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26 The character of the indian is by no means that to be accepted or a pattern in all particulars. The days of such indians of Mr. Cooper portrayal has gone. As few among the old men of the Ojibway race are noble minded "Mad weossin", the Chief Speaker of the Lac du Flambeau band is a man worthy of notice. He is in thought earnest and a devout man after the indian fashion. His whole thought seems to be the good of his fellows. What his early history may have been we have no means of knowing. Inter- course with the white man and the jorneying through the white man's country is very apt to educate the indian, and set him to thinking, the result of which is usually beneficial and he is usually convinced that the long cherished theory "that the white men are few and scattered and that the indian can prevail over him." is dissipated and the Red brother realizes that his fond hope is a dream.
The cruelty of an indian arises from several causes. first it would seem to be the natural instinct of the animal to torment the captive. all animals manifest this frequently. a cat will cuff and toss the helpless frightened mouse. before she finally kills it, and the like spirit dominates the indian. and again all indians covet the esteem of their fellows for bravery and it is considered brave to witness and inflict the keenest torture upon an enemy. (But in this the women are the inventors of the most sublime methods of torture to a captive.) The acts of torture inflicted upon an enemy are the subject of boast and laudation in the council lodge and about the fire, and each indian is therefore anxious to out do his neighbor in feats of bravery. In former times when the war path was open, opportunity existed for deeds of valor, and at the council fires exploits were narrated that had more or less bravery in them. Now: all that the Brave can find to relate is possibly his intreague with his neighbors wife or daughter or as one Brave did recount the fact that he once carried a dead man on his shoulder. The life of the indian from the cradle to the grave is unrestrained, a father rarely if ever corrects his son or child, and the son never disobeys because he is never forbidden or commanded. Their life is that of an anthropod animal. When young his wants are supplied when old enough he is free to do as he may choose so far as any restraint is concerned. Public opinion and scorn or ridicule will hold a man in check