Whisky Drinking among the Seminole Indians.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 7068, 14 February 1893, Page 2

Whisky Drinking among the Seminole Indians.

With the liquor in their possession the Indians retire to some remote spot where their orgies will not be witnessed by any save themselves, and deliberately prepare for their spree. They first set aside a share of the “ fire water ’’ for the squaws, who will nob touch a drop of it until their lords have finished their debauch. All guns, knives, and other weapons are then plaoed in charge of the squaws. IE there are no women in the party they are delivered to one of the men, for whom a certain amount of liquor is reserved. While the rest are drunk, this guardian of the peace must remain sober and keenly watchful of the actions of bis companions. Should he prove unfaithful to his trust he will be exiled from the tribe, and no Indian will hold any communication with, him for the term of months or years during which the exile is enforced. While the debauch of his companions lasts he is absolute master of the situation, and is at liberty to use any amount of force, even to the taking of life, to repel an attempt to regain possession of the weapons. If Chore are left with squaws the same rule bolds good for them. The preparations being thus completed, the Indians, using one small tin cup, which is impartially handed from one to another, proceed to get solemnly, funnily, furiously, and stupidly drank. An Indian onoe describ-d the festival to me as “ Plenty dance, plenty eat, plenty whisk, plenty drunk, all same white man’s Kisman.” — Scribner's Magazine ,