President in 1879: 

            Rutherford B. Hayes (March 4, 1877 - March 3, 1881)

Commissioner of Indian Affairs in 1879: 

            Ezra A. Hayt (Sept. 17, 1877 - ca. Jan. 1880)

Jan. 3, 1879:  Evening Star:  [Ute]

The Delegation From The Ute Tribe of Indians, which arrived in the city last night, will hold an interview with the Secretary of the Interior and the Commissioner of Indian Affairs to-morrow morning at 10 o'clock.  The Utes have agreed to a change of locality in Colorado, and as part of the land which they will relinquish is valuable for mining purposes one of the subjects affecting their interests which will be discussed during their present visit is the question of what compensation, if any, should be allowed as representing the difference in value of the two reservations.

Jan. 9, 1879:  Evening Star:  [Cherokee, Creek, Chickasaw]

Indian Delegation at the White House.  Interview With The President.       

Charles Thompson, principal chief of the Cherokee nation; Delegates D. H. Ross, Samuel Smith, W. P. Adair and S. H. Downing, of the Cherokee Nation; P. Porter, D. Hodges, of the Creeks, and Governor B. F. Overton, of the Chickasaws, called on the President to-day.  They were received in the President's room.

Speeches Of The Indians.

The principal chief, Charles Thompson made a brief speech, stating that his people were in a prosperous condition.  Their schools were doing well, and fine crops were being raised.  The Cherokee people had the kindest feelings towards the government of the United States and its citizens.  They were opposed to the establishment of a territorial government over them and were also opposed to the transfer of the Indians to the War department.  They depended for protection chiefly on their treaties with the government, and he was glad to find that the President had recommended a strict observance of treaty stipulations in his several messages to Congress.  He desired to impress upon the President that all the Indians out in his country were friendly to the government and desired to remain so.

Gen. Porter, of the Creeks, followed in a short address, saying that his people are also in a prosperous condition and desired no change.  They were opposed to a territorial government and to the transfer of the Indians to the War department.  These sentiments, he said, generally pervaded the Indian country.

The President Replied that he was exceedingly glad to hear that the Indians of the Indian territory were doing so well, and wished that they would continue to prosper and cultivate the arts and sciences of civilization, and advance in the various branches of education.  He said the points presented by the delegations were now being considered by the government, and that he, so far as he was concerned, would do all he could to have the views and wishes of the Indians carried out.  Above all, he would see that the treaties with the Indians should be faithfully observed by the government.

Secretary Schurz, Commissioner Hayt and Inspector Hammond were present during the Interview.  None of the delegation were in Indian costume.

Jan. 10, 1879:  Washington Post:  [Cherokee, Creek, Chickasaw]

Satisfied Red Men.  The Cherokee, Creek and Chickasaw Indians Want to be Let Alone.

A delegation of Cherokee, Creek and Chickasaw Indians called at the White House yesterday, and held an interview with Mr. Hayes.  There were present of the delegation Charles Thompson, principal chief, and delegates D. H. Ross, Samuel Smith, W. P. Adair and S. H. Downing, of the Cherokee nation; P. Porter and D. Hodges, of the Creeks, and Gov. B. F. Overton, of the Chickasaws.  There were also present Secretary Schurz, Commissioner Hayt and Inspector Hammond.  Principal Chief Chas. Thompson opened the proceedings by stating that his people were in a prosperous condition.  Their schools were doing well, and fine crops were being raised.  The Cherokee people had the kindest feelings toward the Government of the United States and its citizens.  They were opposed to the establishment of a territorial government over them, and were also opposed to the transfer of the Indians to the War department.  They depended for protection chiefly on their treaties with the Government, and he was glad to find that Mr. Hayes had recommended a strict observance of treaty stipulations in his several messages to Congress, and concluded by asserting that all the Indians in his country were friendly to the Government and desired to remain so.  Gen. Porter, of the Creeks, followed in a similar speech, declaring that his people did not desire any change, either by transfer to the War department or by the organization of territorial governments.

Mr. Hayes replied, congratulating the delegation upon the prosperity their statement indicated, and expressing the wish that they would continue to advance in all the arts of civilization.  The Government was now considering the several points presented by the delegation, and so far as he was concerned he would do all that he could to have the views of the Indians carried out, and especially he would see that the treaty stipulations were faithfully observed on the part of the Government.

