Seminoles Misrepresented
iBy Sensational Writers
By BAUKHAGE
N?u>i AtudyU mU Commtmistor.
WNtJ Service, l?lt Eye Street, N.W..
Washington, D. C.
(Tkit is lit sacond ?/ Mm artialat
basad an visitt to ibt Stminols Indian rat
anation at Brighton, Flo.).
SOMEWHERE NORTH OE THE
EVERGLADES. ? Whenever one
tries, as I did, to study the human
aide of the Seminoies?that nation
? which has left so
mmmubmmrni mm ,IHaa lilllo urriHnn PPA.
ord of its short
but historic life
span?one is del
uged with infor
mation and mis
information.
Misinformation
of the type on
which the Sunday
supplement writ
er feeds.
For example,
examine the con
tradictory data
? or me aeminoies -
Bankhage and snake killing:
When I called
on Agent Boehmer, his wife re
counted how a greatly-excited In
dian had appeared one day on their
doorstep to announce his pressing
desire that Boehmer come to the
Seminole camp?a 100 rods or so
distant?to kill a rattler.
Boehmer obliged. Re carefully
avoided carrying the corpse through
the camp (a Seminole taboo), and
he noted the usual Are lighted at
the point where the victim fell. As
usual, the Indian children had co
operated with him, without actively
participating in the execution.
There are two explanations as to
why the Seminoles would not them
selves kill the snake. One is that
once in the past the Seminoles were
ordered by the White Man to leave
Florida for points west. They pre
pared to remain even though it
meant retiring deep into the Ever
glades. However they decided it
would be a good idea for both
parties if they made a treaty with
the snakes. They did so od a "live
and let live" basis. That is one ex
planation.
Or It may have been one of those
common sense arrangements em
bellished with the authority of mys
ticism.. There are few snakes which,
if left alone, won't reciprocate.
Another interpretation may be
that when a white man attacks the
rpttler, the chances are that if any
one is bitten, it would not be an
Indian. I understand Seminoles do
kill snakes when it seems nec
essary.
Boehmer, whose opinion I learned
to value as I pursued this subject,
thinks the rattlesnake situation is
interesting, but I couldn't get him
to say it meant the Seminole was
superstitious.
Gaudy Cottumet
Intrigue Observer
Like every observer, I was Im
pressed by the Seminole attire. Not
by the men's?they wear conven
tional garments lightened by a gay i
handkerchief about the neck when <
they pursue their daily taska, hunt 1
on the reservation or loaf In camp. I
They have shortened the long skirt
like garment (comparable to the j
woman's cape) to sport-shirt length, i
even in ceremonial dresa. i
I found only Sam Ruff, reputed
to be a medicine man as well aa
the handy man at the school, wear
ing the long skirt-like garment, plus
the blouse. Some say Sam clings to
this outfit merely because of his
love for the past; others say It may
have something to do with his spe
cial function as a medicine man;
there is a whisper that it ia a badge
of repentance or punishment for
some past sin. Sam is a grand
father today. He still lives In the
nearby camp with the rest of his
throe generations.
The younger men save their gay
shirts for dress up occasions (the
annual green corn dance and the
bus ting dance), but they have
adopted modern trousers. Their
shirts are coverd with complicated
geometric tracery; their scarves
are bound by a metal or wooden
clasp; they wear beads or other
brightly-decorated fobs.
The most striking piece of Sem
inole clothing is the woman's bil
lowing skirt; next come the beads
which cover her neck from shoulder
blade to ear tips; then her hair
dress.
Unlike the men, the Seminole
women (except those wbo have been
completely converted to modern
ways) wear their special garb and
wear it all the time. Consequently,
they always look "dressed up."
The hairdress, an innovation and
a highly practical one, dates back
only some six or seven years. The
woman's smooth black hair is
brought forward over a semi-circu
lar cardboard form like the wide
peak of a cap. This gives her the
appearance of peering at you from
underneath a wide, circular hat
brim, and is achieved easily with
out the aid of the beauty shop and
virtually without mirrors. Further
more, the coiffure is one develop
ment that has no connection with
the White Man's culture.
