1880 Delegations
President:
Rutherford B. Hayes (March 4, 1877 - March 3, 1881)
Commissioners of Indian Affairs in 1880:
Ezra A. Hayt (Sept. 17, 1877 - ca. Jan. 1880)
Roland Ebenezer Trowbridge (March 15, 1880 – March 19, 1881)
NOTES:
--“Bright Eye” = S. Laflesche who is usually referred to as Ponca but is Omaha – double check & make tribe notes.
--For the most part only those articles that relate directly to delegations have been copied. A few exceptions exist, e.g., with follow-up info. on the Poncas. UTE: Due to circumstances surrounding the Ute delegation, more than just delegation info. may be included.
Jan. 3, 1880: Rockford Journal (Rockford, Ill.) [Ute]
…Dispatches from Los Pinos Agency state that “Ouray and the chiefs selected to go to Washington came to the agency, bringing with them only a part of the prisoners. Gen. hatch refused to go unless all the prisoners demanded by the commission were surrendered. Ouray asked for further time, and five days more were granted to deliver them. Ouray is either playing a double game or is unable to accomplish what he attempted.”
Jan. 3, 1880: Washington Post: [Ute]
[NOTE: Transcription from several torn, incomplete and illeg. copies]
SAFETY OF GEN. HATCH. Several Indian Chiefs Brought By Him To Lake City. Secretary Schurz Receives a Telegram From Hatch Which is Immediately Answered--No Definite Information Regarding the Surrender of the Utes.
Secretary Schurz, at a late hour yesterday, received a telegram from Gen. Hatch dated Lake City yesterday. It reports that he has brought several Indian chiefs from the reservation to lake City with him; that they are held by him for the purpose of permiting any demonstration by the young men of the tribe; that he desires to take them to the military camp at Garland, and, if deemed advisable, to send one of them back to see whether the surrender cannot still be effected. He expresses hope that this may yet be accomplished. The dispatch also refers to the subject of "rations," but does not clear up the uncertainly in which his former dispatches have left the department as to whether or not he had refused to issue rations to the prisoners already offered until the whole number demanded should be surrendered. Secretary Schurz immediately replied last night by telegraph requesting Gen. Hatch to furnish information upon the following points, viz.: Whether the White river Utes offered for surrender are still in Ouray's power, or whether they have been released; also, what chiefs are with Gen. Hatch, and of what bands; also, whether there is any prospect of Gen Hatch now getting into his possession Chief Douglass and the son of Douglass and other culprits of importance who were recently offered for surrender. His proposition to take the Indians now with him to Camp Garland is approved, and as he expresses a hope that the complete surrender may still be accomplished, he is requested to say what, in his opinion, can be done by direction of the Washington authorities to aid him. In conclusion, Secretary Schurz telegraphed that he will send to Gen. Hatch a dispatch to be read to the Indian delegation and also to the Indians at the reservation, immediately after his answer to the foregoing inquiries shall have been received here.
Ex-Gov. Hunt, of Colorado, received the following at a late hour last night:
Alamosa, Col., Jan. 2, 1880.
Gen. Hatch left Lake City this morning with Jack Sowarick, Ouray, Joheta, Uncle Sam and nine other Uncompahgre Utes; also Douglass and a few prisoners, Buckskin Charlie and one other Southern Ute. All coming in via Saguache.
A... Adams.
The following dispatch was received yesterday at the War department.
Chicago, .....
Gen. W. T. Sherman: [illeg.]
Lieut Payne telegraphs, Decotah, ... Gen. Hatch arrived at Clive's ranch on .... right [sic; "night?"] Ouray, Jack and several other ... him there yesterday. All the party ... back for Indian creek. Wagons ab... [andoned?] on account of snow. William D. Whipple.
Jan. 3, 1880: Evening Star: [Cherokee]
Transfer of the Indian War to Washington.
A difficulty occurred this afternoon in the Interior department between Col. E. C. Boudinot and Col. W. P. Adair, one of the delegates of the Cherokee nation. It seems that Col. Boudinot has been for some time endeavoring to obtain possession of some property belonging to him in the Indian nation, and at the instance of Col. Adair the delegation were allowed to be heard before the Commissioner of Indian affairs. During the time of the argument some language was used on the part of Col. Adair which crated some ill-feeling between the parties; Col. Adair and a portion of the delegation were accompanied by and represented by their counsel, Hon. W. A. Phillips, ex-member of Congress from Kansas. Col. Boudinot made his own argument. There was present during the argument quite a number of Col. Boudinot’s friends, among whom were Hon. J. B. Elam, M.C., of Louisiana, Hon. J. E. cravens, M. C., of Arkansas, Hon. Judge Dunn, of Arkansas, Major Geo. A. Reynolds, of Kansas, and Col. W. D. Wylie, of Louisiana. N the parties leaving the room of the commissioner some words were exchanged between Cols. Adair and Boudinot, which resulted in an interchange of blows, and the parties clinched and fell on the floor, but by the prompt interference of Col. Wylie and other mutual friends the contestants were separated, and but little damage done, excepting that Col. Boudinot walked off with a little abrasion of his left ear, and Col. Adair had a somewhat dilapidated frontispiece. Altogether the affray is much to be regretted, as both gentlemen are well-known and have many friends.
Jan. 5, 1880: Evening Star: [Ute]
Latest From The Ute Commission.--Secretary Schurz to-day received the following: "Alamosa, Col., Jan. 14th, [sic] --Adams arrived last night; he advised that all the Indians be taken to Washington immediately on arrival here. Hatch, Commissioner."
Jan. 5, 1880 Washington Post [Cherokee]
`BOUDINOT HITS ADAIR. A Scene in the Interior Department Saturday. Personal Difficulties Between the Two Well Known Cherokee Chiefs Lead to a Rencontre--Statements from Both Principals--The Damage.
Persons in and about the main east corridor of the Interior department early Saturday afternoon were treated to a genuine sensation in a personal rencontre between Col. E. D. Boudinot and Col. W. P. Adair, both of the Cherokee Indian nation. The meeting was the result of bad feeling engendered over a matter that had been heard a few moments before by Commissioner of Indian Affairs Hayt, and the animus is best shown in the appended interviews with the principals, who were parted after exchanging hard language and blows. Col. E. C. Boudinot gave the following version to a reporter of The Post:
"Some parties got possession of some property of mine, a hotel in the Indian Territory worth about $12,000, while I was here in Washington, through the pretended purchase of a claim of $265 against me. The tenant of the property was in arrears for several months' rent, and becoming vexed I wrote to my agent to take possession. The tenant thereupon surrendered the property to a party claiming to have bought it for $265. Ever since last April a white man named Graves has had possession. I submitted evidence before the Indian bureau, stating all of the facts which I was willing to make affidavit to, as to the manner in which the other party got in through fraud, when he had no legal claim. I asked the Indian bureau to remove Graves from the Indian nation or to turn over my property to me or my agent, which only it has power to do, as the Indian courts have no jurisdiction, the tenant being a white man. The matter has been pending five or six months, and I insisted on its being taken up by the commission, and succeeded in having a day fixed. Then the commissioner said that Col Adair and Col. W. A. Phillips, ex-Congressman from Kansas, who claims to be the attorney of the Cherokee nation, protested against a decision in the case. Col. Adair protested as a member of the Cherokee delegation, now in Washington, on other matters; but he is not its chairman, being only invited to attend the delegation. I then went to see Capt. John L. Adair, chairman of the delegation, who said, in a letter to a friend of mine that "if the Colonel (Boudinot) said it is not his intention to make a National matter of his claim the delegation will not interfere." I used his very words in a supplementary statement and presented it to the commissioner of Indian affairs. Saturday, the time set for a hearing, I went to the Indian office and found Col. Adair, Col. Phillips and Wolf and Bunch, two full-blooded Indians, who cannot speak English. Capt. Adair was not present, being sick. At the hearing they asked that the matter be referred to an agent in the Indian Territory, and then for more time. The commissioner granted ten days for them to offer new testimony. I then said I believed that they intended, in the meantime, to put the hotel in the possession of a Cherokee. This would take it out of the jurisdiction of the Indian bureau and place it in the Indian courts, and in that way rob me of my property. Col. Adair arose and said: "I pronounce that to be a lie." There were two ladies in the room, and I thought it an inappropriate place to resent an insult. I left the room and awaited on the outside, and Adair and his friends came out through the chief clerk's room. I called to him and said that "the commissioner's office was not the place to bully a man; this was a better place." He said something about my statement involving the Cherokee nation, and I replied that he was a contemptible liar. We were then approaching each other, and I struck him twice with my stick. Maj. Wylie, of Louisiana, who was with me, saw that I was in trouble and separated us."
