KAH- GE-GA-GAH-BOWH. 139

other side. One of the speakers at the close of his re-
marks, referred to this fact, and observed, very good
humoredly “ If he wishes to be like afish worm without
a head—capable of moving forwards or backwards, let
him alone.”

I have often been asked the question, “ VVhat is the
reason that the Indians are diminishing in numbers in
the midst of their white neighbors?” To state all that
might be said in replying to this question, would re-
quire almost a separate volume. But the following are
a few of the principal reasons:

1. The introduction of King Alcohol among them.

2. The introduction of new diseases, produced by
their intercourse with the whites; and by adopting their
intemperate habits.

3. Their inability to pursue that course of living, after
abandoning their wigwams, which tends to health and
old age.

4. Their spirits are broken down in consequence of
seeing that their race are becoming homeless, friendless,
moneyless, and trodden down by the whites.

5. Their future prospects are gloomy and cheerless——
enough to break down the noblest spirits.

There are many other reasons which could be
assigned for their diminution. But are not these suffi-
cient of themselves to crush and exterminate even any
white race, if not protected and defended by friends and
wholesome laws? Our people have been driven from
their homes, and have been cajoled out of the few
sacred spots where the bones of their -ancestors and
children lie; and where they themselves expected to