Women's Skirts
Are Real Art
Unlike the hairdo, the Seminole
skirt and cape haven't changed ex
cept to grow more artistic and more
intricate with the advent of colored
textiles. They likewise have become
less difficult to create, thanks to
the hand-driven sewing machine.
This gadget long since has been as
common in tepee, hogan or even
igloo as an ice-pick in a modern
flat.
The skirts are made of parallel
bands of a brightly colored patch
work design which experts claim
are real art. They are fashioned of
hundreds of separate pieces of col
orful cloth, blended or contrasted
to make a barbarically splendorous
whole. The skirts bell out, widen
ing in circumference as they ap
proach the hem which, according
to regulations, must trail at least
three inches or thereabouts on the
ground.
How can this be a practical every
day dress in a country of swamps
and morasses, of barbed and cut
ting underbrush? That is the first
question I (and every ignorant ob
Seminole maid and brave aport
native dreaa in Everglades.
lerver) asks. But they are practi
;al, aay the expert! who have eeen
them In operation. Through wet go
ing and wading, they are "hiated"
(there are no undergarments to com
plicate matters). Traveling over
the dry and dusty Selds, rile with
snakes and other annoying rep
tiles, they protect the bare feet and
shins. As Miss or Mrs. Seminole
moves forward, toeing in slightly,
according to good Indian custom,
she gently kicks the dragging rim
forward without baring the bare
feet to inquisitive eyes or any flora
or fauna that might obtrude.
The only other doth garment is
the cape. This is usually a single
solid and bright color matching the
skirl
The Seminole beads remain a
mystery. So far, I have been able
to learn little concerning the origin,
purpose or excuse for them beyond
the explanation offered by Agent
Boehmer and supported by his wife:
"They wear them because they
think they're pretty." And what bet
ter reason in any woman's lexi
con?
It does seem strange, though, to
see a comely Indian matron, her
skirt tucked high before a roaring
Are on a hot Florida day, or work
ing vigorously in a tomato patch,
or even strolling through a shop
among sweltering whites in low cut
dresses or open sport shirts, with
perhaps S pounds (they have been
weighed) of beads in a solid collar
rising as high as the whalebone
enforced "chokers" American girls
wore In the first decades of the
lfOOe.
BARBS . . . by Bmukhag?
f.
Static to your autoraobila radio
may eaon (ran your tiraa. A italic
?Hiimjnn powder has bcaa de
Ml I II I will cwra It.
, . ? ? ?
The wUd Ma cana will aa
* have much trouble getting a 100
gaor-old turtle to tail bar age.
Half of the Individual owners of
the steel Industry are women.
? ? ?
in^aaatamaUo" hooey17 ** *?*"*"
Wtee. kJ^rTr^mle fcr*T*5Se
CONGRESSIONAL BROTHERS . . . Repr. John Davis Lodge, left, Con
nect! cot, and Hen. Henry Cabot Lodge, Massachusetts, pot their broth
erly heads together to compare notes on legislation In the SOth congress.
They are sons of the late U. 8. Sen. Henry Cabot Lodge, who was a
mighty power In the senate during the Wilson regime. Both brothers are
Be publicans and are expected to take an active part In official Washing
ton during the next few years.
CRASHED AT JONES BEACH . .. Jones beach, famed New York play
ground, narrowly averted being the scene of one of the month's worst
plane disaster. A Baltimore to Los Angeles airliner lost In the snow and
nnable to Bod LaGnardla airfield, was forced to crash land at Jones
beach. The pilot carefully chose the hard strip of sand between breakers
and soft beach sand. The 11 passengers and three crew members wers
shaken bat otherwise salnjnred.
