to leave their homes and
their kindred to enter these schools and take upon themselves
the outward semblance of civilized life. They are chosen not
on account of any particular merit of their own, not by
reason of mental fitness, but solely because they have Indian
blood in their veins. Without regard to their worldly
condition; without any previous training; without any
preparation whatever, they are transported to the
schools--sometimes thousands of miles away--without the
slightest expense or trouble to themselves or their people.

"The Indian youth finds himself at once, as if by magic,
translated from a state of poverty to one of affluence. He is
well fed and clothed and lodged. Books and all the
accessories of learning are given him and teachers provided
to instruct him. He is educated in the industrial arts on the
one hand, and not only in the rudiments but in the liberal
arts on the other. Beyond the three r's he is instructed in
geography, grammar, and history; he is taught drawing,
algebra and geometry, music and astronomy and receives
lessons in physiology, botany, and entomology. Matrons wait
on him while he is well, and physicians and nurses attend him
when he is sick. A steam laundry does his washing, and the
latest modern appliances do his cooking. A library affords
him relaxation for his leisure hours, athletic sports and the
gymnasium furnish him exercise and recreation, while music
entertains him in the evening. He has hot and cold baths, and
steam heat and electric light, and all the modern
conveniences. All the necessities of life are given him, and
many of the luxuries. All of this without money and without
price, or the contribution of a single effort of his own or
of his people. His wants are all supplied almost for the
wish. The child of the wigwam becomes a modern Aladdin, who
has only to rub the government lamp to gratify his desires.

"Here he remains until his education is finished, when he is
returned to his home--which by contrast must seem squalid
indeed--to the parents whom his education must make it
difficult to honor, and left to make his way against the
ignorance and bigotry of his tribe. Is it any wonder he
fails? Is it surprising if he lapses into barbarism? Not
having earned his educati