Here was a people, in the very throes of a new life, making effort to overcome the effects of savage birth and education. The heart of this question was
bared. This old superstition was still lingering in their lives, part and parcel of the very existence of the people. It remained with them even after they had put away their religious faith and accepted that of their Christian teachers.
We had long before seen the struggle that it would cost,—the embarrassments that polygamy threw into the question. Our mind was made up, or we thought it was, and, motioning the chief to be seated, we arose and said:—
“I know how much depends on my words. This is a great question. It has always been a hard thing to manage. My heart is not rock. I sympathize with you; Captain Smith feels for you. We will tell you what to do. No man after this day shall ever marry more than one woman. No woman shall ever be sold. The men that have more than one wife must arrange to be lawfully married to one of them. The others are to remain with him until they are married to other persons, or find homes elsewhere. If they do not marry again, the husband must take care of them and their children.”
After a few moments, the chief arose, and said, “I understand; that is right. I will give all my wives a choice. I will be a white man from this day;” and then, advancing toward the desk, he was welcomed by friendly greeting from the white men present.
Holding him by the hand I said to him, “I welcome my red brother to our civilization. You are now a man; our people do not consider the color of a man; it is his heart, his life. What name will you take?”
He hesitated, looking down for a moment; then raising his eyes to my own with earnest gaze, he inquired
if he might take my name, saying that he liked it because it sounded well.
Acknowledging the compliment, I extended my hand, and addressed him as Mr. Mark Meacham, which was greeted with great applause. His second wife, Matola, arose and made a short speech, inquiring what was to become of her and her children. “Is your heart made of stone? Can I give Mark up? No I won’t; he will want my children. I want them. I won’t go away. I am his wife. I am satisfied with being his second wife; we did not know it was wrong. Nobody told us so. We get along well together. I won’t leave him; I am his wife.” The plan was explained, and she was reconciled. John Mission was next to follow Mark, saying, “that when he was a small boy, he first heard about the new law. He had waited for the time when his people would come to it. They have come now. I am glad in my heart. I give you my hand.”
Billy Chinook said, “I throw away the law my fathers made. I take this new law. I have two wives. They are both good. If anybody wants one of my wives, he can have her; if he don’t, she can stay. Long time I have waited for the new law. It has come. I give you my hand.”