"Were there any weapons drawn?"
"No, one of the full-blooded Indians attempted to draw one, and a watchman permited it. Neither Col. Adair or myself were armed."
Col. Boudinot then stated that the $265 was the balance of a note of $1,000 which he had paid, but was claimed because it had not been met at maturity.
Calling on Col. William P. Adair, The Post requested of him a history of the affair, which he gave as follows:
"I don't know who built the hotel which Boudinot claims, but understand that it was Mr. Pearce, president of the Atlantic & Pacific Railroad Co., and I think, the railroad company still claim an interest, if not full ownership. A Cherokee, by the name of Henry Eiffort, has had possession over twelve months, as I have been informed, and since he has been in possession our principal chief wrote to the clerk of the district that Boudinot had the same redress in the courts as any other. Since Eiffort has been in possession, Boudinot brought the case before the War department, but failing to get possession there, submitted the same application last summer to the Interior department. Last Friday the commissioner of Indian affairs notified me that the Boudinot claim would be taken up Saturday, when I went there at his request. I had previously examined the papers filed by Boudinot, and in them he involved the Cherokee nation. Saturday, after Boudinot stated the case to the commissioner, I felt it my duty to state that we were present by invitation, and because the Cherokee nation was involved in the papers; but if the commissioner decided that the nation was not involved, we were willing to leave the case to the real parties and let them be represented by parties outside of the delegation. The commissioner then postponed the case until the 13th inst. This far I thought everything was friendly and well understood, and told the commissioner that I had no feeling in the matter, but wanted all to have justice. After this Boudinot stated to the commissioner, as often as three times, that the delegation was concocting a plan to "rob" him of his hotel by making Eiffort the defendant. I was much surprised to hear such an assertion after the friendly understanding. The matter was not with the commissioner, and if he intended to say that we wished to rob him, he lied, for we had no such intentions. I did not like to use such language, but thought the reply in keeping with his. On leaving, I found Boudinot and several friends in the corridor apparently waiting for me, and I did not desire a conflict. Boudinot accosted me very abruptly, and I told him the cause of my opposition was that the Cherokee nation was implicated in his papers, and I was there to defend it. He replied that if I said the papers originally filed by him implicated the whole nation, I lied. I told him that if he denied the assertion he was an infamous liar as the papers showed. At this juncture he struck me with his cane. I warded off the blows and grappled him by the throat, when his friends pulled me off. I could have injured him severely, but my effort was to endeavor to choke a little sense into him. When I met Boudinot there I was surprised to find that he would not speak, as I had met him two or three days before very cordially and invited him to my room. I had no personal feeling toward him or in opposing his claim, and did not want the commissioner to take my word for it; therefore requested him to have his agent investigate the facts. I am assistant principal chief of the Cherokee nation, and was invited by the national council to come to Washington and assist the delegation in the discharge of its duties as a part of the delegation. None of our party were armed."
Neither of the parties were injured in the collision, except a few bruises.
Jan. 6, 1880: Evening Star: [Ute]
The Coming Utes.--It is expected that Ouray and the twelve Indians with him, will arrive here Saturday, Sunday or Monday next. The Indians will be accompanied by an interpreter, and probably by General Hatch. No programme has been arranged for them when they arrive. There will be a pow-wow with the President, and perhaps several with Secretary Schurz and Commissioner Hayt. The Ute visitors will differ most materially from the other delegations that have come to Washington. They nearly all wear citizens' clothing, and several of them speak English very well. Ouray himself is quite an accomplished gentleman.
Jan. 6, 1880: New York Tribune [Ponca]
The Ponca Indians now in this city made another appeal at Chickering Hall last evening in behalf of their tribe. Mr. Tibbles delivered the first address, and was followed by ex-Mayor William H. Lincoln, of Boston, who is a member of the committee recently appointed to present a memorial to Congress upon the subject, and who spoke earnestly upon reform in the laws regarding the Indians. Bright Eyes, who was accompanied by Wood worker and the old chief Standing-Bear, then read her story of the sufferings of her tribe.
Jan. 6, 1880: Daily Inter Ocean (Chicago) [Ute]
The Utes.
Denver, Col., Jan. 5—Dispatches from Del Norte state that twelve Utes and escort on their way East
Arrived at that point this afternoon, and will to-morrow reach Alamosa, the terminus of the railroad. They are objects of much curiosity, especially Ouray and Jack. All preserve a dogged silence, and receive the homage of public curiosity with stolid indifference.
Washington, Jan. 5.—Secretary Schurz to-day received the following:
Alamosa, Col., Jan. 4.—Adams arrived last night. He advises that all the Indians be taken to Washington immediately on their arrival here. Hatch, Commissioner.
Jan. 7, 1880: Evening Star: [Ute]
The Utes To Arrive Here Next Sunday Night.--Secretary Schurz last night received a telegram from Gen. Hatch, dated Alamosa, Colorado, yesterday, stating that he would leave for Denver en route to Washington, this morning, accompanied by the Indians mentioned in his dispatch of the 4th inst. Secretary Schurz expects the party, including Chief Ouray and his wife, to arrive in Washington Sunday night. Secretary Schurz is inclined to believe that as the result of this visit of Ouray and his party, all the Indians demanded will be surrendered.
Secretary Schurz, in response to an inquiry, to-day telegraphed that an interpreter be brought on with the Ute delegation.
Jan. 7, 1880: Daily Inter Ocean (Chicago, Ill.) [Ute, unid.]
The Indians. Ouray and Other Redskins En Route to Washington.
Denver, Col., Jan. 6.—Ouray and the other Indians en route to Washington, arrived at Alamosa to-day, and to-morrow take the train for the East, accompanied by W. H. Berry and an escort of soldiers, the latter going as far as Lakin, Kan, to insure the safety of the Indians. General Hatch to-night received instructions to send Chiefs Igncio and Sapernaro to Washington also, and has taken measures to carry out the instructions.
Jan. 7, 1880: Washington Post: [Ute]
A Horrible Indian Story. The Women Captives of the Utes Outraged While Prisoners.
Secretary Schurz last night received a telegram from Gen. Hatch, dated Alamosa, Col., January 6, stating he would leave that place on the Wednesday morning train for Denver, with the Indians mentioned in his dispatch of the 4th inst. From Denver he would immediately start for Washington. Secretary Schurz thinks they will arrive here Sunday afternoon. From Alamosa to Denver the time for the passage is one day; from Denver to St. Louis, two days, and from the latter place to Washington, thirty-six hours, thus making the journey in four and a half days, and arriving here Sunday. The secretary thinks that the visit of the Indians here will result in all that the commission hopes to attain, the surrender of the Utes demanded by the commission and a lasting peace with the tribe.
A dispatch was received from Gen. Hatch yesterday by Secretary Schurz, giving the details of the expected departure of the Utes to this city. He asks also whether Ouray could be allowed to bring his wife with him. An affirmative answer was returned.
Jan. 8, 1880: Evening Star: [Ute]
The Correspondence Relating To The Utes, sent to the Senate yesterday by the Secretary of the Interior, which was called for by the resolution of the Senate of December 8, 1879, shows that mining camps on the reservation have caused complaints, and that money which would otherwise have been the Utes, has been withheld under the act of March 3, 1875, because of their refusal to embrace agricultural pursuits and as their removal from their present reservation at an early date was thought inevitable. The only fresh matter of interest is the following statement telegraphed by Gen. Hatch to Secretary Schurz a few days ago, in response to the latter's inquiry about the apparent misunderstanding in regard to the issuing of rations for the White River Utes. He says: "The understanding was clear with the Indians that when they turned over the prisoners they and their families were to be rationed during their absence. When the Utes made the agreement, I certainly supposed it would be kept. It is the only one they have broken with me." Gen. Hatch also states in this dispatch that it was evident that the war spirit was increasing among the Indians when he left the agency, and for this reason he brought some chiefs with him to permit any demonstration while he was absent.
Jan. 8, 1880: Washington Post: [Ute]
Chief Ouray and his wife will arrive here next Sunday.
Jan. 8, 1880 NY Times [Ute; and other tribes unrelated to deleg.]
FEDERAL INDIAN METHODS. Proposed Removal of Several Tribes To One Reservation.
