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ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 02484 0594
Gc 977. 101 M76d v. 1 Drury, A. W. History of the city of Dayton and Montgomery County, Ohio
HISTORY
OF THE
CITY OF DAYTON
AND
Montgomery County Ohio
By REV. A. W. DRURY
Professor in Bonebrake Theological Seminary Dayton, Ohio
1
ILLUSTRATED
VOLUME I
CHICAGO-DAYTON THE S. J. CLARKE PUBLISHING CO.
1909
Allen County Public Library 900 Webster Street PO Box 2270 Fort Wayne, IN 46801-2270
,
midland
1334590
REV. A. W. DRURY
INTRODUCTION
An ancient writer said, "The gods have made every land dear to those who in- habit it." Of more value than the rocks and the rivers, the soils and the ores, are the people with their achievements and institutions. These, as they stand related to us, furnish an object for our love and loyalty. Civic pride is not only honorable to those who cherish it, but it is indispensable as a factor of progress and a security against decline.
In order to love wisely and well our country or city it is necessary that we know and understand the same. We must be acquainted with the past that we may rightly value our heritage, and we must be acquainted with the present if we would lay the foundations for a larger and better future.
It is a fatal error for us, in our mock modesty or soul deadness, to assume in- difference or superiority to what is personal and local. Said Daniel Webster, "Those who do not look upon themselves as a link connecting the past with the future do not perform their duty to the world."
The study of the past events of our city will not only discover to us the laws and forces which, largely unconscious to the immediate actors, were making the city what it has now become, but will enable those who are now at the head of af- fairs consciously and surely to apply the same to the common weal. The infancy of our city has been guarded and guided by unseen forces, but its maturity must more and more be characterized by conscious plans and purposed effort.
But it may be said, "Granting all that can be claimed as to the interest and im- portance of local history, what need is there of another history of Dayton at the present time ?"
The last distinct and full history appeared in 1889, twenty years ago. In these twenty years the population of Dayton has doubled. Previously existing interests and institutions have become enlarged and diversified, and thriving accessions have been made. For example, in 1889 The National Cash Register Company employed but two hundred and twenty operatives instead of the present office and
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INTRODUCTION
factory force of five thousand, and in the history named the account of this great institution was confined to a single page. "Early Dayton," written by Miss Steele in 1896, disclaimed being a complete history. The preface declared, " 'Early Day- ton' is written from the personal and social standpoint, and it was not the inten- tion to give a complete and consecutive account of the growth of the corporation and the business interests of the city." Only early actors were depicted through sketches. The histories named, and histories and sketches written before and since these appeared, will always have an interest and value of their own, such as only the person who wrote them and the circumstances in which they were written could supply.
The present work, however, covers the entire period of the city's history, using all available sources. It is the definite aim to cover completely and proportionately the various interests and features in the life and growth of the city down to the present time. Some of the features receiving special attention are antecedent his- tory, the direct founding, pioneer life, municipal organization and development, industrial and commercial development, political and military history, the schools the churches and Christian associations, social organizations, public and charitable institutions, the learned professions, the press, sketches of prominent citizens, con- nections with the world at large as underlying past and future growth. Tables and summaries are included for ready reference.
A little over a century has witnessed the growth of Dayton from a faint and precarious beginning to a beautiful and prosperous city of more than one hun- dred and twenty-five thousand inhabitants, drawing its support from all quarters of the world, and sending out its products, both intellectual and material, to every part of our land and to the remotest parts of the earth. The loved and honored Dayton of the past will give place only to the greater and nobler Dayton of the future.
What has been said of the city of Dayton is largely true of the county of Mont- gomery, of which it is the chief city and the seat of government. In many respects it is difficult to separate the two. The interrelations are most intimate. The popu- lation of the city has constantly been recruited from the county. The prosperity of the city has been greatly promoted by the splendid country and substantial people surrounding it. Commercially and socially, in art and in religion, recipro- cal bonds have held the two in closest union. Every political incident emphasizes the unity existing. Mutual interest and helpfulness have generally prevailed, and should be more and more promoted. The different parts of the county as repre- sented by townships, cities and villages, receive attention in this history. There is much also that belongs to the county as a whole that demands and rewards our considerate attention.
