Hole-in-the-Day, Ojibway Chief [I wish to thank Reverend C. H.
Beaulieu of Le Soeur, Minnesota, for much of the material used
in this chapter.] In the beginning of the nineteenth century,
the Indian nations of the Northwest first experienced the
pressure of civilization. At this period there were among them
some brilliant leaders unknown to history, for the curious
reason that they cordially received and welcomed the newcomers
rather than opposed them. The only difficulties were those
arising among the European nations themselves, and often
involving the native tribes. Thus new environments brought new
motives, and our temptations were increased many fold with the
new weapons, new goods, and above all the subtly destructive
"spirit Gradually it became known that the new race had a
definite purpose, and that purpose was to chart and possess the
whole country, regardless of the rights of its earlier
inhabitants. Still the old chiefs cautioned their people to be
patient, for, said they, the land is vast, both ra