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 128 AMERICAN ANTHROPOLOGIST [n. s., i, 1899

ethnologic exhibit. It reached the conference stage with pros- pects bright for its passage, but before it could come to final action the war preparations monopolized legislative attention, with a consequent scaling down of appropriations all along the line. It was found impossible to effect the passage of the bill as contemplated, and it was finally incorporated as a paragraph, but appropriating only $40,000 instead of the sum first named, in the Indian appropriation bill, which became a law on the last day of June, a full month after the opening of the exposition. The work was thus taken out of the control of the management, while no time was left for adequate preparation.

In anticipation of the passage of the bill the Indian Office had sent out to the various Indian agents an explanatory circular, setting forth the purpose of the appropriation. We quote as follows :

" It is the purpose of the proposed encampment or congress to make an extensive exhibit illustrative of the mode of life, native indus- tries, and ethnic traits of as many aboriginal American tribes as possible. To that end it is proposed to bring together selected families or groups from all the principal tribes, and camp them in tepees, wigwams, hogans, etc., on the exposition grounds, and there permit them to con- duct their domestic affairs as they do at home, and make and sell their wares for their own profit.

il It is desired that the encampment should be as thoroughly aborig- inal in every respect as practicable, and that the primitive traits and characteristics of the several tribes should be distinctly set forth. This point should be constantly kept in view in the selection of the Indians and in the collection of materials. They should bring their native dress, if possible. They should also bring their native domiciles or the materials with which to make them. They should also bring the neces- sary articles with which to furnish and decorate their tepees or other domiciles. As this will be a most interesting part of the exhibit, the furnishings should be as attractive and complete as possible. The necessary materials for carrying on their native arts should also be brought, so that they may engage in making articles for sale on the grounds. Where this cannot be done they may bring things illustra- tive of their craft in reasonable quantities for sale."

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