Page:The Early Indian Wars of Oregon.djvu/68

50 these difficulties were disposed of. Finally, on the follow ing day, another meeting was held, at which questions were asked and answered with a view to enlightening the Indians concerning the sentiments and laws of white people.

"I advised in many matters," says White, "especially in reference to begging, or even receiving presents without in some way returning an equivalent; pointed out in strong language who beggars are among the whites, and how regarded; and commended them for not once troubling me during my stay with this disgusting practice; and as a token of respect now, at the close of our long and happy meeting, they would please accept, in the name of my great chief, a present of fifty garden hoes, not for those in authority, or such as had no need of them, but for the chiefs and Mr. Spalding to distribute among their industrious poor."

Before leaving, White prepared some medicines to be given the poor as they should be required; and exhorted all to be in obedience to their chiefs, and to look upon Mr. and Mrs. Spalding as their father and mother, reserving all points of difference to be settled when he returned in the spring. He was then escorted several miles upon his way, when the chiefs parted from him in high good humor; and Mr. Spalding afterwards wrote that the Nez Percés were quiet during the winter; so easy was it, apparently, for a man with some tact to secure the good will and confidence of these adult children.

A report sent to the sub-agent by Mr. Spalding in the spring contains many interesting facts concerning the Nez Percés at this time, in which he commended their industry and quickness of intellect, though giving an unflattering summing up of their moral characteristics as observed by him in his intercourse with them; but confesses that when he attempts to hold it up as an exception to other nations without the wholesome restraints of law, and strangers to the influence of enlightened society, he is unable to do it.

Returning to Waiilatpu, Dr. White found awaiting him