BABY gTBONG MAM ... Be atends In the sir with the greatest at ease
and with the atmest la pieaaare, dses little ste-aeatlMdd Ronnie Udkoff,
shewn steading an the hand e< hie dad. Bad Vdkeff, at their heme la
CMeaga. This part ef Beanie's edacatlea started twe months age. and
he seems te he harlac the time aI his Bfe.
WOiLOT BKEABTSTIOKE CRAMP ... 1m Ttttar. UM( erf
l?C?. PMlilcMtU. ka balleri ull*Kw nrih ri?i|ld by hie Tie
tery M Mftrt IrnaMntc, la breakiac yecarri act la 1Mb by ft. ft.
?l?Cb at t ? Malic aari a crccaria. YcrAear la a treahaua Crftb three
MmM |a On tXb-yirri flM atjIa rraat I a?aBi afll eaaft haalll| aa
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE . . ?
Repr. Joseph W. Martin Jr. (R.,
Mass.), as he opened the 8Ctb ses
sion of congress, after his election
as speaker of the honse. Following
the Republican landslide, be suc
ceeded Repr. Sam Raybnrn (D?
Tex.).
WITHOUT A COUNTRY . . . Mil
dred Cillers, 37, American musi
cian-actress, known as "Axis Sail;,"
arrested in Berlin for treasonable
activities on behalf of the Nazi
propaganda ministry, Is now with
out a country to call her own.
BAviSD FROM FIRE ? ? ? John
Roccesanto, Chicago, keep* cool
even though a fire burns his hat
?hop. Here he Is shown with some
of the hats he saved from the
rapine flames that completely de
stroyed Ida shop and most of his
stock.
ITALY'S PRIME MINISTER . . .
Alcide de Gasperl, u he arrived
at Wsahlactsa, the foest of the
Halted States government. la ad
dition to visits la varieas ffovern
asent departments he will meet
with leading Italians U report as
their prime minister.
HOOAN WINS . .. Bea Hacaa. Hrr
rfar, Pa., who woo Uk Lao Am
?etee (an tearaameat aacr Taney
Peaaa wKh a 1M* aeare at ZM,
SHIFT OF COMMANDERS
WASHINGTON. ? Inside fact
about the shift of U. S. commanders
in Germany is that the stage was
set for the change shortly after Lt.
Gen. Lucius D. Clay visited the Na
tional Association of Manufacturers
in New York.
Shortly before that, the senate war
investigating committee's chief
counsel, George Meader, had come
back from Germany with a prelim
inary report highly critical of what
went on in the U. S. occupation zone.
General Clay, then in the United
States, was upset by this report and
talked to Secretary of State Byrnes
about resigning. He felt that Gen.
Joseph McNarney, top commander
of U. S. troops in Germany, was the
man really responsible, although he,
Clay, as head of the military govern
ment for Germany, got the blame.
On top of the unfavorable Meader
report, General Clay addressed a
meeting of the National Association
of Manufacturers and afterwards
sat down at an off-the-record meet
ing of NAM leaders including some
of the top moguls of American in
dustry. Their solution for the future
of Germany was simple. They told
Clay that they should be permitted
to get in touch with their opposite
numbers in German industry ? the
big industrialists who helped build
up Hitler's war machine.
If allowed to do business with the
German cartels, the U. S. Indus
trialists told Clay, they would have
Germany back on its feet in no
time.
This shocked General Clay. He
said he would retire from the army
immediately if any such deal was
carried out. He warned that the Ger
man people did not believe in or
understand free enterprise and that
Germany could only continue under
strong government controls.
? ?- ?
CAPITAL CHAFF
The RFC apparently thinks
that the Germans are a better
risk than veterans' housing. It
will advance about 3 billion dol
lars to rebuild Germany during
the next three years, but was
afraid of losing money on Wil
son Wyatt's prefabricated hous
ing for veterans Wyatt, ex
mayor of Louisville, passed out
golden keys to the city of Louis
ville to guests he Invited to a
farewell party. ... No wonder
John L. Lewis is hard luek for
labor. He's the "llth" vice
president of the A. F. of L.
