is death. Our friend Dr. Wile was a
peculiarly companionable man. He was a counsellor and adviser and was
strong in his wisdom. He was universal in his geniality and
companionship, and his friendship was most gracious and helpful.
The school sang "Jerusalem the Golden" in excellent harmony and
feeling and then Professor Bakeless made a brief address on behalf of
the faculty. He alluded to the mystery of life and death, and felt that
God alone knows why the noble and good are called, when those who might
better be spared are held. He would always remember Dr. Wile's vigorous
talks and the manner he came up the stairs and walked across the
platform, as well as his force in presenting the truth. His God was a
God of righteousness, and by his earnestness he impressed us that he was
about his Father's business. His words may be forgotten, but his life,
his earnestness and enthusiasm can not be. He has gone, but what he was
will live; and "To live in the hearts that are left behind is not to
die."
On behalf of the large boys, Mr. Elmer Simon spoke most fittingly of
the noble, beautiful, helpful character of the man in whose honor we had
met. Dr. Wile always took illustrations from the daily walks of life
and
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(page 2)
THE INDIAN HELPER
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PRINTED EVERY FRIDAY
--AT THE--
Indian Industrial School, Carlisle, Pa.,
BY INDIAN BOYS.
---> THE INDIAN HELPER is PRINTED by Indian
boys, but EDITED by The man-on-the-band-stand
who is NOT an Indian.
------------------------------------------------
P R I C E: --10 C E N T S A Y E A R
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Entered in the PO at Carlisle as second
class mail matter.
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Address INDIAN HELPER, Carlisle, Pa.
Miss Marianna Burgess, Manager.
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Do not hesitate to take the HELPER from the
Post Office for if you have not paid for it
some one else has. It is paid for in advance.
================================================
WE ARE GETTING ON.
We see by a small leaflet sent out by the Atlantic Monthly giving a
summary of important contributions to appear in early issues that:
"Miss Zitkala Sa, a young Indian girl of the Yankton Sioux Tribe of
Dakota Indians, who received her education in the East, has written "The
Memories of an Indian Childhood." These unique and genuine records of
the mind of an Indian child are told precisely in her own words, in
which the slight flavor of the foreign tongue will be perhaps detected.
The second paper will describe her life in the Indian schools, and bear
in the most interesting way upon the problem of Indian education."
Zitkala Sa, interpreted from the Sioux tongue into English means, Red
Bird, and is Miss Simmons'Indian name. Miss Simmons was of our corps of
teachers a year ago and has since been taking a course of violin
instruction at the Boston Conservatory. She is a fine violinist. If
her interesting articles get into such papers as the Atlantic Monthly
her reputation is made along literary lines. We understand that she is
writing a series to be illustrated by a Hampton Graduate - Angel Decora,
a young Indian maiden of the Winnebago tribe who has been studying in
Philadelphia for some time and is making a name and fame as an artist.
Thus the Indian is entering into the highest and best places. We are
not content to be mediocre.
We are not content to whip the lesser college teams at football, for
instance, but some of the "big four" must succumb to our skill and
training. So the "Big four" in literature, art and science, will find
ere long among them the Indian, who climbed to the top through the same
drill, experience and hard knocks that men and women of fame usually
have to pass through.
We hope the Indians will not get too big heads over their football
victories. With Captain Wheelock disabled they yet scored against what
is conceded by the best football authority to be the heaviest team in
the United States today. SCORED against them and thousands who
witnessed the game said if the last half had been ten minutes longer
they would have come off victorious. No team that has played Harvard
this year has scored, so the Indians are not ready YET to hear that the
conceit was taken out of them by defeat last Saturday. The Harvard men
are gentlemen, and class us where we belong, by THEIR side. With
Captain Wheelock himself, and Scholder at his place Harvard very likely
would have fallen. So says many a Harvard man and sympathizer. We are
not overrated. Where Harvard and like Universities have men by the
thousand from which to choose players, we have but a handful. Many a
college player has had years of experience in high school and "prep"
life and was classed as an experienced player before he ever entered his
college course, while many of our boys never saw a football or heard of
the game before they came to the school, and YET, yes, YET there are
college men who weakly claim that the Indians do not live up to the four
year limit.