Washington, Jan. 7. -- The Committee on Indian Affairs has practically agreed upon a bill which provides for negotiations, not only with the Utes, but with the Warm Spring, Umatilla, and several other tribes, for the extinguishment of their titles to their reservation, and their removal and consolidation upon other reservations established by law. A report advocating the passage of this bill has been prepared by Mr. Whittaker, of Oregon, and it is approved by a majority of the committee. The bill provides for the release of 27 reservations, and throws open to settlers over 17,500,000 acres of land. The object of the bill is to render much excellent agricultural land available to enterprising farmers, to place the Indians more directly under the control of the Government by collecting many tribes upon one reservation, and to reduce the number of agencies and employes (sic). The advocates of the bill claim that a reduction in the number of agents and other employes would improve the service, reduce the expens3es, and benefit the Indians. The savages must choose, they say, between civilization and early extinction. The existing Indian system is characterized as anomalous, because the Government treats with each tribe on the same terms as it would with the most powerful and enlightened Government, and acknowledges the rights of the Indians to be as great as outs, but denies the savage the right to interpret a treaty when a question arises as to its meaning. Statements that each band of ignorant and wandering aborigines is equal in political rights to the United States Government are declared to be sheer nonsense. Such restrictions in opening the reservations are favored as will defend the real settlers against persons who desire to buy the land only for speculative purposes.
The delegates from the Ute tribe are expected to arrive in this city early next week, and it is understood that the authorities will endeavor to negotiate with them for the removal of that tribe to the Uintah Reservation. This reservation is situated in the north-each corner of Utah, very near the boundary of the present Ute Reservation in Colorado. The drainage basin of the Uintah River has an area of 1,300 square miles. All the bottom lands are arable and can be easily irrigated. The streams have a rapid fall, but the flow near the surface, and the basin contains no deep canons. For this reason, water can be conducted over considerable areas, and wherever the soil is sufficiently fertile good farming land can be selected. Large tracts of meadow land can be irrigated above the limit in altitude. For successful cultivation it is estimated that 40 percent of the basin or 520 square miles consists of arable land, including natural meadows, which can be irrigated. In October, 1877, the flow of the Uintah River above the junction with the Duchesne was 214 feet per second. The water is highest usually in June, but the flow is well sustained through July. The water is lowest in October, and the critical period in the irrigation of the basin would occur in August. Measurements of all the sources of water supply show that the flow at this period is 1,825 cubic feet per second, or enough to irrigate 285 square miles, or 22 percent of the area of the basin. This calculation indicates that the land drained by the Uintah is one of the best, if not the best, of the agricultural valleys of Utah.
It appears from documents transmitted by the President to the Senate to-day that the receipts and disbursements under the agreement made between the United States and the Ute Indians, in September, 1873, and ratified April 29, 1874, have been as follows: Receipts to July 1, 1879, $129,315.07; expenses for supplies, implements, traveling expenses of delegations, &c., $65,289.72; leaving unexpended $64,025.35. During the same period there has been expended for the support of the Utes from annual appropriations, $28,003.49, which exceeds the requirements of the treaty. The agreement referred to sets apart as a perpetual trust for the Utes a sum of money or bonds sufficient to produce $25,000 annuity, to be disbursed or invested at the discretion of the President. In explaining the administration of this fund the Commissioner of Indian Affairs says that it has been apparent for some time that the Ute Indians would either have to settle down or change their location to avoid contact with the increasing white population of Colorado. Very few of them have shown an inclination to work. Under such circumstances, the treaty funds have not been invested, as there was a reasonable expectation that early action would be taken looking to the permanent settlement of the Utes where their support by agriculture would be possible, when the money to their credit in the Treasury would be needed for their comfortable settlement in new homes.
Representative Belford, of Colorado, introduced a joint resolution, to-day, authorizing the Secretary of the Interior to pay out of the Ute Indian annuity fund to Mrs. N. C. Meeker the sum of $5,000; to the heir of Frank Dresser, $5,000; to the widow of William H. Post, $10,000, and to Mamie J. Elliott, $5,000, for injuries received by them at the hands of the Ute Indians in Colorado.
Jan. 8, 1880 NY Times [Ute]
THE UTE DELEGATES THREATENED.
Pueblo, Col., Jan. 7. -- Twelve Ute Indians, in charge of Lieut. Taylor, of the Ninth Cavalry, with 10 men, arrived here to-day, and immediately proceeded East on the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe' Road. They had ordered dinner at Union Depot Hotel, but the sight of a large crowd of pale faces destroyed their appetites, and they at once boarded a train and left without eating. Between 2,000 and 3,000 people congregated at the depot to see the savages. "Hang the red devils," "Shoot the murdering fiends," and like expressions were frequently heard from a portion of the crowd, and the Indians were pelted with stove coal by some boys who had boarded a coal train on the side track. The savages were terror-stricken and completely cowed. A movement was started in the morning to organize 500 men and lynch them, but cooler counsels prevailed, and the citizens determined to let the Indians pass without injury. Had there been any injudicious action taken by the troops or miners, no power could have restrained the mob from lynching them. Had Douglas or any of the Indians engaged in the murder of Mr. Meeker, or in outraging the Meeker family, been on board the train he would have been summarily dealt with. Lieut Taylor expressed himself as determined to protect the Indians at all hazards should the mob attempt to seize them. The troops will escort the Indians to Lakin, on the east line of Colorado. If the people in other parts of the State feel as hostile as those of Pueblo, the Utes, "must go" in the Spring. The people here unanimously approve Representative Belford's policy.
Jan. 9, 1880: Daily Inter Ocean (Chicago) [Ute]
It is lea year, and Mrs. Ouray will call on Secretary Schurz.
Jan. 10, 1880: Evening Star: [Ute]
On Account Of The Delicate Subjects that will come up, Secretary Schurz has decided to make the examination of the Ute Indians, when they arrive here, secret. There will thus be no public pow-wows.
Jan. 10, 1880: Washington Post: [Ute]
No Need Of A Ute War. General Miles' Idea of a Satisfactory Compromise with the Indians.
Gen. Nelson A. Miles, the renowned Indian fighter, was engaged in the mysteries and miseries of an elaborate toilet when a reporter of The Post burst in upon him at his rooms at the Ebbitt house last evening.
"From the West, General?" inquired The Post.
"Yes," was the reply, given in the intervals of struggling with a refractory collar.
"From Montana I was obliged to come to Chicago, to testify in a case, and improved the opportunity to come East and see friends."
"All quiet up in Montana?"
A terrific engagement between the General and the collar followed before The Post got an answer. Finally, by a determined charge, the collar's centre was pierced and its flanks turned, and he said,
"Oh yes; no trouble up there."
"What about this miserable Ute business?"
"I hope it will turn out all right. I understand that several of the murderers have already been surrendered. The proper method, in my judgment, to secure the others has not been tried."
"What it that?"
"Offer rewards for the apprehension of the guilty Indians. That is cheaper than making war, is it not, and better than to punish a whole tribe for the crimes of a few? It is not likely that those Utes engages in the Thornburgh attack or White river massacre will deliver themselves up voluntarily, especially when they know that a halter awaits them. The best way would be to treat them as you would white murderers or robbers; make them outlaws by offering a reward."
"Would that have the effect to cause their apprehension?"
"Certainly. The cupidity of hunters, miners, even the Indians themselves, would be aroused. The Meeker murderers would not dare to venture to the agencies, posts or settlements."
"Do you think it would be wise to transfer the care of the Indians to the War department?"
"I do not wish to iterate and re-iterate my opinions on that point. I have expressed them often, two or three times officially. I am sure Secretary Schurz is working conscientiously and doing the best he can, and if I should again express my views, it would seem as if I desired to agitate the subject, which I do not."
"You have officially expressed the opinion that a change would be desirable?"
"I have said that I thought the experiment worth trying."
"You favor the abolition of the tribal and reservation systems, do you not, General?"
"Yes, I think the Indian ought to be placed upon the same plane as other Americans, rendered amenable to and protected by the laws. Give each family a sufficient tract of land and an annuity to start them with, and let them take their chances with the rest of us."
Jan. 10, 1880: Washington Post: [Ute]
The Redskins. Chief Ouray and Others on Their Way to Washington.
