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Show Work of Indian Is Passing Out Red Men Face Problem of Existence as Whim for Their Stuff Goes. Cass Lake, Minn. Dame Fashion, who, ever since the Indians relinquished their land, has smiled upon the red men, making their characteristic creations crea-tions popular with the white brethren, now is frowning upon the offerings of the dexterous tribesmen. Dr. W. B. Heagerty, superintendent of the Ojibway sales agency, says that the Indians' contributions to curio collections, col-lections, such as beaded things, blankets, blank-ets, lace handkerchiefs and miniature birch-bark canoes, must be revolutionized revolution-ized to further capitalize the modern white man's passion for novelties. The superintendent blames fashion alone for the complicated situation which the agency, promoted by the Episcopal diocese of Duluth, now Is attempting to solve by teaching its In dian proteges that, to continue in the bloodless fight against the high cost of living, they must cater to the fantastic whims bestowed by custom upon their white neighbors. Sales Are Almost Nothing. In years past, according to Doctor Heagerty, the Indian, or rather his squaw, found a ready market for the wastepaper baskets, work baskets, miniature canoes and other trinkets which they made with their own hands. But now fashion decrees that It is no longer correct to have theso curios in sight around the house, so sales have fallen to virtually nothing. Ojibway women also make exquisite point-lace handkerchiefs which formerly for-merly brought fancy prices, but custom, cus-tom, holds that they are no longer in style, so these one-time popular ornaments orna-ments go a-begging, says the superintendent. superin-tendent. "Another conflicting angle," Doctor Heagerty continues, "concerns the beadwork on bags, moccasins and mains done by Ojibway women. The cost of glass now is so high and the quality so inferior that beadwork cannot can-not be done at a profit. "And, the worst of all, the Indian, deprived of his tribal customs by he advance of civilization, cannot understand under-stand all of this. It is especially difficult dif-ficult for them to turn their talents to other channels." The problem was revealed to mission workers during the first year's operation opera-tion of the Ojibway sales agency. This agency was established to help the rapidly diminishing tribesmen to bridge the gulf between themselves and the white man's civilization by effecting "an economic and moral reformation." The church would abolish the old trading posts, whereby the Indian received re-ceived in exchange for his offerings merely food, tobacco and the necessities necessi-ties of life, and would obtain cash -for their products. Would Teach Value of Money. This, it is hoped, will enable them to learn the true value of money, so that 10 years later when they, according accord-ing to law. are no longer government charges, they will he able to provide for themselves. During the' period of transition spe-cinl spe-cinl attention is being directed to the large field for harvesting wild rice and making maple sugar, for which there always is a ready market. "But this work has been hnmperod by cruel obstacles, for last year the maple sap was scarce in fact there ; was not enough for the Ojibway fam-' fam-' ll. but the wild rice crop was ample I and a record harvest was effected," Doctor Heagerty declares, |