Democratic Sentinel, Volume 20, Number 41, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 16 October 1896 — Indians Riding Wheels. [ARTICLE]

Indians Riding Wheels.

“The noble red man may yet be civilized by means of bicycles.” said A. L. Bartlett, of Beatrice, Neb. “The Otoa tribe have steadily resisted all effort? to induce them to become citizens, and their numbers have dwindled until but few of them remain. In fact, there are few more Indians in Nebraska now than in New York and Indiana. A Tew days ago one of the chiefs of the Otoe tribe visited Beatrice and became 'much interested in bicycles. The own•er thought it would be fun to let the old Indian learn to ride, and it was not dong before the chief had mastered the art. Then he must have a wheel of hie own, and not having any money he •traded four ponies for one. He rode it to the reservation and next day half a dozen Indians came to town, bringing iPonies to trade for bicycles. ‘Ride •faster. No feed,’ they say, and when rthe bicycle manufacturers learn of this new field it is probable that they will reap a harvest, and the Indians will lay aside their primitive customs and join the L. A. W. in a body.”—Washington Star.