Alamosa, Col., Jan. 9.--The duties of the Indian commission are practically at an end. Gen. Hatch and Lieut. J. J. Gilfoyle left yesterday for Santa Fe, N.M. Lieut. G. Valois remains to close his papers as quartermaster. Lieut. E. S. Hayne, for special duty, will remain here for ten days. Commissioner Adams is en route to Washington with the Indians as his guests. John Townsend, the interpreter, through whom all business was done at Los Pinos, is left here. It is hoped that the outcome of the excursion to Washington will be eminently satisfactory to the Interior department.
Kansas City, Mo., Jan. 9 -- Chief Ouray and wife, with Jack and other Utes, came last evening on the Santa Fe railroad, and left on the Chicago & Rock Island railroad. A large crowd gathered at the depot to see them.
Chicago, Jan. 9.--Gen. Adams, with a delegation of Ute Indians, including Chief Ouray and wife, arrived here this evening, took supper at the Grand Pacific and left on the 9 o'clock train for Washington. They attracted a large crowd on the street.
Jan. 10 1880: Daily Inter Ocean (Chicago, Ill.) [Ute]
Aboriginal Ambassadors,
Arrival of the Twelve Ute Indians Who Are on Their Way to Washington.
Description of the Red Men as They Appeared on Board the Train.
A Remarkable Manifestation of Public Interest in the Party All Along the Line.
Interesting Talk with General Adams Regarding the Situation and the Mission of the Party.
General Adams, with the twelve Ute Indians under his charge, arrived in Chicago yesterday afternoon at 4:45. The train on the Rock island and Pacific Railroad brought them to their temparary [sic] destination an hour late, owing to the popular curiosity along the route which prompted people to board the train whenever it stopped. The delay from this cause was so great that at some stations the train could hardly pull out at all. At Joliet and Lockport the inhabitants seemed to have emptied themselves into the railroad yards, while at the city limits, Thirty-ninth street, where a great many citizens boarded the train, there were hundreds of people gathered, although the train would stop but a moment, and there was no reward but a glimpse of a dusky face pressed up against a window. This popular demonstration at the entrance to the city was more than borne out, as the event was to prove, at every stopping place in the city, and pre-eminently at the depot.
On board the train, the regular afternoon Pacific express, the redskins occupied two widely separated sections. The fondness for caste distinction and gradations of dignity that animates Lo’s bosom is a peculiar manner had been carefully catered to. The twelve ordinary redskins, whose capital feathers could not be more than a certain length,, were provided for t a distance of five coaches from the hereditary chieftain and his wife Mr. and Mrs. Ouray. The smoking-car held the unaristocratic dozen, and along the seats they stretched themselves out in positions presumably comfortable if not graceful. They were Indians, and no mistake. The hand of civilization had scarcely curtailed a feather, and had rather intensified the colors of paint and blanker. In one particular her ministration, however, was seen. Every redskin [sic]
Had On a Cotton Shirt,
or gingham, the stripes of which generally matched the gaudy toga, and kept it fresh in mind even should this most prized of garments slip from the shoulder and form a bolster for the body as its possessor lolled at ease. The smoking car had been selected advisedly, since as many calumets of peace were smoking away as there were Indians. This contribution to the qualities of the air was not unpleasant, as really the flavor of the aborigine, in his cleanest known state, is a trifle more appreciated by American noses when thoroughly well smoked. The Indians’ features, through the haze of the multiplied puffs, showed up un-usually swarthy’ their noses were bulbous to a marked degree, and their ears, for the most part, ringed with silver hoops and half-moons. About half the faces were deeply pitted, as from smallpox. Altogether, the band looked as repellant as fair representatives of Utes—those latest savages on the war-path—might be expected to look. The slashes of paint on several high cheeks and low brows, the wide, brawny jaws, and the war feathers catching the braids of wiry black hair, were all features quite consistent with the scene had scalp-lifting tomahawks been brandished and a joint war-whoop lifted the roof. King among his fellows of the rank and file sat “Captain jack,”—one of the three—out of the twelve—who were on the warpath when Major Thornburg’s command was butchered. Jack was distinguished by a nose of peculiarly portentious dimensions, and a cunning black eye as small as the neighboring feature was large. In a blanket of deep red, he sat rather apart from his fellows, and inhaled the consoling fumes through a somewhat longer stem.
To [sic] Chief Ouray and his wife had been assigned a middle section of the last sleeper. There were a number of ladies and gentlemen in the car about them, who regarded them with [sic]
A Quiet But Evident Interest
that even long companionship, in some instances, had not abated. General Adams himself spent a good part of the time in the car, and so did General Passenger Agent St. John of the Railroad, who went down the line to meet the party. Attempts were made by several to engage the Chief in conversation, but as replies they received only monosyllables. Ouray does not speak English, and only converses through the medium of Mr. Barry, his interprete[r] as he might be called, and who understands the corrupted Spanish in which the sachem makes known his thoughts and opinions. These are not numerous, or else are profoundly kept to himself. Ouray speaks but seldom, and, they say, never laughs. The mantle of gravity always enwraps him as closely as his red-white-and-blue worsted blanker, edged with red silk fringe. The long-drawn face, not an ugly one, corresponds with the elongated braids of neatly plaited hair, ending in tufts of red ribbon in the vicinity of the waist. The abundant nose, very shapely but for its inability to stop, is flanked by harmoniously long pendants—ovals in gold—at either ear. The Chief’s forehead is good, and there is a penetrating look about the jet-black eyes, under their shaggy and gristled fringe, that explains, in part, the undisturbed supremacy which he has maintained in his tribe. Withal, the look is as mils as powerful, and who shall doubt the assertion that to the disposition thus mirrored is due the remarkably peaceful attitude of the Colorado Utes for so many years, p to the late outbreak. Ouray’s mission now, as he makes it to be understood through the interpreter, when pressed for a reply, is to restore and make lasting a peace which he exerted [sic]
All His Powers to Keep Whole.
His wife, as she sat opposite the Chief, was readily recognized as fifteen years his junior. For her race, she is a handsome woman, in fact, exceedingly so, and one can readily believe she was, if not the fairest, at least the comeliest of all the dusky maidens of her nation when, fifteen years ago, she became Mrs. Ouray. Her eyes are soft and lustrous, and the complexion suggestive of a trace of Caucasian blood. The features are quite regular, and the mouth such as many a dame of more stylish coiffure might envy. The hair was dressed, or rather left undressed, in the most approved Indian style, and fell uncont[a]ined all about her head nearly to the waist. There was also, falling loosely about her as she sat, a blanket of fine texture and subdued colors, and, underneath, a bodice of blue and brown cloth, matching the short skirt. She wore moccasins, the only pair seen in the party, and in the hair was another race reminder, an eagle’s plume. The arms, plumply discovered to the elbows, sported three or four silver bangles apiece. On the seat was a white, half-beaver, hat, evidently for out-door weat when the depot should be reached. Her appearance and bearing were so pleasing and modest that she won the compliment paid her, of salutations by the ladies in the coach, who were obliged, however, to limit their salutation to hand-shaking, as the Indian matron, like her lord, spoke no English.
On the arriver of the train at the union depot, Van Buren street, the immense crowd in waiting showed that popular curiosity was awakened in the city as well as without. The great depot [sic]
Was Fairly Thronged With People,
And men, women, and children, pressed so closely upon the arriving train that a passageway could scarcely be cleared, by the aid of the police, for the travelers to alight. As they filed out, Indian fashion,, headed by the Chief, the crowd closed in upon them, and set up shouts, suggestive rather more of groans than cheers. The trail, however, was pursued successfully and rapidly to the sidewalk, where, with undisturbed gravity and complaisancy [sic], the blanketed and now white-capped marchers stowed themselves away in an enormous ‘bus, which at once made for the Grand Pacific Hotel, pursued by cat-calls of tremendous volume, and, it seemed, the entire crowd en masse.
At the hotel the jam was equally remarkable, even in this city of popular outpourings. So great was the press that the tawny arrivals could not begin to get near enough to the counter to register, and, after a short debate on the part of their chaperons, they resumed their march of gravity and single file in the direction of the main stairway and the allotted suite of five connecting rooms on an upper floor. The crowd, realizing that the short-lived sensation was about over, at least until the hour of departure at 9 o’clock, resumed their vocal recognitions, this time emitting a series of regulation and ear-splitting whoops. The real Indian, however, was observed to smile faintly, as if in derision, and somehow the six-foot buck combination of paint, blanket, and brawn was not too closely pressed upon in his solemn tread.
Supper was at once served the hungry band in their rooms, which they kept very closely till the hour of departure by the Fort Wayne Road for Washington.
