Page:The Early Indian Wars of Oregon.djvu/64

46 the Nez Percés and Cayuses were one in their interests and affections. This hint that the Hudson s Bay people would not approve of any abuse of the missionaries, was softened by praise of their unexpected advancement in arts and sciences, as shown by their farms and schools.

Then came Mr. Rogers who had done so much for them in helping to shape their written language, and who was a favorite with the Nez Perces. He reminded them of the good accomplished, and carefully brought them to remember the unhappy consequences which had followed a rupture between the United States and the tribes east of the mountains, exhorting them to be reasonable and accept such measures as were for their advancement.

McKay reserved his remarks to the last, knowing that his mixed blood would appeal strongly to his auditors. He reminded them of the tragedy of the Tonquin, whereby he was left an orphan, since which time he had for many years constantly traveled through and mixed with the Oregon tribes; had mingled in their bloody wars with the Blackfoot Indians, and had enjoyed their seasons of peace; had suffered the pangs of hunger with them, and enjoyed their feasts and sports, until weary at last he had retired upon his plantation in the Wallamet valley, and was as one dead. But he was aroused by the call of his white brother, and now was again in their midst, and was glad. He had come at the bidding of the great chief whose children were more numerous than the stars of heaven or the leaves of the forest. "Will you hear what he says?" asked the orator, his tall figure and dark impassioned face tense with meaning. "You will! Your wonderful improvement in the arts and sciences prove you are no fools. Surely you will hear; but if disposed to close your ears and stop them, they will be torn wide open, and you. will be made to hear."

A proposition appears to have been made in reference to the choosing of a high chief, the other chiefs to be his aids in carrying out his commands. It is not easy to un-