Jan. 13, 1879:  Evening Star:  [Ute]

Indians At Sunday School.--A most interesting meeting of the Foundry M.E. Sabbath School Missionary Society was held yesterday afternoon.  The delegation of Ute Indians in their native costumes, and four of them--Little Red, Captain Billy, Captain Tom, Captain Sam--made short speeches, which were interpreted for the children by Major Curtis, an old scout, who accompanied the delegation to the city.  Addresses were also made by Mr. A. W. Crossley, the president of the society, and Colonel Meacham, formerly peace commissioner.  Little Red said he was sure that they came together for the good of the Indian.  Captain Billy remarked that he felt that we all are of one flesh and blood.  We must have come from the same parentage, and I think we must be governed by the same God.

Jan. 14, 1879:  Evening Star:  [Nez Perce]

Chief Joseph, of the Nez Perces, and his companion Yellow Wolf, called to-day with an interpreter to pay his respects to Secretary Schurz.

Jan. 15, 1879:  Evening Star:  [Nez Perce]

Chief Joseph was at the Interior department to-day, and had a long interview with Secretary Schurz.

Jan. 15, 1879:  Evening Star:  [Ute]

The Ute Delegation, now in the city, had an interview with the Commissioner of Indian affairs to-day.  The visit of the Utes is satisfactory to them as well as to the department.  A medal and a small sum of money were given to each of the Indians.  The question of compensation to the Utes for land relinquished by them from the proceeds of the sale of these lands was satisfactorily settled.

Jan. 16, 1879:  Evening Star:  [Ute; Nez Perce]

The Utes and Chief Joseph were again at the Interior department to-day.  The Utes will leave the city on Saturday morning.

Jan. 16, 1879:  Evening Star:  [Nez Perce; Ute]

Amusements:  Lincoln Hall.  Friday Evening, January 177, 8 o'clock.  CHIEF JOSEPH, YELLOW BULL, and Six Ute Chiefs, in Indian Costume, will hold a Council in their own language, under the management of Col. Meacham; Captains Chapman and Curtis, interpreters.  Admission, 25 cts.  jan16-2t*

Jan. 16, 1879:  Washington Post:  [Nez Perce; Ute]

Amusements:  Lincoln Hall.  Grand Indian Council.  Friday Evening, January 17, CHIEF JOSEPH and YELLOW BULL, the renowned Nez Perces Warriors.  A number of UTE CHIEFS will appear in native costume and speak in their own tongue, interpreted by Capts. Chapman and Curtis.  A large number of Indians from the Indian Territory will also take part in the Council, all under the management of Hon. A. B. Meacham, editor of the Council Fire.  Admission 25 cents, to meet expense.  Doors open at 7.  Council begins at 8 o'clock.

Jan. 16, 1879:  Washington Post:  [Nez Perce]

Chief Joseph's story is an interesting one, but we may be pardoned for hoping it is not altogether veracious.  We should dislike to believe that a white man could be as mean as Chief Joseph makes him out to be.

Jan. 16, 1879:  Washington Post:  [Nez Perce]

Meeting of Indian Commissioners.

The board of Indian commissioners held a meeting last evening, in the office of the assistant attorney-general, Hon. A. C. Barston in the chair.  Col. Meacham, on invitation, made a few remarks on the massacre at Camp Robinson and then introduced Chief Joseph, who said:  "My friends, I am glad to see so many men whose hearts are good toward the Indian.  My heart is not false.  I have always told the white man that I did not want to leave my home.  I did not sell it.  I feel like it is mine now.  My heart is sad when I think of my home, which the Great Spirit gave my fathers.  I am to speak to another place soon, and then I will tell you what is in my heart."  The speech was interpreted by Captain Chapman and was warmly applauded at the close.  The annual report was then read by Dr. Cutting, which was followed by an extended discussion.

Jan. 16, 1879:  New York Times:  [Nez Perce; Ute]

Notes From the Capital.  Washington, Jan. 15, 1879....

The Board of Indian Commissioners met in the Interior Department building to-night, President Barsto in the chair.  Col. Meacham opened the meeting with a speech on the recent massacre at Camp Robinson, after which Chief Joseph was introduced.  He made a brief speech through his interpreter.  His subchief, Yellow Bull, was also present.  The Utes were also present as spectators.  The meeting was devoted to a general discussion of Indian matters.

The delegation of Ute Indians which has been in this city for several days engaged in negotiations with the Interior Department relative to a sale of their lands, had a final interview with the Commissioner of Indian Affairs to-day, at which satisfactory business arrangements were concluded.  The department will hasten all necessary steps toward purchasing the lands occupied by these Indians.  A medal and a small sum of money were given to each of the Indians to-day.  Chief Joseph was at the Interior Department to-day, but has not yet had a formal talk with the authorities.  Joseph is not satisfied with the restraints under which he is placed.

