Although this code was specially levelled against the class of misdemeanors from which settlers and missionaries suffered most annoyance at the hands of the Indians, yet its provisions were readily approved and accepted by the chiefs, who even proposed that in some instances the penalties should be made heavier. But they were by no means so unanimous in the matter of electing a head chief. The canvassing caused much agitation, on account of jealousies among themselves, but after a great deal of anxious consultation with one another and the Americans, who endeavored not to give advice in this important matter, Ellis, the educated son of the Bloody Chief, was at length chosen, to the general satisfaction of the tribe. [1] Appreciating the truth that the shortest road to an Indian's heart lies through his stomach, White had provided a fat ox for a barbecue, together with abundance of corn and pease. After the feast the pipe was smoked, and then both the civilized and savage gave themselves up to song and merriment. On the fifth day of the visit a final council was held, when White took occasion to lecture the savages on their begging propensities, explaining to them as well as he could the low estimation in which beggars were held by white people. Fifty garden-hoes were then presented to the chiefs and Mr Spalding for distribution among the industrious poor; together with some medicines, to be given as needed. Then, with a parting admonition not to disagree among themselves or with their teachers, and an intimation to the chiefs that they were to be held responsible for the good conduct of
- ↑ Hines describes Ellis as having 'a smattering of the English language, and a high sense of his own importance,' and says that after he was appointed he pursued a very haughty and overbearing course. Oregon Hist., 143, White describes him as 'a sensible man of 32, reading, speaking, and writing the English language tolerably well;' that he had a fine small plantation, a few sheep, some neat stock, and no less than 1,100 head of horses. Ten Years in Or., 186–7.
damage and kill the dog. This law was suggested by the Indians themselves. Raising a gun against a white man, to be punished at discretion of chiefs. If a white man do the same to an Indian, he is to be punished by white men. An Indian breaking these laws is to be punished by his chiefs; a white man breaking them is to be punished by the Indian agent. White's Or. Ter., 181–4.