The Susquehanna College paper comes out in a clean, clear cut and
fair criticism of the Indians, acknowledging their own defeat and
crediting it to the superior playing of the Indians. And there are
others!
A subscriber from New Cumberland renews and says he thinks the HELPER
is a delightful little sheet. It keeps him posted on all the news of
the Indian School, and then he has a big brother attending Dickinson
College who keeps him posted regarding the college news. He is always
glad when the Indians beat at football, only he wanted Dickinson College
to beat. We are somewhat sorry that we could not accommodate our
interested subscriber in every respect.
Mr. and Mrs. Roberts, of Pawnee Agency, are on the employee list of
Chilocco, at present. It will be remembered taht Mrs. Roberts is our
long-time-ago Rose Howell, and we still remember her rosy cheeks and
vivacious spirits as a little girl with us. Her husband went to school
to the writer in the Indian Territory over twenty years ago, and was one
of the bright little boys of the class. We wish them unbounded success
in all their undertakings. Mrs. Roberts says "Thanks to Major Pratt for
the things I learned at Carlisle."
Mrs. Shaffner-Etnier, of Porto Rico has been ill and had to flee to
the mountains and hot springs. We are glad to learn through an
interesting letter to Kittie Silverheels that she has quite recovered.
Miss Ericson has been to see her and she feels that she has had fresh
news from us all. She sends messages of strength and interst to the
Susans, begging that "they keep the fire of enthusiasm kindled brightly
on the altar of Susandom." She would have every member be very jealous
of the Society's honor and success.
Do you know how to carve a turkey? It is time to brush up on those
little points.
Answer to last week's enigma: Williams Grove.
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(p 3)
The Dickinsonian says 16-7.
The storm is over; let us proceed.
The storm door is again in evidence.
Where is Mr. Kensler's snow for Thursday?
Nearly time to sharpen the carving knives!
Miss Senseney took a business trip to Baltimore last Thursday.
Even the little boys are talking about Dewey's prospective marriage.
We do not have to pay extra postage now on papers and letters to Porto
Rico.
Tonight Mrs. Eastman and Miss Barclay visit the Invincibles; Misses
Burgess and Carter, the Standards, and Messrs. Beitzel and Taylor, the
Susans.
The Typos and Goosos had a snappy game of ball on the athletic field
last Saturday, while the regulars were playing Harvard at Cambridge.
The Printers won by a score of 5-0.
Mrs. Dorsett, Annie Morton, Amelia Clark, Nancy Cornelius, Mary
Morris, Ella Sturm and Nora Jamison, have gone to attend the State
Convention of King's Daughters, at Williamsport.
Mrs. Cook, Miss Bowersox, teachers, Miss Craft, guest and Misses
Poodrey, Chouteau, Metoxen, Rodgers and LaMere, students, took an
enjoyable wheel ride over to the North Mountian on Saturday.
Do you see 152 on your wrapper this week? Notice that this issue is
Vol. XV, Number 2, and the figures show that you are paid up to this
volume and number. Those not wishing to miss any papers would be wise
to renew immediately.
The great cornetist, William Paris Chambers, who was to play at the
Band concert last Friday night, arrived in the afternoon and rehearsed
with the Band. Those who heard him were charmed as well as amazed at
the wonderful playing of the famous artist.
Miss Mary Stevick, of Denver, who is a guest here at present, went
home with Miss Sarah Pratt of Steelton, to spend a day or two and
returned Wednesday. From her general demeanor we risk the judgment that
Mary thinks Carlisle is about right, even if the photographs of papa and
mamma in her room do make her think of her western home, once in a
while.
Mrs. Thompson and Miss Barr went with the footballers to Boston, last
Thursday besides Mr. Thompson and Mr. and Mrs. Warner. Miss Barr with
Charles Roberts and Artie Miller called on Rev. Robert MacFadden, while
there, and had a pleasant chat on old times. They picture Mr.