Jan. 16, 1879:  Washington Post:  [Nez Perce]

A Shameful Story.  Chief Joseph's Indictment of the Treacherous White Man.  A Tale that Ought to Case Even a Savage to Blush--How the Indians are First Swindled, then .... then Robbed, then Murdered, and Lastly Exterminated.

Chief Joseph, of the Nez Perces Indians, arrived in Washington Monday afternoon, accompanied by Yellow Bull, one of his subchiefs, and Mr. A. T. [sic] Chapman, as interpreter.  Joseph's reputation preceded him about one year, for just a year ago he engaged in a bloody game of "long leads" with Gen. Howard, which was extensively advertised, and in which, although Joseph, after he got tired, "gave it up," it was generally conceded that he had the best of it.  About that time all manner of sensational stories, in regard to the redoubtable warrior, his personal characteristics and his mental qualities, went the rounds, and The Post, upon his arrival here, determined that its readers should see the wonderful man through the reflex of its columns.  This could only be accomplished by a grand council between the Indian and The Post, and, savage that he is, after the matter had been fully explained to him, Joseph decided "to talk" with The Post before he "tackled" the officials.

Under ordinary circumstances a grand council is held in the open air under the broad canopy of heaved, etc., but as the Indian was found corralled in a fourth-story back, The Post adapted itself to circumstances and made the perilous ascent to his temporary domicile.

How He Looks.          

Joseph is without doubt one of the most perfect specimens of the best type of North American Indians now living.  He is thirty-eight years of age, about five feet ten inches high, broad, muscular and solid, but withal wiry as a cat.  His complexion, though dark copper colored, is so clear that one can almost see a flush mantle his cheek as the expressive eye follows the flexible mouth in giving utterance to the well chosen words which compose his sentences.  The face, to match the figure, is broad without being fat, the cheekbones are not so prominent as in most of his race; the eyes are large, black and expressive; the nose aquiline, but of sufficient size to match the other features; the mouth, inclosing [sic] perfect teeth, and the well-defined chin indicate firmness, while the forehead, although slightly retreating, is strongly marked and indicates the mental superiority of the man.  The full suit of inky hair is trimmed and plaited in such perculiar manner as to show the full contour of the head.

How He Dresses.

He is dressed in orthodox costume, moccasins, leggings, blankets, etc., all elaborately beaded and trimmed, but the handsome face is guiltless of paint.  The preliminaries having been arranged, Joseph filled his calumet with fragrant killickinick, wrapped his blanket about him, and occupied an imposing arm chair.  The Post ignited a Partagas, shed his imported Ulster, and the pow-wow began.  As a perfect knowledge of the peculiar dialect of the Nez Perces is not among the accomplishments of The Post, the kind services of Mr. Chapman were brought into requisition, and by his assistance the following is given as the story of the chief.  If there are any mistakes, charge them to Chapman.

The Story Of His Wrongs.

In response to the inquiry as to the immediate cause of his visit, Joseph said it was by special invitation of the authorities to consult in regard to the future of his tribe; more than probably to add another to the long list of broken promises which mark the history of the Government in its dealings with the Indian.  He briefly sketched the cause of the last fight, saying that up to that time he was in the enjoyment of one of the most beautiful portions of the country on the continent.  The progressive spirit of the white man encroached upon his territory, until finally the Government, in the absence of treaty stipulations and without any right save that embodied in brute power, decided that he must leave what he knew was his own.  At the council upon which this determination on the part of the Government was imparted to them by Gen. Howard, that officer informed them that thirty days would be given them to remove entirely to the reservation, and that at the expiration of that period stock, implements or anything else belonging to them, which had not been removed, would become the property of the white settlers.  At this one of the sub-chiefs became indignant, and made reply inquiring by what authority the general had fixed such arbitrary regulations upon them, assuming, as it were, the functions of the Great Spirit in saying where they should go and what they should do with their own.  He might as well attempt to say where grass should grow and water should run.

A Soldier's Dictum.