The only complete history of Montgomery county heretofore existing is that which appeared in 1882-nearly a generation ago.
The first of the two volumes comprising the present history is directly and ex- clusively historical, while the second is biographical and has been prepared by writers specially assigned.
The publishers have performed a generous part in providing full and suitable illustrations and in bringing out the entire work in the highest form of the "art preservative."
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INTRODUCTION
SOURCES.
The files of the leading local newspapers from 1808 to the present time, pre- served almost in their entirety in the public library, are almost an inexhaustible source for the history of the city and county. The municipal records from 1805 are preserved in the vaults of the office of the city clerk. The minutes of council, for the period of about sixty years cover the entire field out of which have grown the various city departments.
Fortunately the county records have been preserved almost intact. The records of the recorder's office, clerk's office, and auditor's office, including the minutes of the county commissioners, are an inexhaustible source for local history.
The first history in book form of Dayton, including slight references to Mont- gomery county, appeared as a preface of "Odell's Dayton Directory" in 1850. It occupies sixty-four pages, and contains much of interest and value. The sketch was written by M. E. Curwen, at the time an attorney and editor in Dayton and later the author of the standard digest of Ohio laws bearing his name.
The "History of Montgomery County," published by W. H. Beers and Com- pany in 1882, is a large and valuable work. The chapters on the earlier history of the county and city were written by Mr. Ashley Brown, and were the result of painstaking inquiry and effort extending through many years. Trace of many events of interest would now be impossible were it not for the minute and extended accounts given in this first history of the county.
The "History of Dayton" by Robert W. Steele, published in 1889, is a very com- plete history by a writer well acquainted with the conditions and events which he describes. The "History of Early Dayton," by Mary Davies Steele, published in Dayton's centennial year, 1896, gives a vivid description of the chief events in the history of Dayton for the first one hundred years.
"Pioneer Life in Dayton," by John F. Edgar, published in 1896, when the author was eighty-two years old, gives many interesting reminiscences and a large amount of genealogical material.
The "Centennial Portrait and Biographical Record of the City of Dayton and of Montgomery County, Ohio," is a large volume of personal sketches, edited by Frank Conover, published in 1897.
"Some Dayton Saints and Prophets," by Charlotte Reeve Conover, published in 1907, contains beautiful appreciations of twenty-four of Dayton's most honored citizens, men and women. Another volume by Charlotte Reeve Conover, con- taining many sketches of Dayton's history, is entitled, "Concerning the Fore- fathers, being a memoir with personal narrative and letters of Colonel Robert Pat- terson and Colonel John Johnston, the paternal and maternal grandfathers of J. H. Patterson." It was published in 1902.
A wide variety of annual reports and of monographs on various institutions have helped to preserve and make accessible a knowledge of the developments and order of events of the city and county.
By the kindness of Mrs. Anna M. McKnight, a great-granddaughter of Benja- min Van Cleve, permission was given to have a typewritten copy of the Van Cleve Diary made. The same is now accessible in the Dayton Public Library. D. C. Baker, of St. Louis, a great-grandson of Benjamin Van Cleve, placed in the
reat eele ay- en- on gh ce y d
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INTRODUCTION
Dayton library in 1909 a little book containing many letters written by Benjamin Van Cleve and various articles associated with the early history of the city.
A number of specialists in their departments have contributed parts which are credited to them in the proper connection. In addition to their number, many others have made contributions and rendered aid, among whom may be specially mentioned : A. D. Wilt; E. L. Shuey; Charles W. Slagle; Frederick J. Cellarius, C. E. ; George B. Smith; S. Rufus Jones ; Prof. C. W. Brumbaugh; Rev. Henry Colby, D. D .; C. D. Slagle, M. D., of Centerville; Rev. H. M. Herman, D. D., of Miamisburg; and Rev. F. W. E. Peschau of Miamisburg. Many others performed a helpful and necessary part in a great variety of ways. Special acknowledgments are due to the staff of librarians of the Dayton Public Library for courtesies extended and aid rendered.
The United Brethren Publishing House and the Chamber of Commerce, have generously allowed the use of valuable plates in their possession.