At the hour of departure there was another large crowd at the hotel, but not to be compared with that which had hooted them, in at least semi-good nature, at the arrival. They were driven to the depot and assigned to a Pullman sleeping car, and will arrive in Washington early to-morrow morning. The names of the flying visitors to this city are: Ouray, Chepeta (his wife), Wash, Alhandra, Golata, Jocnick, Sieblo, Tures Jack, Law Wick, Unica San [sic], White River Utes; Augustine and Toppoganta, Southern Utes. The man directly looking after the Indians is Mr. William H. Berry, while Mr. Otto Mears, who for twenty-six years has been an inhabitant of their territory, also accompanies them.
General Charles A. Adams,
Who had charge of the band on the trip from Colorado remained over till to-night. He was interviewed by a reporter for this paper, and gave an outline of the trip of the Ues, and the objects which it is hoped will be accomplished by the mission to Washington.
Being questions, by way of preface regarding the published outrages on the Meeker family, the General said he unhappily could not deny the storief[sic “s”]. He had gone as a member of the three investigating commissioners (the others being General hatch and Chief Ouray, with Lieutenant Valois as recording officer) to Greeley, Col., the residence of the family, and taken their testimony. That testimony would be published, and the people would then learn all. At the same time the facts of the case would not be as bad as many imagined. There has been no promiscuous ravishing each of the three women at the agency had been held captive by one chief.
“Had these facts come out and not been denied at the beginning,” the General continued, “very different measures would have been taken. I never would have recommended any investigating committee but would have advised that the soldiers should advance at once. But thinking that they had kept those women sacred, I felt inclined to let the whole matter be investigated, especially as they said they would surrender such as were found guilty to the government.”
“The guilty are still at large, are they not?”
“That is so, and hence in part this mission to Washington. Ouray brought in some of the guilty, and perhaps all of them, in twos and threes, but he didn’t bring them all in at the same time. He brought them in and General hatch was not ready to start out with them, and finally when he did get ready to start, and General hatch supposed they would all come out the same day, they did not come.”
“A little trickery was resorted to apparently.”
“It may have been so. They claimed also that they had been informed that the Colorado papers had said they would never allow them to pass safely through the State, and that they were afraid,”
“The feeling in Colorado was very bitter against them?”
“It was, very. I don’t think they would have passed through safely, judging by the demonstrations we have had on this journey.”
“To what do you refer?”
“First, to [sic]
What Happened in Alamosa.
Some prominent citizens there came to General hatch, who had these Indians in charge, and notified him as we were stopping there over night, that a large party of men had had a meeting that day, and would demand that three of the escorted Indians should be given up. General hatch told them that if they wanted them, to come and get them. Then they said that they had sounded the feelings of the members of the guard, and that they were satisfied that the soldiers would not fire on the people, but would stand in with them and give up the redskins. General hatch got very angry, and told them, “All right: that he would take care of the soldiers, and that the people should come for the Indians if they wanted to. So we staid [sic] up all night, and the next morning we found a poor Mexican cattle thief hanging on a tree right in sight of the Indians as they passed in the morning. They were thoroughly aroused, and were evidently bound to have an execution of some kind.”
“You had a second experience at Pueblo, do you say?”
“Yes; there must have been several hundred people gathered at the depot, and I was informed by a newspaper that morning that they had had a meeting and determined to take them from the car and hang them. Nothing so bad, of course, happened for they hooted and yelled as we were making a transfer there, and after a time began throwing stones, and one or two fellows ran up and pushed an Indian over, so that the Lieutenant in charge of the escort had to instruct his soldiers to keep the crowd away. I don’t think it was any general organized movement, despite what the newspaper said, but still they were a vast crowd, and the Indians felt very much scared. We had to go from one train to another—a distance of 150 feet, perhaps—and the crowd was rushing and running, and the Indians were frightened very much.”
“None of the Indians who are going to Washington are among the ‘guilty’—that is those engaged in the butcheries at the White River Agency—are they?”
“Not one. Only twelve were out on the warpath, and none of them were at the massacre.”
“They are under no restraint in this trip to Washington?”
“Oh, not at all. They merely go [sic]
To Have A Pow-Wow.
“Are they all chiefs?”
“The majority are; that is, head chiefs under Ouray. There are two or three among them that are not prominent chiefs yet because they are very young.”
“You referred to one object of the mission to Washington as the desire to settle the question regarding the delivery of Indians guilty of White River Agency outrages.”
“Yes, that is one of the main objects. I think the government will insist on their delivery, and that if they refuse to voluntary give them up, the soldiers will be ordered to hunt them up.”
“Those ‘out’ you think ought to be hung?”
“Most certainly the perpetrators of the Meeker outrages and the murderers of the agents, freighters, etc., ought to be hung.”
“Can Ouray cause them to be given up?”
“Yes, or give the equivalent; and it is to find out whether he must do so that has largely taken him to Washington. If he is told by the government that he has got to do it, he will, I think, find ways and means to either surrender them or kill them himself. He has done that before. Seven or eight years ago, when I was their agent, he had two Indians killed who had killed a white man. He sent some avengers and killed them privately and brought me in their arms and horses, and the scalp of one. If it had not been for Ouray we would have had wars there for years back. It is his boast that, with his consent, no white man has ever been killed by his tribe of Indians. He is a very able man, and his record shows that he is a man of peace.”
“Will he be found tractable as regards modifications in the tribe’s reservation?”
“I believe he will; and to receive such modification is the second great hoped-for result of this mission.”
“In this regard, what are you going to advise the government to do?”
“I will advise that the White River Utes, who are in this fight be removed to the Uintah Agency, in Utah, a tribe with whom they are intermarried; and that the Southern Utes be given the privilege of selecting a certain amount of land in severalty anywhere on their reservation they may choose; and that the reservation, as a reservation, be ceded entirely, with the exception of what they pick out, and that they be given a little for that, and that the balance of the reservation be [sic]
Thrown Open For Settlement.
If any of them do not want to do this, it will be advised that a strong military fort be built somewhere on the extreme line of their reservation, near Grand River. That is a splendid place for a military fort any way, where the Gunnison and Grand Rivers come together, and that they be kept there and fed under the eye of the army, which should be kept there to protect the Indians, as well as the whites that will come into the eastern part of the reservation. Colorado people are determined to have that part of the State. I feel they must.”
And how about Chief Ouray?”
“I believe that he feels this, too; that the time has come for his tribe to give up that large stretch of country. He knows there will be a good many people go there next spring, and that there will be collisions all the time, and that the whole matter has got to be settled some way this winter.”
“You think Ouray will indorse the scheme of settlement that you have outlined?”
“I don’t know about the precise details, but we have spoken about some such settlement as that, and he sees it is inevitable.”
“How long will the trip to Washington last?”
“I don’t know. They may agree in two or three days, and they may have to consult together much longer. But a settlement will come—it must come; and I believe it will be an entirely peaceable one. It has been m policy to avoid a war in Colorado, because I think it would be disastrous, not only to the Indians but to our own interests as regards emigration and State development, and I shall try my utmost to bring the desired result about without a war. Yes, to sum up, the two things desired—and that are going to be secured—are to throw open voluntarily much of the old reservation to that settlement which is inevitable, and a surrender to the justice of the government of the guilty parties in the late outrages.”
Jan. 10, 1880: Daily Inter Ocean (Chicago) [Ute]
Mrs. Ouray has doubtless heard something of the dangers of Washington society, and she had no notion of allowing her Indian chief exposed to its blandishments without her presence. We are not right sure but some of her white sisters, who have chiefs temporarily domiciled at the Capital, would be wise to imitate Mrs. Ouray. In Congressmen, as well as Indian chiefs, there exists a heap of “human natur. [sic]”.
Jan. 12, 1880: Evening Star: [Ute]
Arrival Of Ouray And Party.--Ouray and the rest of the Ute delegation arrived in the city yesterday morning, and were taken under guard to the Tremont House, where they will remain during their stay here. To-day they were furnished with store clothes. At the hotel the Indians are guarded, and no one is allowed to approach them. The newspaper folks are headed off at every turn. It seems to be feared that the reporters will steal an Indian or two, as they are not even allowed a glimpse of their red brethren. The interview of Secretary Schurz with them will be secret, as stated in Saturday's Star. The Secretary expects to do more with them than was accomplished in the west by negotiations. The party of Indians consists of Ouray and Mrs. Ouray, Chipeta, Jocknick, Sieblo and Augustine, of the Uncompagure [sic] Utes; Jack, Sowawick and Unca Sam, of the White River Utes, and Toppaganta and Alhanda, of the Southern Utes; W. H. Berry, interpreter; Otto Mears, of Colorado, and Mr. Kelly, of Chicago, ex-Indian agent at Los Pinos, accompany them.
