CHRISTMAS AT SPOKAN FALLS, W. T.—SCHOOL WORK, Etc.
By Rev. H. T. Cowley.
Christmas is always the greatest occasion of the year with these Indians, and its recent recurrence was unusually enjoyed. The principal attraction is the opportunity to worship, hear anew the story of the Saviour’s birth, renew their consecration and participate in the ordinance of the Lord’s Supper. A social festival follows all, tribal affairs are discussed and efforts are made to heal jealousies and alienations.
On this occasion there was a marked religious interest and a very visible improvement in outward condition. The school-house, which is as yet our only place of meeting, was densely crowded; many had come over twenty miles in sleds and on horseback.
Father Eells, their former missionary, was present and addressed them, renewing old associations. There were seven infant and one adult baptisms; and two others, a wife and husband, expressed a desire to unite with the church at our next communion. It was altogether a precious occasion, which we shall all long remember. The school now numbers sixteen scholars equally divided between the sexes, and is making reasonable progress considering the disadvantages we contend with. A day school among Indians, as a general rule, fails of the best results. The imperative demand is for a boarding and industrial department and a matron. I have been calling the attention of the Indian Department to this necessity for the past six years, but as the Spokans are a small tribe and peacefully inclined, Congress has overlooked them, while at the same time their country is being rapidly filled by white settlers and no adequate provision has been made for their permanent location or education. Commissioner Price has, however, recently informed me of his recommendation to secure an appropriation of $5,000 to enable Spokans who wish to avail themselves of the provisions of the Indian Homestead Act to pay the land fees and commissions.
We are also much in need of a house of worship, as the school-house (18×24) is too small and inconvenient for that purpose. Dr. Atkinson informs me that he raised $50 while East to help in this object, but about $200 more will be required to supplement the work of the Indians.