? ? ?
AIRLINE DYNAMITE
The dynamite now exploding in
side Trans World Airlines between
Jack Frye, its president, and How
ard Hughes, its chief stockholder,
has caused members of the civil
aeronautics board to begin some
careful probing of the aviation in
dustry. Their probe indicates that
things aren't going anywhere nearly
as well as the airline ballyhoo indi
cates.
Among other things, six companies
operated in the red during the first
nine months of 1946?TWA, Colonial,
Chicago and Southern, Northeast
ern, Pennsylvania-Central and West
ern.
Furthermore, the airlines have
over-ordered new planes to such an
extent that they will never be able
to use more than a fraction of the
planes supposed to be delivered.
For instance, the present fleet of
civil planes has a capacity of 15
billion seat miles annually. Howev
er, when the planes now on order
are delivered, capacity will be 41
billion passenger seat miles.
This is in contrast to the fact that
the planes now on hand are 100 per
cent in excess of the passengers now
carried. Result is many unpubli
ciied cancellations. One of the most
disquieting situations is the fact that
TWA has placed large orders with
Lockheed, and heavy cancellations
would deal Lockheed a tough blow.
? ? ?
PACIFIC MERRY-GO-ROUND
Best way*to gain popularity In
tha Far East today is to take
along a supply of Roosevelt
dimes. Congressional travelers
returned from China and the Pa
eifle islands report that these
were the most welcome gifts
they could make to native digni
taries. . . . First general election
in history of the Truk Island
group in the Pacific was held in
January. Island chieftains and
offleiaU for the entire group
were chosen. Heretofore these
onecs have been hereditary
Among the voters were many
who have Uved under Spanish,
German and Japanese control.
This was their first election.
? ? ?
SCHOOLS NEED TYPEWRITERS
Schools and colleges may come
ahead of veterans in getting surplus
war property tor educational uses,
according to a plan now under con
sideration et the White House. At
present veterans get first crack at
typewriters, adding machines and all
othar types of equipment?and when
the vets are thrrugh there isn't
much left for the states, schools ?*
coUga^J^ probfan recently was
San. Joseph Rosier of Want Virginia!
CLASSIFIED
DEPARTMENT
AUTOS, TRUCKS A ACCESS,
JEEP TOPS FOR SALE
Made of best material: mildew and water
proof: fire resistant: Olive men. Top
with side curtains, three windows and no
doors $40.00: top complete with five win
dows. two doors 009.00. 23* deposit with
order. Will ship Immediately. Make your
Jeep cow for winter.
SOI THERN TENT * AWNING CO.
tSS 8. Mint St.. Charlotte. M. C. Ph. ?4H?
leep Car tains! U. S Army Regulation.
Front sides only. 06pr., prepaid. Plastos
Predate, SH W. SsiU. Si., BsRimcre 1. *
BUSINESS A INVEST. OPPOB.
Mea-Wemen take orders new sensatioQal
Whirlplane. Toy works three ways Pat.
pending. Send 01.00 for sample. Distribu
tors take notice. One salesman sold 3.000
first week to stores. Industries. Inc.. Bex
ttt. fitntlen A. Dept. ?. Besten. Mass.
FARMS AND RANCHES
BUCKS CO. Near Bristol. 7?-acre farm.
3-family house, garage, modern barn for
40 head. Beautiful stream. Sale or rent
with option to buy. Real Estate Manager*
Co., tdSS Germantown Are.. Phila. tt. Pa.
HELP WANTED?MEN
AERODTNAMICISTS. Flight Test Engi
neers. Mechanical Engineers. Electronics
Engineers. Physicist-Mathematician. Ad
ministrative Engineer wanted.
Competent to assume additional respons
ibility in an expanding engineering or
ganization as staff and project engineers
on new. diversified, challenging work In.
the development of complex aviation de
vices. Only those applicants possessing
initiative and the ability to think ana
lytically are desired.