MacFadden's home an ideal one, with wife and babe, and his interest in
the Indians seems to be as strong as ever.
Those in the twenty-five dollar contest who have sent in fifty and
more names are Miss Mary Shields, Carlisle, Pa., Master Irving F.
Merrill, Jr., Moore Station, Pa., Jacob Rhule, Pittsburg, Pa., George
Muscoe, at the school, Howard Gansworth, Princeton University, N.J., and
Palageia Tutikoff, Emigsville, Pa. We give these names thinking that
they may have friends among the subscribers who would like to help them
by sending subscriptions to be placed to their credit.
The Band Concert which was billed for Friday and which had the promise
of a big house in town, was postponed on account of the death of Dr.
Wile. The concert will be given on some date in the future.
On Saturday the band went by livery conveyance over the mountains to
New Bloomfield, 18 miles, to play at the Odd Fellows' Anniversary
there. Starting at four in the morning, giving a concert at noon,
parading in the afternoon and riding back late in wagons so overcrowded
that many had to walk over the mountain made a hard day for them.
Miss Ely has returned from Kansas. What is there in that Kansas air
or water that brings back youth and beauty? It might pay a NUMBER of
the Carlisle people to go out to Kansas for a time. The fact is, it is
the change and rest that every one needs, and it matters not much where
one goes to get it. If Kansas people who are worn out would come to
Pennsylvania we would treat them as well, and send them back with youth
and beauty restored.
Major and Mrs. Pratt and Miss Nana Pratt were invited guests at the
launching of the great Russian cruiser Variag at Cramp's Shipyard,
Philadelphia, on Tuesday, and to the breakfast that followed where there
were Counts, countesses, Embassy people and attaches, Generals,
Commodores and all sorts of distinguished people from foreign lands in
attendance, as well as a large number of military and other notables
from our own country. It was a rainy day, but otherwise a very
enjoyable event.
A Hallowe'en party given by the ladies at the East end of Teachers'
quarters - Misses Forster, Paull, Weekley, Cutter, Carter and Peter, on
Tuesday evening was an enjoyable affair. The "Indian" man and wife
attracted a great deal of attention and entertained the guests a few
minutes by fanciful medicine steps. There was singing, also
refreshments galore and unique, as well as games. Fire places and the
old fashioned ghost story in the dark had a place. One of the most
grotesque ghost stories we ever listened to was given by Dr. Eastman in
his inimitable way. What the Doctor does not know about primitive
Indian customs is not worth knowing. Being a Sioux himself he has
secured the heart beatings of the old Indians in legend and in family
and tribal lore, and that without white man adulteration. The fortune
poems were beautiful and appropriate, some of which were original, from
Mrs. Eastman's fertile store.
Miss Ericson of San Juan, Porto Rico, has written to Miss Ely,
telling interesting things of herself and country. One thing, she says
we would enjoy seeing the stir there among "Americanos" on the days that
the mail steamers arrive. They all turn out to the post office, and one
would think some great convention was in progress. She has found a home
with Americans and has her Carlisle things around her. The longer she
stays there the better she likes it, although she does get vexed at
times over the slowness of the natives. "Manana' (tomorrow) is the
standard word for them. It is no wonder that they are poor, for
everything has to be done "manana."
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(page 4)
through his sermons the INDIVIDUAL was benefitted. His chair is empty,
his lips are closed and we feel the sting and sorrow in the loss of so
great a personality.
Pasaquala Anderson spoke on behalf of the girls and referred to the
earnestness manifested in his prayers for the enlightenment of the
Indian.
S. Kendall Paul spoke for the small boys, and alluded to the many
hours of study the deceased had devoted to the interests of the pupils,
for he had said that he thought it a most important duty to give to
those who were just coming into the light the best that his intellect
could furnish. His intense interest in the school has been appreciated
by the small boys as well as the entire student body. We honored and
loved him.
After this the following resolutions were read and adopted by a rising
vote of the audience:
The Resolutions.