To this Gen. Howard replied by having the man placed in the guard-house, which act nearly caused trouble at the time, most of the impetuous members desiring to resent what they called the outrage on the spot.  But wiser councils prevailed, and the removal began.  Bad luck, in the shape of bad weather, swollen streams and the attendant difficulties beset them, their stock was lost, their food gave out, and then the ugly side of their nature was developed, and war was declared for "freedom or death."  With the war and its results, down to the surrender of Joseph, the public are familiar, the surrender were that his people should be permitted to return to their home in Idaho, amply protected in their rights by the Government and guaranteed immunity from prosecution in the state courts for any acts growing out of the war.  This was the fair promise, but what were the actual results?  The tribe was decimated and unarmed, and it was proposed that until the weather was fair, enough for the journey home, they should quarter at Fort Keogh.

Official Excuses.

Under the plea of scarcity of rations there, they were hurried from Keogh to Bismarck, and from there, without any excuse whatever, to Fort Leavenworth, and from there in turn to the present location in the Indian territory.  The result of all this is that the tribe, which at the time of the surrender numbered over 450, is now reduced to 394.  They have had 265 sick at one time, and sixty-three have died since last July.  This is the indictment they present against the people of the United States; and now homeless, unarmed, without stock or any of the necessities of life save what are dealt out to them, they ask that, as they must make way for progress, they may be sent North to a climate similar to that from which they were driven.  Civilization, however, says no, and the flat has gone forth that they must be located in the Indian territory, on the north fork of the Arkansas, west of the Osages and Pawnees.  Speaking of the proposed transfer of the Indian bureau to the War department, Joseph didn't seem to think it would make much difference.  White men seemed to be all alike.  As a theory, however, he thought that if the Indians were ever to be civilized they could better learn the lesson from civilians than from soldiers, for with the latter the strict discipline which is the foundation of their system would be carried out in all their dealings with the Indian, and he would have but little show under it.

The calumet and Partagas were exhausted, and the pow-wow was ended.

Chief Joseph paid his respects to the man at the White House last night, but there was no formal interview, and none has yet been arranged.

Jan. 17, 1879:  Evening Star:  [Cherokee, Chickasaw, Creek, Choctaw]

The Indian Territory Questions.--The Senate committee on territories met this morning for the purpose of hearing arguments as to the advisability of bringing the Indian territory under a civil form of government.  Delegates from the Cherokees, Chickasaws and Creeks were present.  The Choctaws, who are also interested in the question before the committee were not represented.  Mr. W. P. Ross, a member of the Cherokee delegation. opened the arguments.  He proposed to show first that the Cherokees had a national existence, and that treaties with the United States government which dated from 1785 to 18_8 [illeg.].  Before that period the tribe had entered into treaties with Great Britain.  He would next show that their titles to the land were covered by United States patents, and to support this would refer to the judicial rulings of the Supreme Court, in which these titles had been sustained.  Mr. Ross contended incidentally that this agitation was kept up by the various railroad corporations for their own benefit, and said that the stocks of the Missouri Kansas and Texas line during the month of November last advanced more than thirty per cent, by means of this agitation.  Gen. Porter, chief of the Creek nation, said his people were opposed to any change in their present relations with the government, and it was simply a question of law whether there was any authority to set aside their treaties, to establish over them a territorial government, to allot their lands, and to change all their present relations against the wishes of the people themselves.  Mr. H. M. Ruggles, of the Missouri Kansas and Texas railway, Col. Learned, of the Kansas and Neosho Valley railroad, Col. Boundinot, and two or three other delegates said they would be content to submit their arguments in writing to the committee, and the chairman, (Senator Patterson,) ordered that these written arguments be filed by next Thursday.  Col. W. P. Adair, of the Cherokee delegation, thought they ought to be informed as to the tenor of these arguments, because after they were printed there would be no chance to reply.  Col. Boudinot said his evidence and argument on behalf of the Cherokees would be to the effect that certain persons, who had testified in favor of territorial government, and the allotment of the lanes, had had their lives threatened.

The chairman.--"I have received letters from persons who state that their lives have been threatened in consequence of their testimony, but of course this is not evidence."  Col. Adair.--That is all stuff.  There has been nobody killed down there.  The chairman.--"They might be threatened and not killed, you know."  Col Adair.--"That is all stuff."

Jan. 17, 1879:  New York Times:  [Cherokee,Choctaw &etc. ]

The Indian Lobby.

A striking evidence of the rapid progress made in civilization by the Indians is found in the fact that several tribes maintain in Washington a lobby, the expenses of which are paid out of the income derived from trust funds held by the United States Government.  The Indian has taken a leaf from the white man's book, and proposes to learn all of his little arts.  The Cherokees, for example, annually receive the interest of $2,519,000, held in trust by the United States Government.  Of this revenue, 35 per cent should be dedicated to educating Cherokee children, under tribal direction.  Prof. J. A. Seelye, in his report to the House, Forty-fifth Congress, charged that this income was misappropriated, that it was "borrowed" from the school fund and never returned, and that, not with-standing the amplitude of the income of the tribe, which is increased by local taxes, the nation has incurred a debt of several hundred thousand dollars, and that its obligations are sold at very low figures.  What becomes of this money?

