raining School for Indians, in
Nebraska. There is much in the name itself, and yet it is impossible to
have a clear idea of the work done there unless one has seen for
himself.

The Santee School is the largest of all the Indian mission schools under
the A.M.A., and faithfully has she performed the part of a leader. The
number of Indians gathered and instructed each year is in the
neighborhood of 175. Many tribes are represented, and the students come
from all directions. They are thoroughly trained from the very
foundation, not only in the ordinary branches of school work, but also
in housekeeping--sewing, cooking, washing, etc.,--on the part of the
girls (in which, too, the boys join largely), and in farming, carpentry,
blacksmithing and shoemaking, on the part of the boys.

Not only is this solid practical knowledge given them, but care and time
is devoted toward grace and politeness, and all the foundation rules of
etiquette. And this is not a thankless work. Anyone forming an idea of
Indians from those at Santee would tell you they are naturally a most
polite people--a people upon whom grace sits easily. There is many a
little story of Santee I would like to tell, that would show the spirit
which pervades the school. Something you may have read of their
impromptu prayer-meetings, and the desire of many to work and study, not
merely for themselves, but for their people.

But great as is the credit due the Indians for their advancement here,
little could be seen of gain were it not that the corps of teachers sent
out by the A.M.A. have been chosen, not from the lame, the halt and the
blind of this country, not from those who for support must resort to
something, but from those young women who are willing to leave homes of
comfort and refinement, in order that their lives may be worth something
in the world--young women who are consecrated beyond what we can even
imagine until we have seen the difficulties and annoyances which form so
large a part of their lives. Not for _support_ would these women have
gone into A.M.A. work, but cheerfully and gladly do they live on the
very smallest possible salaries, that more may be done for the Indian.

In describing Santee I have described all the schools, for the same plan
is carried out everywhere--the plan of Christianization; for that must
needs come before civilization can be hoped for.

The Indian is not civilized who, forsaking his heathen gods, has learned
the ways