A. W. DRURY, November, 1909.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART FIRST.
PRELIMINARY HISTORY. ‹
CHAPTER I. THE PERIOD BEFORE AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE.
The Indians-Era of the White Man-The French-Celoron's Expedition-The English- Triumph over the French-Pontiac's War-Settlements Opposed-Lord Dunmore's War-The Revolution-Indian Attacks-Clark's First Expedition-Clark's Second Ex- pedition-Conquest of Illinois-Terms of Peace. 11
CHAPTER II.
THE NORTHWEST UNDER THE AMERICAN FLAG.
Nationalizing of the Public Domain-Ordinance of 1785-Ordinance of 1787-Indians Within the Bounds of Ohio-Indian Treaties-March of Settlements-The Ohio Com- pany-The Miami Lands-Judge Symmes' Purchase-Journey to the West-Exploration of Miami Lands-First Settlements-Exploration and Surveys-The River Settle- ments-Plan for Town on Site of Dayton-Indian Attacks-Outcome of Judge Symmes' Contract-A General Indian War-General Harmar's Campaign-St. Clair's Expedi- tion-Peace Efforts-General Wayne's Expedition-Civil Administration-Hamilton County Territorial Legislature-Ohio a State. 25
PART SECOND.
THE CITY OF DAYTON.
CHAPTER I.
THE FOUNDING OF THE DAYTON COMMUNITY.
Environment-Large Purchases of Land-The Surveys-West of the Miami-Judge Symmes -Governor St. Clair-General Dayton-Colonel Ludlow-Van Cleve's Account of Survey and Settlement-Hamer's Party-Newcom's Party-Thompson's Party-First Necessities-Newcom's Tavern-The Indians-Schools and Churches-Stores and Mills -Social Events-Neighboring Settlements-Roads-First Boat-Hamilton County- Dayton Township-Land Titles-Land Sales-Memorial to Congress-Suits in the Supreme Court-Sketches of First Settlers-Character of the First Settlers. . . . ..... 57
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER II.
THE FOUNDING CONTINUED, 1803 TO 1810.
Montgomery County-General Montgomery -- Loeating the County Seat-The Town-The Public Grounds-First Courts-Place of Holding Court after 1803-First Jail-First Court House-Some Events in 1805-Town Charter-Aets of Couneil-Sehools-Village Funds-Village Growth-Taverns-The Press-Marriages and Deaths-Cemeteries- Roads, Fords and Ferries-River Traffie-Post Office-Sketehes of Pioneers-Fourth of July Celebration-First Political Convention-Pioneer Customs-Conditions in 1810 .. 99
CHAPTER III. PERIOD FROM 1810 TO 1830.
Local Conditions-Ominous Calamities-War of 1812-Sawmills-The Town Enlarging- Labor-The Bank-Leading Merchants-Taverns-Breweries and Distilleries-Hard Times-Transportation by Boats-Land Transportation-Presidents and Recorders- Amendments to Charter-First Market-House-New Market-House-Town Improve- ments-The Canal-Stage Lines-Mad River Bridge-Bridge Street Bridge-Canal Bridges-Street Improvements-Floods and Levees-Fires and Fire-Fighting-Jails- County Offiees-Diversions-Social and Moral Features-Benevolent and Religious So- eieties-Musie, Sehools, Churches-Sunday Schools-New Factories-Summaries. . ... 127
CHAPTER IV. PERIOD FROM 1830 TO 1860.
Water-Power-New Channel for Mad River-Landmarks-Era of Turnpikes-Main Street Bridge-Third Street Bridge-New Enterprises-The Gas Company-Banks-Periods of Depression-Insurance Companies-The Railroads-The Telegraph-A City Charter -"Charter" of 1852-Municipal History-Public Buildings-New Court House-City Prison-Another Market-House-Cemeteries-Era of Improvements-Levees-Epi- demies-Political Differenees-Harrison and Clay Conventions-Distinguished Visitors -The Colored People-War-Material and Spiritual Progress-Beginning of the Y. M. C. A .- The Press-Sketehes of Prominent Men .. 147
CHAPTER V. PERIOD FROM 1860 TO 1880.
