The Spartans of the West 41 COURTESY AND POLITE BEHAVIOR There has never been any question of the Redman's politeness. Every observer remarks it. I have seen countless cases of it, myself. The white who usurped his domain are immeasurably his inferiors in such matters. For fuller testimony, let us note these records by early travelers: "Toward each other, they behave with natural politeness and attention." (Pere Lafitau, 1724.) Catlin says of the Mandans: "They are handsome, straight, and elegant in their forms — not tall, but quick and graceful; easy and polite in their manners, neat in their persons, and beautifully clad." (Catlin; Vol. I., p. 96.) "The next and second Chief of the [Mandan] tribe is Ma-to- to-pa (The Four Bears). This extraordinary man, though sec- ond in office, is undoubtedly the first and most popular man in the nation. Free, generous, elegant and gentlemanly in his deportment — handsome, brave and valiant; wearing a robe on his back with the history of his battles emblazoned on it, which would fill a book of themselves, if properly translated. This, readers, is the most extraordinary man, perhaps, who lives at this day, in the atmosphere of Nature's nobleman." (Catlin; Vol. I., p. 92.) / Omaha politeness: " When persons attend feasts, they extend their hand and return thanks to the giver. So, also, when they receive presents.
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"If a man receives a favor and does not manifest his gratitude, they exclaim, 'He does not appreciate the gift; he has no man- ^ners!' ^1 * * * * * * "Mothers teach their children not to pass in front of people, if they can avoid it." (Dorsey, 3d Ann. Rep. Bur. Eth., 1881-2, p. 270.)
