Show -- 7 STUDENT LIFE have been matched the owners seat themselves upon the ground with a blanket spread between them which serves as a pool lox Hackers of the different horses place their money in the hands of the owners The stacks of money are matched and placed in the center of thq blanket When all have had an opportunity to place their bet the money i wrapped in the blanket and laid on the ground in the middle of the racing course at the outcome The riders mount their horses remove their boots and hats ride to the starting place turn and whip for the finish It is a common Indian motto that the start makes no difference it is the finish which decides the race “To the winner belongs the spoils’ and he without note or memorandum calmly re turns to cadi and every one of his supporters twice the amount of money received I have seen many such races and never yet have I seen a quarrel or disturbance over the division of the profits As a rule these harmless red skins have many virtues They are considerate truthful kind to their families and an Indian friend is a friend indeed How much better their condition would be today if the white men had left them alone This forced civilization does them no good It neglects their strong points' and multiplies their weak ones From the White the’ take his undesirable habits Their wants are increasing their means decreasing Each day sees them less en- during less indcicndent 6 G A |