A CLAIM OF THE APACHES

When, in the United States, a foreigner wants to see Indians, chosen from those who have remained closest to their primitive state, he is generally taken to the Apaches.

Is it because we gave their names, more or less correctly, to the thieves and murderers of our big cities? Still, it is not without emotion that a European visits these formidable Redskins.

The Apaches are not very numerous anymore. Last January there were barely two thousand five hundred. Do they have wilder feelings than other Indians? Do they look more ferocious? The Spaniards, against whom they once fought mercilessly, alone can claim this.

In reality, today's Apaches are extremely civilized people, even possessing a real culture. On many occasions, they have proven this to the United States government. They are currently hoping that we will take this into account to make one of their dreams come true.

Currently they live in tents, decorated with hunting trophies, and colorful mud huts. From a picturesque point of view, for foreigners, it is very pretty. It seems that from a practical point of view, for the Apaches, it is much less comfortable.

In the rainy season, Vulture-Eye and the Great-white-Elk suffer from rheumatism. They ask as a favor that modern buildings be built for them. They want solid walls, a waterproof roof, central heating and electricity. They are not yet talking about getting rid of their costumes, but they will soon notice that it is inconvenient to have long feathers on your head when taking the elevator. They will then remove their warrior hairstyles...

So, little by little, what made travel so charming disappears! Maybe it's for good. Travel now is so expensive!

ALBERT ACREMANT.