In the report from which we have just quoted, Prof. Seelye says that "an expenditure, which sometimes reaches $25,000 a year, is made in the support of delegates in Washington."  In his examination before the House Committee on Indian Affairs, last Winter, Col. Boudinot, of the Cherokee Nation, said:  "For the first session of the Forty-fourth Congress, the delegates cost our people $30,000; for the second session of the Forty-fourth Congress, $29,000; for the called session of the Forty-fifth Congress, for only one month and a half, they cost us $7,464, making an aggregate in two years for the Cherokee Nation alone, of $66,464."  Subsequently, it was proposed in the Cherokee Council to give the delegates $10,000 additional, which they demanded, whereupon a member of the Council said:  "As for me, I shall never vote another dollar to these delegates; they do not represent the people, and they are squandering our money."  It was alleged at that time that this money was used in Washington by the Cherokee lobby to permit the passage of the bill to allot the lands of the Indian Territory in severalty.  Who are the pensioners of that lobby?

These facts become especially significant when we perceive that certain Washington correspondents, send forth inflammatory dispatches whenever the subject of disturbing the tribal relations of the Five Nations is alluded to.  One of these4 sends to a New York paper a warning that we may arouse another Indian war if the Indian lands are allotted to individual Indians.  And we are threateningly reminded that one of the Five Nations--Creeks--has many warlike traditions, and that the Five Nations could call in as allies the Arapahoes, Cheyennes, Comanches, and other blood-thirsty tribes who have their grudges to gratify.  This monstrous threat against the Government of the United States originates in the Indian lobby at Washington.

It is clear that if the surrender of tribal organizations, and an allotment of lands in severalty were made in the Indian Territory, the lobbyists and their agents would be out of business.  At present, the custody and disbursement of the income derived from the trust funds held by the United States are in the hands of a ring.  In the Cherokee Nation, as Prof. Seelye declares, they "borrow" the school money and do not put it back.  They lump under one head of "expenses in Washington" such sums as Col. Boudinot refers to as being paid out for alleged lobby expenses.  These men are fighting desperately to keep their places and their plunder.  Including "adopted" white men and negroes, the Cherokee number 19,000, all told.  They draw more than $160,000 per annum from the United States Government, and they collect over $10,000 in local taxes.  Yet, with this net income of $170,000 a year, and without local improvements of any cost or value, the Cherokee Nation is to-day in debt to the amount of $189,000.  Is it surprising that a well-fed lobby in Washington cries out against investigating the affairs of the Territory or disturbing the existing conditions of things?

The Indian lobby has invented a bugaboo.  Railroads and railroad projects are in bad odor [sic] and the Indian lobby industriously circulates the statement that the agitation of the Indian Territory question is in the railroad interest.  But, just now, the question is not so much the allotment of the lands, as the crying scandals of this misgoverned Territory.  The head men of the Five National arrogantly claim that theirs is a foreign country, and that the United States Government, though it is the depositary of the Indian trust funds, has no right to inquire into their domestic concerns.  There is no law in the Territory.  It is the refuge of outlaws and fugitives from justice.  Last year there were 85 murders committed in the Territory for which no man was punished.  To a large degree, the policy of the so-called Legislatures are merely the registers of the men who pull the wires and spend the money.  One meets in the Territory with very few real Indians who know or care what is going on in their national affairs. The so-called Principal Chief of the Choctaws is a red-headed Irishman who cannot speak or write a word of Choctaw.  And, so long as the Indian Territory is fenced in by a wall of customs, laws, and habits separating them from all outside influences, so long will crafty managers enrich themselves and maintain a corruption fund from the bountiful revenue derived from the United States Government.

Jan. 17, 1879:  Evening Star;  [Ute]

The Utes made their farewell visit to the Interior department to-day.

Jan. 18, 1879:  Evening Star:  [Nez Perce]

Chief Joseph has never surrendered by treaty with the government the land which he claims to own in Idaho, and to which, he says, it was promised at the time of his surrender that he should return.  There is no possibility that the government will consent to the removal of the Nez Perces from Indian Territory.  The best that can be done is to make some compensation for the surrendered lands, and to provide a large fertile, well-watered and well-wooded reservation, instead of the present objectionable locality, in which all the Nez Perces, including those now in Canada, may ultimately be gathered.