Ouray was at the Interior Department to-day, and held a long preliminary conference with Secretary Schurz. The Indians, as a body, will not be examined probably for a day or two. The conference with Ouray was secret. The conference with the Indians will be a continuation of the work of the Ute commission. Gen. Adams arrived in the city day.
Jan. 12, 1880: Washington Post: [Ute]
[NOTE: left margin has flaked away, therefore portions missing]
Ouray and His Chiefs. The Delegation of Utes Arrive in Washington. No Demonstration at the Depot--Description of the Party--Interpreter Berry's Story of the Overland Journey--Bitter Feeling in the West.
Secretary Schurz's precaution in requesting ..[de]tail of Metropolitan police officers at the ... delegation, was entirely unnecessary. ... Western express, bearing his proteges, ..[arri?]ved promptly at 8:55 o'clock, as sched[uled]... and at this time there were not two .. of people in and a bout the depot, and ... only thing approaching a riot-... demonstration was the remark.. a bystander reflecting on Mrs. Ouray's unfeminine appearance. Fifteen minutes before the arrival on the train Capt. Vernon entered the station, where there were ... half dozen reserve men, and passed to the passenger platform beyond. When the train came into the depot there could be seen through the windows of the smoking car a half dozen or more bronzed faces and black heads, surmounting burly forms, arrayed in fantastic garments. While the party was preparing to emerge from the car, old Ouray, the head chief of the Ute nation of Los Pinos, and the steadfast friend of the Government during the Ute troubles, come [sic] up the platform from the Pullman sleeping coach preceded by Chipepa [sic] or Mrs. Ouray. The latter, who was allowed to attend the delegation by the request of Ouray, was a study as she halted for the party to get together. She is a large squatty woman, about forty-five years old, with broad flat features, a large round head and long black hair parted in the center and thrown carelessly at either side, almost concealing her features. Her form was enveloped in the folds of a large black and gray woolen shawl, concealing her attire, the only part of which visible was a pair of handsomely worked buckskin leggings. Arctic rubbers covered her feet, which were encased in buckskin moccasins. Ouray, who is fifty years old, is in apperance very much like his squaw, except that his hair was plaited and rested on his shoulders. He had a dark blanket thrown around him, concealing a white calico shirt with red figures, and a black cloth vest, and wore overshoes and decorated blue flannel leggings. His head was covered with a large broad-brim ...ght slouch hat. He carried a bundle of ...rappings strapped together, and took his [pl]ace beside Chipepa, at the head of the ten [o]ther Utes. The latter, with one exception, were wrapped in blankets, but their costume could be seen as half-civilized. All wore calico or vari-colored flannel shirts, in which were worked beads, quills and other ornaments. Some were shod in army brogans, and with one or two exceptions had on slouch hats. Shells, buttons, and other bright ornaments were studded in their hair. One fellow carried his blanket on his arm, and strapped to his hip was a leather holster containing a huge army revolver. The party was formed hastily and passed rapidly up the platform and out of the baggage-gate to Sixth street, where a Tremont house bus conveyed them to that hotel. The party comprised thirteen Indians and four white men, as follows: Ouray and his wife, Chipepa, Wash, Golata, Joenick, Sieblo and Augustine, of the Uncompaghre or Los Pinos agency Utes; Jack, Sowawick and Unca Sam, of the White river Utes, and Toppaganta and Alhanda, of the Southern Utes. The whites were: W. H. Berry, interpreter; Otto Mears, of Colorado, an ex-interpreter; A. and R. Kelly, of Chicago, ex-agent at Los Pinos, who came on at the request of Ouray, and S. M. Demmond, traveling agent of the Pittsburg & Fort Wayne railroad, who accompanied the party from Chicago, at the instance of Mr. Berry. The delegation was received by Messrs. E. Seward and H. W. Andrews, who were detailed from the Indian bureau for that purpose and to care of the Indians while in Washington. At the Tremont house Officer Farrar, of the Metropolitan police force, was detailed as a guard. During the passage of the Indians from the cars to the bus there were no demonstrations whatever, except a natural crowding incident to the curiosity of the small number of spectators present. The passage through the streets was almost unremarked, and at the hotel the transfer was made in the presence of a half dozen curious boys and the regular boarders of the house. After being shown to their rooms the Indians who were by request isolated as much as possible, made a hasty toilet and descended for breakfast. The meal was served in a large airy basement room, under the regular dining room, to all except Ouray and wife, who were accorded the distinction of faring better, both in eating and sleeping. The apartment was well lighted and ventilated, and heated by steam. The members of the delegation were mainly chiefs, well advanced in life, and ex-chiefs, but there were several young ones among them. All were lithe and active, with stout, brawny frames and superior muscular development. There was a great similarity in their appearance, nearly all being of medium height and squatty, and bearing evidence of being well-fed men, while the countenances of some were benevolent. This was the case with Ouray and his wife, but in all the others there was a shadow of fierceness and vindictiveness. Ouray and Wash were in Washington last winter to treat for a small annexation to the Uncompahgre reservation. Mrs. Ouray was much annoyed by the swaying motion of the cars, and all were more or less fatigued by their long journey. Throughout the entire trip a distinction was made in Ouray's favor as head chief of the Ute nation, and the hotel and traveling accommodations secured for himself and wife were always superior to the others.
In preparation of his uniform policy of gagging and obstructing the press, Secretary Schurz wrote a note of instructions to Interpreter Berry not to have any conversation with members of the press. This was given to Mr. Berry immediately on his arrival, and, in politely declining to talk to The Post's representative, he deprecated his position, but said he of course must be governed by the orders of Schurz.
"You certainly cannot involve Schurz in giving a personnel of your proteges and their experience on the journey from Los Pinos?" said the imperturbable Post delegate.
"You must really excuse me, but you know I must regard my instructions. I suppose all the newspapers will give me fits."
"Oh, no," replied the reported; "we don't blame you. It is the policy of the Interior department."
Subsequently Mr. Berry, who evidently has not been thoroughly trained by Schurz, volunteered to give the desired information, and gave the story substantially as follows:
"We left Los Pinos to-day two weeks ago, at 5 o'clock in the morning, attended by Gen. Hatch and an escort of ten soldiers under Lieutenant Taylor. In six days we reached Saguache, Col., 140 miles East of Los Pinos, traveling five days and stopping one [sic] on account of the snow. We came across the range from Los Pinos on horseback. We were two days crossing the range. The snow was from six to ten feet deep, and Gen. Hatch's men were nearly frozen to death. Had it not been for his precaution they would have frozen. Why, sir, you have no idea what they had to suffer. We made a start one day to make a certain point. The Indians, who were on horseback, pushed ahead and succeeded in reaching the destination, but the soldiers, with the teams, only got half-way. There they were at nightfall, in the snow, with no house of shelter near. Gen. Hatch burrowed a long distance under the snow and there they stayed. About 3 o'clock in the morning Gen. Hatch, fearing the men would freeze, told them it was time to go, and kept them shoveling snow and moving until daylight."
"Where did you join Gen. Adams?"
"At Saguache. From that point to Alamosa, the terminus of the Denver & Rio Grande railroad, we traveled in carriages and got along nicely."
"Where did your troubles with the whites begin?"
"At Alamosa. There things looked a little ..ixed, and we kept a guard ...le of the [ro]oms of the Indians at the ... house, as ... as outside. There were no demonstra[tions] ... our pres... citizens held town meeting and wanted to hang the Indians. Better feeling and the counsels of the better class of citizens, however, prevailed, and they wreaked their vengeance on a Mexican by hanging him."
"Where else did you meet with attempted violence?"
"We left Alamosa next morning early, hurrying the Indians on the cars and got on nicely to Pueblo, Colorado. Here in changing cars the crowd, 2,000 or 3,000 strong, closed in on us when we started for the train, and we had hard work getting through. There were threats, and cries such as 'Hand the Indians' 'Catch that one,' etc., were commenced and rocks were thrown at the Indians. One fellow in the crowd struck Sowawick over the head with a club, and I am satisfied that the prompt action of Lieut. Taylor alone permited bloodshed. He immediately sprang at the fellow and would have cleaved him in two, but he fell back out of reach. The crowd also surged back, and taking advantage of this we pushed on hurriedly to the cars."