Inasmuch as Almighty God has seen fit to remove from works to reward
our beloved Chaplain, the Rev. H.B. Wile, this school in all its
membership of faculty and students, deploring deeply the loss we are
called upon to bear, and bowing to wisdom infinite in its designs, yet
desire to place on record our appreciation of the labor amongst us of
our late friend and Chaplain, who during eight years of faithful service
had become endeared to us all, so that along with his regular
parishoners we regard him truly as "our Mr. Wile," our Pastor.
Combined with ability and scholarship of a high order our friend was
endowed beyond most men with those genial qualities of mind and heart
which made all who were brought in touch with him feel that in him they
had a friend able to guide them in their spiritual life, but who yet was
a man amongst men, interested in the occurrences of the day, rejoicing
in the day of joy, and in time of trouble full of sympathy with the
distressed and afflicted.
His work amongst us was remarkable, in that while presenting his
discourse in a way to interest the slow understandings of some of his
hearers, he never failed to present in their fulness the vital truths of
Christianity, in the spirit of the Master himself, who spoke not to sect
or class, but to all who would hear the word.
The congregation ministered to here is unique; nowhere in the world
is there another like it; representing 70 tribes and languages, gathered
from all sections of the country for the purpose of education and
receiving under his ministry instruction in the way of salvation. From
this place hundreds have passed out, as teachers and workers, carrying
in their hearts and minds the good seed of the word, to bear fruit; some
in the far North, under Arctic shadows, others to the torrid plains of
Arizona and New Mexico and the pine forests of Michigan and Minnesota,
while still others have followed the flag of their country to Cuba,
Porto Rico and the far off Philippines.
Hundreds are yet here who have listened to him who will, in due season
also pass out, taking with them to remote places the words of life so
faithfully dispensed by him whose voice we shall hear on earth no more
but who, verily, being dead yet speaketh.
Reverently in imagination we draw aside the veil that hides from us
the spirit world, behold the great white throne, and hear addressed to
our friend the glorious greeting, "Well done, good and faithful servant,
enter thou into the joy of thy Lord."
RESOLVED: "That we feel deeply with Mrs. Wile and her bereaved
children, and tender to them this memorial as embodying our sincere
sympathy for herself and family, and our love and esteem for the
deceased husband and father.
Signed in behalf of the Faculty and Students,
R.H. PRATT,
Major and Superintendent.
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Schedule for Football.
Sept. 23, Gettysburg at Carlisle; won, 21-0.
Sept 30, Susquehanna at Carlisle; won, 56-0.
Oct. 14 University of Pennsylvania at Philadelphia; WON, 16-5.
Oct. 21, Dickinson at Carlisle; won 16-5.
Oct. 28, Harvard at Cambridge; lost 22-10.
Nov. 4, Hamilton at Utica.
Nov. 11, Princeton at New York.
Nov. 18, University of Maryland at Carlisle.
Nov. 25, Oberlin University at Carlisle.
Nov. 30, Columbia at New York.
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The History of the Indian Rights Association of Iowa, and the founding
of the Toledo, Iowa, Indian school, is before us, compliments of
Superintendent George W. Nellis. It is an interesting illustrated
pamphlet, for which we wish to express our thanks.
======================
Mrs. Harriet L. Root, of Battle Creek, Michigan, who is 87 years of
age, renews her subscription for the HELPER, saying: This may be my
last, but as long as I am able to read I desire to keep in touch with
the good that is being done in the world. I feel that Major Pratt has
done noble work. May the Lord abide with him and bless abundantly the
school."
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TWENTY FIVE DOLLARS!!! The person sending us the most subscriptions
before Thanksgiving Day, 1899, will receive in cash the sum of
twenty-five dollars. There are certain easy rules and restrictions
which must be followed. Send for them at once if you are going to enter
the contest.
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Enigma.
I am made of ten letters.
My 6, 7, 8, 5 is a fate.
My 4, 3, 8, 10, 2, 1 is what a chicken does at night.
My 9, 7, 6 is what lightning may be conducted by.
My whole is what are in evidence again at Carlisle after hiding
themselves out of sight for the last six months.
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For more information about the Carlisle Indian School, go to
http://www.epix.net/~landis.
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