Jan. 18, 1879:  Wasington Post:  [Nez Perce; Ute; Cherokee, Creek]

Broken Pledges.  How Red Joseph was Sold by His White Brethren.

About eight hundred ladies and gentlemen, who felt an interest to the extent of twenty-five cents each in the wrongs of the Indians, assembled last night at Lincoln hall, the occasion being an Indian meeting arranged by Col. A. B. Meacham, who presided.  The programme was carried out in good faith, Chief Joseph, of the Nez Perces, being the principal attraction, while the Utes now in the city and representatives of the civilized Cherokees and Creeks were on hand to fill up the remainder of the performance.  The "wild" Indians were nearly all panoplied in savage costume, and the usual effect of gay blankets, beaded shirts, feathered heads and tawdry trinkets with copper skins were observable.  In addition to the Indians there were a number of "pale-faces" on the platform, including the two interpreters.

The audience was evidently an interested one, and frequently interrupted the speakers with applause.  The proceedings were opened by Col. Meacham in a short address, in which he stated that, as the result of an experience of over thirty years in Indian matters, he had come to the conclusion that there were but two horns to the Indian dilemma, extermination or civilization.  He spoke in glowing terms of the possibilities of the red man, and introduced, as one of the noblest specimens, Chief Joseph.

Joseph was greeted with applause as he stepped hesitatingly forward by the side of his interpreter, Mr. Chapman, glanced inquiringly over the audience, and then, with all the nonchalance of a second-class Congressman, poured out and drank a glass of water, cleared his throat with a preparatory "hem," crossed his hands and began his speech.  At first his sonorous voice, which was pitched in a high key, was monotonous, but as he proceeded he became excited, and developed its flexibility, and at times accompanied his words with gestures which for grace and appropriateness would have done credit to a Frenchman.  A noticeable feature of his remarks was that at no time during them did he refer to the "Great Spirit."

His story was substantially the same as was given to the readers of The Post in the interview of Thursday, but of course elaborated.  He began by an affectionate reference to his father and to his teachings, which were to be always at peace.  He told of the several councils held to prevail upon his father to surrender the lands they held, and of his steadfast refusal, for it was their country and like a mother, that if he sold it for blankets and beads, his children would grow up and have no place to live.  Proceeding, he referred to the demands made upon him (Joseph) to remove, and his refusal, as he did not want to go to a land that was not good enough for the white man.  The world was large enough for them all, but, without a cause, they had driven him from his country, and given him nothing for it.  He recited the story of the fight from the time war was declared until he surrendered to Miles and Howard; how they had broken faith with him, hurrying him from post to post, but always further from his home; of the death of eighty-eight of his people in the last six months, and closed with the simple remark, "This is my story and here I am."

During the narrative, Joseph twice created considerable laughter, first, when he told of meeting with a party while on the war-path, and giving orders not to molest them; "but," said he, "I gave permission to my warriors to trade horses with them, to take their fat ones and give back the lean ones."  The second was when during the fight at one time Howard was very close in their rear, and a fight was imminent, a council was held and it was decided "to take Howard's mules and pack train.  We took them," said he, "and the pursuit was interrupted."

Mrs. Cora Bland recited a poem, "Nez Perce Joseph," and short speeches were made by Col. Adair, of the Cherokee, and Col. Porter, of the Creek nation.  Little Red, one of the late chiefs, was next introduced and made the concluding speech, saying that he had been sent for, and was glad to come.  His people had never been on the warpath, but had always tried to do what the Government wanted them to do, and he hoped they always would, as he wanted all the whites to be brothers and sisters to them.

Jan. 18, 1879:  Evening Star:  [Nez Perce; Cherokee, Creek, Seminole]

An Indian Council was held last night in the chapel of Lincoln Hall, under the supervision of Colonel Meacham.  There were present:  Colonel Adair and Mr. Toss, Cherokees; Judge Stidham, General Porter, and Mr. Hodge, Creeks; Colonel Brown, Seminole, and Captain Picket.  Chief Joseph and Yellow Bull, Nez Perces, were also present, and made stirring addresses.  There was a lively discussion on the transfer question.  Remarks were made by Colonel Meacham, General Porter, Colonel Brown, Colonel Adair, and others.

Jan. 18, 1879:  Evening Star:  [Nez Perce; Ute; Cherokee; Creek]