"Were there any demonstrations elsewhere?"
"Yes; all along the road, even at Chicago."
"What occurred there?"
"At the Rock Island depot, when we got in, there was a large crowd which, was very abusive, and crowded us. We had a strong guard of police and railroad men, and managed to get in the 'bus [sic; omnibus?] and drive away, followed by the crowd. The only way we got in the hotel was by driving around the square and back to the entrance before the crowd got around."
"How was it when you came away?"
"It was expected that we would come by the Baltimore & Ohio, and I understand that there was a large crowd at the depot of that road, but we took the Fort Wayne road."
"What was your experience during the remainder of the trip?"
"We were not troubled and got along nicely." Further than this Mr. Berry would not talk, and the reporter was also denied the opportunity of speaking to any of the others.
Ouray's object in coming to Washington is to explain his position in the late troubles, and to secure the most favorable terms between the Government and the outlawed portion of his nation who were concerned in the White river agency massacre and consequent despicable and brutal treatment of Mrs. Meeker and her daughter and Mrs. Price. Although Jack, Sowawick and Unca Sam are White river Utes, and participated in the Thornburgh fight, which was led by Jack, none of the party were in any manner involved in the White river agency affair. Gen. Adams remained at Chicago and is expected to reach Washington to-day. Gen. Hatch left the party at Alamosa and proceeded thence to his station in New Mexico. Yesterday afternoon Ouray was visited by Indian Commissioner Hayt and his chief clerk, Mr. E. J. Brooks, ex-Agent Danforth and wife, formerly at White river. The Utes will remain here several weeks.
To-day they will be divested of their mixed costumes and will be fitted out with store clothes. During their stay in the city they will appear before the Congressional committee, which will be charged with their removal from Colorado, and protest against the proposed change. To-morrow they will probably visit the Interior department and begin a series of star chamber interviews with Mr. Schurz.
Early 1880: SHOSHONIAN: Ute: BAE-AR 1 p. 407: A list of signs obtained from Alejandre, Ga-lo-te, Augustin, and other chiefs, members of a delegation of Ute Indians of Colorado, who visited Washington during the early months of the year 1880.
Jan. 12, 1880: Washington Post: [Ute]
A White Scoundrel. The Man Who is Inciting the Utes to Murder the Settlers.
Special Dispatch to The Post.
Denver, Col., Jan. 11.--The fact has just come to light that E. A. Eggleston has been dealing with the Utes in a manner which is calculated to convince those who know him that he has been in some way responsible for their obtaining information which it is said caused them to refuse to surrender the twelve demanded. A thoroughly reliable gentleman, who was present at the sitting of the commission, has just arrived in this city, and states that while there some two weeks since, a letter to a Ute names Yeonomitz was received at Los Pinos. It was dated at Canon City, and signed by E. A. Eggleston, beginning with an extremely affecting and sentimental allusion to "Auld Land Syne," the hunts they had indulged in together, the deer they had killed, fish they had caught and various other incidents of their lives while together. Mr. Eggleston went on to say that he and M. Yeonomitz, the Ute, had in former times made a contract to keep one another out of any trouble, and that he now wished to ask the assistance of the Ute. He would be at the lake fork of the Gunnison river in about two weeks from that time and wished to meet his brother there. In the meantime if his brother got into trouble he would assist to the best of his ability and furnish other assistance if necessary besides himself. After the letter had been translated it was handed back to the Ute, who pocketed it and left the agency. If the intention expressed in this letter of Eggleston's has been carried out he is now on lake fork of Gunnison, hobnobbing with his red brethren, and perhaps inciting them to some horrible deed. This Eggleston is the man who, some ten months ago, killed W. H. Connett, of New York. Eggleston has been in Colorado many years, and is known as one of the shrewdest and sharpest men in the State. He is well educated and writes smoothly and fluently. It was his custom to send letters to the newspapers, giving an assumed name in a private letter and in his letter for publication pulling in the most extravagant manner E. A. Eggleston and the mining districts in which he was largely interested. In this way he played an extensive confidence game. Connett was thus drawn to Colorado. Eggleston soon robbed him of his money and murdered him. To permit lynching he was removed from Tremont county, where the crime was committed, to Pueblo jail. After remaining there several months, he was allowed to give bail in $5,000, and when last week the case was called in court, he did not respond. Nothing was known of his movements until his letter-writing to the Utes was brought to light. It is believed that he will for the present take up his abode with the Indians. He is capable of inciting them to any deed.
Jan. 12, 1880 Sun (Baltimore) [Ute]
Arrival of the Utes.
The expected delegation of Ute Indians reached here this morning and took quarters at the Tremont House, where, by direction of the Secretary of the Interior, they will be kept until after the necessary interviews can be held with them. A detail of police will remain on duty at the hotel while the Indians are kept there. No person is allowed to see them or talk with them, and the pow-wow they will hold with the Secretary of the Interior will not be public owing in part to the character of some of the revelations in regard to outrages.
Their names are Ouray, Chipeta, his squaw, Wash, Alhandra, Golata, Jacnicks, Kieble, Jack, Sowdinck, Unca Sam, Augustin and Tappafuants. Ouray and Galata are the most respectable-looking men of the party. W. H. Barry accompanies them as interpreter. The Tremont House has been besieged all day by crowds of curious people anxious to see the famous Ouray, but all were disappointed. Gen. Adams is expected to-morrow.
Jan. 12, 1880 Daily Inter Ocean (Chicago) [Ute]
The Ute Delegation.
Their arrival at Washington.
Washington, Jan. 11—The Ute delegation arrived this morning. They were met at the depot by two employes [sic] of the Indian Bureau, who escorted them to their quarters at the Tremont House and, have kept strict watch upon them during the day. The hotel has been besieged all day by crowds o curious people anxious to see the Indians, but all were disappointed, as the officials of the Interior Department had given strict orders that they should not be allowed to talk to any one previous so the council of the department. [sic] They remained in their rooms all day. Secretary Schurz stated this evening that he had not yet decided upon the programme to be followed in their examination, as he is waiting the arrival of General Adams, who is expected to-morrow.
Jan. 12, 1880 NY Times [Ute]
THE UTES IN WASHINGTON.
Washington, Jan. 11. -- The Ute delegation arrived in this city this morning. Their names are Ouray, and Chipeta, his squaw; Wash, Alhandra, Golata, Joenicks, Sieble, jack, Sowdinek, Unca Sam, Augustin, and Tappaquanta. Ouray and Golata are the most respectable-looking men of the party. W. H. Berry accompanies them as interpreter. They were met at the depot by two employes (sic) of the Indian Bureau, who escorted them to their quarters at the Tremont House, and have kept strict watch upon them during the day. The hotel has been besieged by crowds of curious people anxious to see the famous Ouray and his fellows, but all were disappointed, as the Interior Department had given strict orders that they should not be allowed to talk to any one previous to the council at the department. They remained in their rooms all day. Secretary Schurz stated this evening that he had not yet decided upon the programme to be followed in their examination, as he is awaiting the arrival of Gen. Adams, who is expected to reach this city to-morrow evening.
Jan. 13, 1880 Daily Inter Ocean (Chicago) [Ute]
The Ute Delegation.
What Secretary Schurz Says.
Washington, Jan. 12.—Secretary Schurz says he does not at present desire to say anything regarding his conference with Ouray, and that he has not yet decided whether he will hold open council with the entire delegation of Indians or not. Inasmuch as it has been stated the Indians are being guarded as captives, the Secretary desired to announce that such was not the intention of the department. The Indians, he said, were here as a delegation, and would be treated as such, but in view of the rough treatment they received at the several railroad depots of transfer while on their way to this city, and, as some of them are unwell, he thought it best they be given rest and recuperation before they are approached by citizens and representatives of the press. The Secretary remarkd, incidentally: “There will be plenty of material for publication in this connection in a few days.”
Jan. 13, 1880 NY Times [Ute]
TROUBLESOME INDIAN TRIBES. Secretary Schurz Has A Conference With Ouray--Hostilities In New-Mexico (sic) And On The Rio Grande.