The Civil War-Local Effects of the War-Expansion-Flood of 1866-Period of Depres- sion-New Jail-Deed from Cooper Heirs. ... 171
CHAPTER VI, PERIOD FROM 1880 TO 1909.
New Court House-County Memorial Building-Post-Office Building-Some Other Build- ings-Apartment Houses and Skyserapers-Hotels-Street Paving-Sewers-Bridges- Dams Aeross the Miami-Reelaimed Land-Floods-Reeent Inventions and Appliances -Some Notable Oeeasions-Columbian Celebration-Dayton's Centennial-The Wright Celebration-Wilbur and Orville Wright-Dr. Custer's Inventions-National Organ- izations-Personal Sketehes-Robert W. Steele-Mary Davies Steele-Mary Belle Eaker-Lewis B. Gunckel-Paul Laurenee Dunbar-W. D. Howells 177
CHAPTER VII. PLATS-EXTENSIONS.
Plat of 1795-Plat of 1803-Revised Plat of 1809-Land Titles-The Town Site-Annexa- tions-West Dayton-Dayton View-Riverdale-North Dayton-Edgemont-East Dayton-South Park. 215
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER VIII.
MEDICAL MEN AND MEDICAL INSTITUTIONS.
Medical Beginnings-John Hole-John Elliott-James Welsh-William Murphy-John Steele-Job Haines-William Blodgett-Medical Societies-Montgomery County Medi- cal Society-Academy of Medicine-Hibbard Jewett-Adams Jewett- Oliver Crook- Samuel G. Armor-Clarke MeDermont-Richard Gundry-Early Hospitals-St. Eliza- beth Hospital-John Davis-E. Pilate-J. D. Daugherty-W. H. Negly-S. B. Ellis- P. N. Adams-Richard Ralph Petitt-Miami Valley Hospital-Private Hospitals- Tuberculosis Hospital-Boards of Health-Homeopathy-William Webster-F. W. Thomas-Dayton Homeopathic Society-Dayton Eclectic Society-Dentistry-Early Dentists-Dental Societies-Later Dentists. .243
CHAPTER IX. THE CHURCHES.
Presbyterian Churches-Methodist Episcopal Churches-Protestant Episcopal Churches -Baptist Churches-Lutheran Churches-Reformed Churchies-United Brethren Churches-United Presbyterian Churches-Disciples Churches-Christian Churches- Evanglical Churches-Dunker Churches-Friends Churches-Christian Science Churches -Christian and Missionary Alliance-Salvation Army-Miscellaneous-Catholic .281
Churches-Jewish Congregations
CHAPTER X. CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATIONS.
The Young Men's Christian Association-Woman's Christian Association-Young Women's League .367
CHAPTER XI. THE PRESS.
Early Newspapers-The Journal, The Dayton Daily News-The Dayton Herald-Miscel- laneous Papers-German Papers-The Religious Press-The United Brethren Pub- lishing House-The Christian Publishing Association-The Lutheran Evangelist- the Christian World . .397
CHAPTER XII. SCHOOLS.
Educational-Early School Legislation-Great Interest in Public Schools 1835-1838-Day- ton Academy-Lancasterian School-Early Private Schools-Francis Glass-Milo G. Williams-E. E. Barney- Dayton Public Schools-German Schools-Night Schools- Colored Schools-Instruction in Music-High School-School Law of 1853-Superin- tendent of Instruction-Intermediate School-Normal School-Penmanship and Drawing-Night Industrial School-Comparative Statement-Public Libraries-First Library Incorporated in Ohio-Dayton Lyceum-Mechanics' Institute-Dayton Library Association-Dayton Public School Library-Cooper Female Seminary-Continuation of School History-The District Schools-High Schools-Normal School-Manual Training-Kindergarten Instruction-Special Teachers-The Superintendency-Board of Education-Other Features-Parochial Schools-St. Mary's Institute-Notre Dame Academy-Private Schools-Bonebrake Theological Seminary-Central Theological Seminary-Miami Commercial College-Jacobs Business College. .419
CHAPTER XIII. PUBLIC LIBRARIES.
Public Libraries
.... .471
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER XIV. MUSIC, ART, CLUBS, SOCIETIES.
