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259 Traits of Character and Laws The character of the indian is a very complex study. he is an animal having the instinct of a human being. and yet so nearly approaching the brute that the balance is very easily tipped and full license is given to his unbriddled [sic] passions and he is a fiend. So long has he lived in this state that the influence of the Christian religion makes little impression upon him. The Dakota have been sent by the white man to school and educated. yet when returned to the reservation at [?] so soon as occasion presents, return to their former life and even lead the hostile indians against the white farms.. The Ojibway. attend school and church live in homes made for and by them and to all intents and purposes seem to be civilized people. yet when a holiday season comes round deck themselves in paint and feathers and go by scores to join the dance in worship of the "Manito," The indian nature is so deeply planted they cannot rid themselves of it. and it is only by an admixture of white blood with the indian that seems to dilute the savage tendencies. The whole indian race is a cruel one so far as their treatment of an enemy is concerned. and it would seem that at times there were moments when the soul was possessed of kindness and affection to their relatives and children. but it is really very innocent.

  The Dakota is perhaps of all the indians the most unsatisfactory to deal with.  He is totally unreliable.  In the far south west. when an indian riding upon the plains sees a rattle snake he rises out of the way exclaiming "Apache".  The Dakota character is Just like the snake full of venom and always ready to strike..  They make treaties. attend "powpows" promise almost any thing. to secure the presents offered them but never for an instant intend to keep the peace.   Like the snake they are always ready and watchful for a chance to strike.  The Late "Sitting Bull." was a typical Dakota.  He had been repeatedly taken prisoner and liberated upon promise of good behavior. yet was incessantly in a covert way stirring up the Dakotas to discontent. riot. and although not showing his hand was an active agent in the outbreak that caused the death of Captain Wallace, and other of the United States Troops in AD 1890.  J. Fennimore Cooper and George Elliott have painted the indian character as something sublime and noble but such indians as "Unca" or "Alsandro" never grew we [?]