University of Virginia Library

THE system of proper names in vogue in America and in certain of the European states is, as we believe, well devised. It is so simple as scarcely to occasion remark. The name of some prominent ancestor gone, and, in most cases, forgotten, is handed down from generation to generation of his posterity, and each child, at birth receives this, through the operations of laws written and unwritten, as his surname. The parents place before this one or more names especially pleasing to them as the child's Christian name, and his designation is thereby rendered complete. It is a good system,

for it fixes the name of each individual after an unvarying fashion, and establishes the same practically beyond alteration. We are so accustomed to it from our youth up that it seems to us perfectly natural that it should be so. We cannot see how it could be otherwise than as it is. Furthermore, and what makes it more important, it is practically the only system known to American law, and it is impossible not to see that in all things, prominent among which is the transfer of property or the bequeathing of the same to heirs, trouble must come to those who disregard this system.

This system of nomenclature the government of the United States in its dealings with the Indian tribes has aimed to establish among them as one means the better to fit them for the privileges and advantages of American citizenship; and that this is a wise and humane act on the part of the government cannot be gainsaid. The Indian Department has continually urged this matter upon its agents, superintendents, and other workers "in the field." The command to give names to the Indians and to establish the same as far as possible by continuous use has been a part of the "Rules and Regulations" for years past. Hon. Thomas J. Morgan, during his incumbency of the office of Commissioner of Indian Affairs, issued the following circular letter, which I quote in its entirety, as it clearly and forcefully sets forth the government's view of the matter: