The Indian Ohiyesa

(DR. CHARLES EASTMAN, '87)THE FULL-LENGTH PAINTING OF DARTMOUTH'S NOTED SIOUX GRADUATE IS ONE OFTHE ORNAMENTATIONS OF THE NEW BAKER LIBRARY. IT WAS DONE BY JULIUS D.KATZIEFF, THE NEW YORK ARTIST, WHOSE PAINTING OF DR. TUCKER HANGS ON THEWALL OF THE ADMINISTRATION BUILDING DIRECTLY FACING THE ENTRANCE Presented by Class of 1887

The Indian Ohiyesa, better known as Dr. Charles A.Eastman of the class of '87, enters the Dartmouth hall offame this June when the Katzieff portrait reproduced onthe preceding page is dedicated in Hanover. A picturesquefigure, a talented writer, an actor of ability, an effectivespeaker, Dr. Eastman has but recently come from the hallsof Oxford and Cambridge, England, where he has been anhonored guest. His books have been translated into nearlyas many languages as TJncle Tom's Cabin,—the editor ofthe magazine having had the privilege to see translations inRussian, Polish and Czech on sale at bookstores in thosecountries. Those who remember him in the part of SamsonOccom in the tableau given at the time of Lord Dartmouth'svisit in 1904 carry a very vivid picture of his dramaticability.

HERE he is,—"Qhiyesa," our cherished Indian class mate! And this image of him, from the Sargentesque brush of Katzieff, is to adorn the walls of Dartmouth's halls forever!! Always a symbol of the high aspiration of the founding of Dartmouth,— "A voice crying in the wilderness,"—for the education of the Indian race.

How well this has been done can find no better exemplification than the brilliant career of Dr. Charles Alexander Eastman, as this classmate in the following words can amply demonstrate.

But as age comes, reminiscence becomes one of the greater human pleasures. I cannot refrain from recalling those freshman days, approaching half a century ago! Then the ancient call of "Eighty-seven up" carried a species of terror to the sophs because of our cherished Indian. In the cane, high hat, and foot-ball rushes, "Ohiyesa" seemed as good as a score of our New England youth,—lusty and muscular though they were. And in athletics we possessed the first prize in the twomile run for the same reason. The vision of that beautiful running will never leave my eyes,—with such dignity, so easily and so gracefully, he carried himself to the winning finish.

EASTMAN AND MATTHEW ARNOLD

There was one other undergraduate incident that should not be omitted in this sketch,—the visit of Matthew Arnold to Dartmouth to lecture. I can recall nothing of the lecture,—probably because erudition of so ponderous a nature as he gave in the old college church never penetrated. But our Indian won for Eighty-seven the high distinction of supplying the only student to be invited to meet the great Englishman at a reception given by Professor Parker. Matthew Arnold, learning that Dartmouth had an honest-to-goodness Indian in its roll, requested the privilege of meeting him. So "Ohiyesa" appeared arrayed in evening clothes, and with that unruffled poise that has always been with him as constantly as his hands and feet. It was reported that the great English essayist was himself embarrassed, since he had expected to view war-paint, feathers and wampum. I had always wondered concerning the truth of the story, until I read it not many years ago in the reminiscences of Arthur S. Hardy.

Since we have been nearly forty-five years in the cold world, beyond the college gates, a mantle of distinction has always enveloped our Indian classmate. As an author of many books, lecturer, an important factor for the benefit and uplift of his race and tribe, I think we can gladly and justly concede that Dr. Eastman carries the fame of "Eighty-seven" further than any of us. Often I have mentioned him,—and almost invariably he himself has been known, either for his books or his lectures,— although his college and class have not been. It has then been my prideful pleasure to add this necessary bit of instruction.

Dr. Eastman received his degree as a doctor of medicine from Boston University. He was then assigned as reservation physician among the people of his race. There he met his wife,—one of the "Sky-farm" poets,— Elaine Gcodale, a welfare worker on the same reservation. They have written many books together,—AnIndian Boyhood leading all in public appeal; for if anyone knew what an Indian boy's life means, Dr. Eastman, son of a Sioux chief, was certainly qualified to portray it. Dr. Eastman lectured extensively. Then was founded a successful summer camp.

But Dr. Eastman's greatest service to his country and to his race came in the call to trace the family descent, for establishing their rights as Indian individuals to valuable properties. This brought "Ohiyesa" into close contact with President Eoosevelt and his successors. One of his race better qualified for this work could hardly be found. It was appreciated, too; as those who saw him at our 40th reunion, wearing the same costume so colorfully portrayed in Katzieff's superb work, should know,—this priceless regalia was presented to him by the Sioux nation. Among them he is rated as their greatest living representative. One day at a circus in Woodsville, where a squad of Sioux was a feature of the show, I asked one if he knew "Ohiyesa." His illumined face and quick recognition of the name told the story of the valued esteem in which he was held.

BECENT ENGLISH TOUR

In the winter of 1927-28, Dr. Eastman was invited to give a series, of lectures in England. When he returned we met together in New York, and listened to a recital, given in his modest manner, of perhaps the most interesting episode in his life. Lord Dartmouth was, of course, much interested in his coming; but others, notably Lloyd George, endeavored to give eminence to his tour. When "Ohiyesa" talks of himself, you feel almost as if he was talking of someone else, so impersonal is his personal recital! The most amusing event was his invitation to "ride to the hounds." He astounded his entertainers by his perfect equestrianism. And I'd have given a good deal to have seen him making the fences and hurdles in that red jacket! Another evidence of the interest he aroused was the purchase by Unwin, the publisher, of the rights of his books for publication in Great Britain.

And now his life is crowned by a kind of honor that no other alumnus could hope for,—an immortality that the work of Julius Katzieff gives him in the painting to be dedicated this coming Commencement! The mission of Dartmouth will persist forever,—and so as the generations of Dartmouth men pass into life from out its portals, the image of "Ohiyesa" will look down upon them! It is a rare tribute! And Dr. Eastman's eventful and useful life has shown that what Dartmouth was to have been in the beginning was not in vain!

How much it adds to the pride of all of us boys of eighty-seven! "Ohiyesa" is ours. His glory is ours. And may he always be with us so long as anyone remains to call "EIGHTY-SEVEN UP."

EASTMAN IN COLLEGE DATS

AN ALL-ROUND ATHLETIC TEAM Eastman in Upper Left

ANOTHER BASEBALL TEAM