Music-Art-Woman's Clubs-The Dayton Club-The Present Day Club-Societies-Ma- sonic Societies-Knights of Pythias-Odd Fellow Lodges-Dayton Historical Society -Daughters of the American Revolution-Sunshine Societies-German Societies- Colored Organizations. .483
CHAPTER XV. MUNICIPAL HISTORY AND PUBLIC SERVICE.
City Government-Public Service Boards-Board of Public Safety-Officers Under Paine Law-Mayors-Councilinen-City Officers-Police Department-Fire Department- Water Works-Light, Heat and Power-Dayton Gas, Light and Coke Company-Dayton Gas and Fuel Company-Dayton Lighting Company-Dayton Citizens' Electric Com- pany-Telephone Companies-Board of Health-Infirmary Board-City Finances. .... 503
CHAPTER XVI. COMMERCE.
The Grocery Trade-Dry Goods-Chamber of Commerce-Banks-Early Banks-Third National Bank-Merchants National Bank-Winters National Bank-Fourth National Bank-Union Safe Deposit and Trust Company-Dayton Savings Bank-First Savings and Banking Company-Dayton Savings and Trust Company-Farmers' and Mer- chants' Bank-North Dayton Savings Bank-Market Savings Association-Building Association-Dayton Building Association No. 1-Concordia Building Association- Germania Building Association-Mutual Home and Savings Association-Permanent Building and Savings Association-American Loan and Savings Association-Franklin Building and Savings Association-Franklin Savings and Loan Association-Central Building Association-Homestead Loan and Savings Association-Montgomery Build- ing Company-Centennial Loan and Savings Association-Equitable Loan and Savings Association-West Side Building and Loan Association-Miami Loan and Building Association-Dayton Building Company-Gem City Building and Loan Association- Citizens' Building and Loan Association-Merchants' Loan and Savings Association- Buckeye Building and Loan Association-Enterprise Loan and Savings Association- Edgemont Building and Loan Association-Union Building and Loan Association- Montgomery County Building and Loan Association-Dayton Building and Savings Association-Insurance Companies 537
CHAPTER XVII. TRANSPORTATION.
Early Transportation-Railroads-Beginnings of the Big Four-Cincinnati, Hamilton and Dayton-Dayton and Michigan-Dayton and Western-Dayton, Xenia and Belpre- Dayton and Union-Atlantic and Great Western-Dayton and Wellston Division- Delphos Southern Railway Company-Dayton, Lebanon and Cincinnati-Inter-Urban Lines-Street Railroad Companies-Dayton's New Bridges . . . . .
.563
CHAPTER XVIII.
PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS.
Parks-Post Office-Port of Entry-Dayton State Hospital-Associated Charities-Widows' Home-Flower and Fruit Mission-Door of Hope-Cemeteries-Woodland Cemetery -Calvary Cemetery-Jewish Cemeteries-Soldiers' Monument. .. 581
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CHAPTER XIX. MANUFACTURES.
The Barney and Smith Car Company-The Globe Iron Works-The Buckeye Iron and Brass Works-The Thresher Varnish Company-The Brownell Company-Crawford, Mc- Gregor and Canby Company-The W. P. Callahan Company-The Charles A. P. Bar- rett Company-The Lowe Brothers Company-The Kuhns Brothers Foundry-The Ohio Rake Company-The Dayton Supply Company-The Canby, Ach and Canby Com- pany-The Ohio Foundry Company-The Gem City Stove Company-The Coffield Motor Washer Company-The Ohmer Fare Register Company-The Reynolds and Reynolds Company-The Davis Sewing Machine Company-The Dayton Malleable Iron Com- pany-The F. A. Requarth Company-The Dayton Breweries Company-The Seybold Machine Company-The Cooper Heater Company-The Pasteur Chamberland Com- pany-The Kinnard Manufacturing Company-The Dayton Friction Toy Works-The Joyce-Cridiand Company-The Morris Woodhull Company-The Egry Register Com- pany-The National Cash Register Company-The Platt Iron Works Company-The C. W. Raymond Company-The Dayton Manufacturing Company-The Beaver Soap Company-The New Era Gas Engine Company-The Dayton Rubber Manufacturing Company-The Kramer Brothers Foundry Company-The Computing Scale Company -The Aetna Paper Company-The Reynolds "Aertite" Carton Company-The Mer- cantile Corporation-The Rice Electric Display Company-The Speedwell Motor Car Company-The Dayton Motor Car Company-Manufacturing and Mechanical Trades- World Leaders-Industrial Organizations 609
PART THIRD.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
CHAPTER I. GEOLOGY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY. GEOLOGY-SOIL. .. 673
Geology
CHAPTER II. OUR PREDECESSORS.