Plant is located approximately 200 ml.
west of New York City in south-central
portion of New York State. 40 hr. work
week permits leisure to enjoy area's many
outdoor activities and scenic advantages.
Wages paid are equal to. or above, local
ity average.
Cyr further details write to: Perse*ae>
snager. Link Aylailen, Inc., Biagbam
ten. New Terk. -
Fosndry Opportsnity ?Molders. Squeezer
Operator*. Trainees. Apprentice training
under G.I. Bill. Flynn A Em rich ??.. Grant
Sealer Architectural Draftsmen
Specification writer, mechanical engineer.
Central Pennsylvania Arm. Architects ana
engineers. Steady employment. Pleasant
working conditions. Address
P. O. BOX 044 Harrisburg. Fa.
SALESMEN?Crew Managers, to organize
crews for fast selling book deal, paying 05
commlsskm on each 00.99 sale. Apply or
write to MB. MITCHELL WERNER. 120T
Market St., Phils., Pa.
HELP WANTED?WOMEN
NURSES. New salary plan for staff nursew
at Jewish Hospital. 01440 to 01680 per an
num with full maintenance or 01800 to
02040 per annum with meals and laundry,
but living out Higher rates tor night and
special assignments. 0500 life insurance
policy free. Liberal retirement plan. Ap
ply to Director of Narsing, Jewish Hospi
tal. York A Tabor Bdt.. Philadelphia 41. Pa.
MISCELLANEOUS
ARTHRITIS? If you suffef the agonizing
pains of arthritis and rheumatism, let us
help you. Results guar. Seed 01 to Morris.
Prodacta. Box Ml. Belllngham. Wash.
LUMBER and MUlwork carload lots. Shin
gles, doors, rough and dressed lumber.
MATERIAL8 PROCUREMENT AGENCY
P. O. Box 1681 Baltimore S. ML
CHRYSLER MARINE DIESELS?Imme
diate delivery 3 models. JOHN BUGBE6
CURTIS. Distributors. West Norfolk, Vs.
CHRYSLER MARINE ENGINES
Immediate deliveries most all models.
JOHN HUGHES CURTIS, Distributor
West Norfolk - - - Vtrgtalw
pomtltl, CHICKS ft EQUIP.
WE HAVE R. O. P. Barred Rock Cock
erels for sfide from -choice -families that
were raised on our range with Dam rec
ords from 230 to 308.
J. W. TAYLOR - Richland*. N. C.
Buy U. S. Savings Bonds I
Relief At Last
For Your Cough
Greomulslai relieves promptly be
cause it goes right to the seat o1 the
trouble to help loosen and expel
genu laden phftym. and natur?
to soothe and heal raw, tender, in
flamed bronchial mucous mem
branes. Tell your druggist to sell yutt
a bottle of Creomulsloii with the un
derstanding you must like the way it
quickly allays the cough or you am
to have your money back.
CREOMULSION
for Coughs, Chest Colds, Bronchitis
an >aru FAITMB
dash in piathhrsTTv jm
MrllJilfVI'l.'B.Qaa
GIRLS! WOMEN!
try this it you're
NERVOUS
?a-COTlUU MYTWMb
Do female functional monthly dleturto
anoee make son feet nervoua, Irritable,
ao weak and tired oat?at eucb tlmeuV
Then do try Lydla B. Plnkham'a Vege
table Com pound to relieve each eymp
toma. ire /amour for thiol Taken regu
larty ? Plnkham'a Compound helpa
build up reeletanoe esalnet euch dla
treee. Also a great etomachlc tonic I
inUl.MMOAinvgS3&
WNU?4 IX?47
Fee Torn T. Fed Well
S4 beam every day, T daye irey
7* iky*" s?
>?" TT *~yl'
StUiMiMUiHl (Altar mit
??Mar that ??? atajr la thm bUod
arlthoat lajmj ta fcaaltk. thara ?oil
ka jntmr ? IfcW d, ?.
sSiwH
SSSnBSSv^.
HiMl'IHiillU