Democratic Sentinel, Volume 12, Number 20, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 8 June 1888 — The Australian Aborigines. [ARTICLE]

The Australian Aborigines.

The character of the aboriginal, when studied, shows traits that his white oppressor might be proud to possess. Hin faithfulness is remarkable, and has been known to stay with his sick master on the desert plains of interior Australia till death had taken them both, though his own safety might have been secured with ease. Their power of endurance is such that they have been known to travel over one hundred and twenty-five miles in twenty-four hours, and be ready to move on if required. Their keen power of scent and observation is now appreciated by the police, and woe be to the criminal whose track they are upon! Not a disturbed leaf nor an overturned stone will escape their keen eyes. Last November three desparate bush-rangers escaped from the jail at Perth, Western Australia. They were familiar with the bush, and had hours’ start, yet with the assistance of the “black trackers” the escapes were in the hands of the police within twentyfour hours. But the “black fellow’’will not work; if any duty is required of him, and the idea is impressed upon him that it is play, he is ready and willing to do it, no matter how arduous the task may be. He will ride horse-back all day after cattle and stay awake all night to watch them, if he thinks it is fun; but let him find it is work he is doing, and he will take to the bush at short notice, nor will he return to the same master. He asks no pay, clothes he does not need; a bite to eat and his satisfaction is complete. It is the fashion of the Queensland ladies to have a little black boy for a pet. Tricked out in gaudy clothes, the little fellows take the place of the pet poodle of European society. These boys are usually taken from the “ Gins” by force, but as it is nobody’s business, the crime is never noticed.— San Francisco Alta.