Our Predecessors
...... .. 685
CHAPTER III. ORGANIZATION AND HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
History-Formation of Township-First Elections-Tax Duplicate for 1804-Incorporated Towns-Public Roads and Bridges-County Officials-Clerk of Courts-Prosecuting Attorneys-Sheriffs-Treasurers-Coroners- Commissioners - Recorders - Auditors- Surveyors-Common Pleas Judges-Probate Judges-The Dunker Churches-Gypsies -Farm Statistics. 691
CHAPTER IV.
MILITARY HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
By Albert Kern.
War of 1812-War With Mexico-The Civil War-Spanish-American War-Montgomery County Memorial Building. .715
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CHAPTER V. NATIONAL MILITARY HOME.
State Soldiers' Home at Columbus-First Attempt to Establish National Military Asylum -Charter for Establishment of National Homes-Board of Managers Organized- Dayton Chosen as Site for Central Branch-Beginnings of Dayton Home-Grounds Laid out-First Buildings-Extension of Privileges and Regular Appropriations-Con- tinued Improvements-Somc Incidents-Officers of the Home-The Home Today . . . ... 749
CHAPTER VI. THE BENCH AND BAR OF DAYTON AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
Early Legislation Establishing the Courts-First Court Held in Dayton-The Old Newcom Tavern-Common Pleas Court Personnel-Superior Court Personnel-Circuit and Su- preme Court Personnel-Probate Court Personnel-Personnel of the Courts and Bar. . 771
CHAPTER VII. COUNTY INSTITUTIONS.
Montgomery County Children's Home-Montgomery County Infirmary-Woman's Christian Temperance Union-Montgomery County Bible Society-Montgomery County Agri- cultural Society-Southern Ohio Fair Association-Montgomery County Horticultural Society-Montgomery County Pioneer Association-Postoffices and Postmasters in Montgomery County-Miscellaneous. 801
CHAPTER VIII. TOWNSHIP HISTORIES.
Washington Township-Miami Township-Miamisburg-West Carrollton-Van Buren Township-Beavertown-Oakwood-The Shaker Community-Mad River Township- Wayne Township -- German Township-Germantown-Jackson Township-Farmersville -Jefferson Township-Harrison Township-Madison Township-Trotwood-Perry Township-Beaverton-Oakwood-The Shaker Community-Mad River Township- Brookville .821
PART FIRST
3 1833 02484 0594
PRELIMINARY HISTORY
CHAPTER I.
-
THE PERIOD BEFORE AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE.
THE INDIANS-ERA OF THE WHITE MAN-THE FRENCH-CELORON'S EXPEDITION- THE ENGLISH-TRIUMPH OVER THE FRENCH-PONTIAC'S WAR-SETTLEMENTS OPPOSED-LORD DUNMORE'S WAR-THE REVOLUTION-INDIAN ATTACKS-CLARK'S FIRST EXPEDITION-CLARK'S SECOND EXPEDITION-CONQUEST OF ILLINOIS- TERMS OF PEACE.
THE INDIANS.
The relative disappearance of the Indians from a continent together with the crowding of the land by a people of European stock at once raises the question of comparative numbers and strength. Just back of this question rise the questions as to the rights to the soil, methods of displacement, and the responsibilities involved.
A few years ago it was customary to fix the number of Indians very high, possibly because the scope for imagination was so unrestricted, or because of the desire to set in strong light the energy or iniquity of the white man. Later there came a tendency greatly to reduce the estimate. Probably a conservative estimate for the number of Indians within the present territory of the United States, not including Alaska, at the time when Columbus discovered the New World would be a half million. In the same territory there are now about half that number.
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