Washington, Jan. 12.--Secretary Schurz had a long conference with Chief Ouray to-day. The examination of the entire delegation will probably not occur for a day or two. The Secretary said, in reply to an inquiry, that he did not at present desire to say anything regarding his conference with Ouray, and that he had not yet decided whether he would hold an open council with the entire delegation of Indians or not. Inasmuch as it has been stated that the Indians are being guarded as captives, the Secretary desired to announce that such was not the intention of the department. The Indians, he said, were here as a delegation, and would be treated as such, but in view of the rough treatment they had received at several railroad depots while on their way to this city, and as some of them were unwell, he thought it best that they be given ample time for rest and recuperation before they are approached by citizens or representatives of the press. The Secretary remarked incidentally: "There will be plenty of material for publication in this connection in a few days."
Gen. Adams, of the Los Pinos Commission, arrived in the city to-day.
A telegram, bearing date Mescalero Agency, New-Mexico, Jan. 8, has been received by the Commissioner of Indian affairs, announcing that serious trouble exists between the Mexicans and the Indians. The agency employes (sic) and property are reported to be all right.
A telegram received at the War Department from Chicago says: "The commanding officer at Fort Stanton reports by letter to the District on New-Mexico, under date of Jan. 2, that he has been informed that Indians have been raiding in the vicinity of Roswell and the Black and Delaware Rivers, and fears are entertained that they will declare war on all citizens of the Pecos Valley. He thinks the Indians are probably in force in the Sacremento and Guadaloupe Mountains. Gen. Pope has ordered all the cavalry in Southern New-Mexico to march rapidly against these Indians."
Advices have been received at the War Department that the renegade Apache Indians recently followed across the border into Mexico by Gen. Morrow have returned. The Mexican authorities have requested that they be permitted to assist in the pursuit of these Indians on the American side. The Secretary of War has granted the request.
Jan. 14, 1880: Evening Star: [Ute]
The Ute Investigation.--The House committee on Indian affairs decided yesterday to conduct the proposed investigation of the causes of the recent outbreak of the Ute Indians before the full committee, instead of the sub-committee, as originally designed. The investigation will be begun at 10:30 a.m., to-morrow. A number of witnesses have already been summoned to appear and testify before the committee, among them General Hatch and Mrs. and Miss Meeker. It is proposed, also, to examine the delegation of Utes now in the city as soon as the Secretary of the Interior has concluded his examination and negotiations with them.
Jan. 14, 1880: Washington Post [Ute]
Ouray and Schurz.
The Head Chief of the Utes Has Another Official Conference.
The Ute chiefs and braves, with the exception of Ouray, remained passive yesterday. The Indian bureau have not issued the order for their shop clothes, so they remained at the Tremont house and amused themselves as best they could. During the day several Italian musicians were called in and “soothed the savage souls” in the sitting-room of the hotel. Mrs. Ouray continued indisposed, but greatly improved. About 4 o’clock Ouray received a sudden summons from Secretary Schurz for a talk, and proceeded to the Interior department with Gen. Adams, Interpreter Berry and Ex-Interpreter Otto Mears. The interview was a lengthy one, and when Ouray returned it was evident from his manner that it had not been altogether pleasing to him, as he appeared very much worried. It is understood that all of the delegation except Jack, Wash and Unca Sam will visit Secretary Schurz to-day or to-morrow. The three latter only are White river Utes, and participated in the Thornburgh fight, but had no part in the White river agency massacre. The objection to recognizing them on the same footing as the others of the delegation is that they belong to the White river Utes, who are ostracized as a tribe as far as the Secretary of the Interior is concerned, and he will hold no official intercourse with them. He will, in all probability, receive them separately, and impress them with the importance of that department and the enormity of their offenses.
Jan. 14, 1880 Washington Post [Ute]
Mrs. Ouray, looking out of the car window at Alamosa, Col., saw the dead body of a horse thief dangling from a tree, and she cried all the way to Chicago for fear her husband might encounter a similar fate.
Jan. 15, 1880: Evening Star: [General]
The Senate Committee on Indian affairs yesterday took up for consideration the bill of Senator Saunders which provides for distributing Indian lands in severalty. No action was taken; but the indications are that the committee will agree upon this or some similar measure at an early day.
Jan. 15, 1880: Evening Star; [Ute]
Mrs. Ouray now wants a seal skin coat, high-heeled French shoes, and a velvet train dress. Nothing like civilization.
Jan. 15, 1880: Evening Star: [Ute]
Ouray, The Ute Chief, is exceedingly anxious to have a consultation with the Colorado Congressional delegation. He thinks if the Ute troubles were left to him and the Colorado delegation they could be settled in twenty-four hours. He says it is impossible for him to deliver up the twelve men demanded by the government, but, if the government will give him six months time, he will see that they're properly punished. He says that the White River Utes should be sent to the Unitah [sic] reservation; that he would consent to a removal of the Southern Utes up to point on the Grand River, there they could be assigned a 100 [160?] acres a piece; that those of the Southern Utes who did not wish to accept these terms would drift ultimately over to the Unitah reservation, and that this matter could be settled in this way. It would appear from what has leaked out that if the government makes the surrender of the guilty parties a condition precedent negotiations will fail. The Colorado delegation will meet Ouray within a day or two and discuss the the [sic] situation, and it is hoped that an early solution of the Indian problem will be reached.
Jan. 15, 1880: Daily Inter Ocean (Chicago) [Ute]
The Utes at Washington.
Incidents of Their Journey—Points Submitted to Congress.
Special Telegram to The inter Ocean.
Wahsington, Jan. 7.—Secretary Schurz has information that the Ute Commission, which Ouray and a dozen other Ute chiefs will be in Washington Sunday, and he hopes that the councils to be held by them will result in the delivery of those guilty of the Meeker massacre. The Secretary, in answer to the resolution of the Senate, has sent to that body all the correspondence relating to the Ute difficulties, except two letters, which he asked permission to withhold for the present, as their publication might defeat the end of justice. These letters are supposed to contain the particulars of the ravishment by the Indians of the ladies of the Meeker family, and the names of the guilty Indians, allusion to which have been made in newspaper dispatches from Colorado. Miss Josephine Meeker is now clerk in the Interior Department at a salary of $1,200 a year. [There follows more information about the situation, but not on the delegation]
Jan. 16, 1880: Evening Star: [Ute]
The Ute Question. Colorado View Of It--Congress Must Act At Once. (Correspondence of The Star.) Gothic City, Gunnison co., Col., December 25, 1879.
It is with surprise we read the proceedings of Congress showing the want of knowledge of the inevitable in the Ute question. I am within a few miles of the Ute reservation, and know of the determination of the miners to enter that country, against which the government will be powerless to permit. Right or wrong, can the government contend against the will of the great mass of these western people? The incentives urging the hardy miners to seek for gold within the reservation are so well known by those who have fearlessly entered and prospected the land and are so numerous, that all the force the government can accumulate will not deter their march next summer. It will, perhaps, be the better, certainly the most expeditious, mode of getting rid of the Indian. But I regret the government does not go with the stronger force, and thereby endeavor to benefit its wards. Certainly the valuable lands now in the possession of the Utes will be taken, if necessary, by force by the miner.
What was the government forced to do in the Black Hills, but yield? There men carried out by troops, returned at the first opportunity, and small parties warned against entering combined with other parties, and laughing at the Indians and the equally powerless army, made Deadwood a city. True, five hundred men, it has been estimated, were killed, but thousands followed in their footsteps. So with the Ute reservation. The four hundred Indian warriors will be met by ten thousand well-armed men, backed by the encouragement of Colorado and every western state. Let the army come and bring a battle against these fearless men. You will see the ten thousand grow to one hundred thousand; the state of Colorado in arms to protect its citizens; every man able to get to a field of action anxious to come in conflict with Indians or soldiers. The government will then have to yield over its dead ward. What can the Ute Indian know of the great, excited force of men, held for the present in check by the winter and the desire to give Congress a chance in the game, ready next summer to rush to the land the riches of which only we who have seen it can conceive. I assert that if no provision is made for the removal of the Indians, or, at least, the opening of the reservation to the public before the spring, the greed for gold will carry thousands of men, in opposition to any force the government can use, through the Ute country, regardless of right or wrong. We had just as well look this thing right in the face, and, knowing our people, not expect to find angels in frontiersmen. The Utes must give their land, and their lives, too, I fear, from the present action of our law-makers, to the stronger and better race. Colorado will be as just to the Indian as to any man, and will give him the same privileges any other miner possesses. He may stake his claim and work it, with the certainty that the miners near him will give full protection; but he cannot hold, what no other man in the United States can possess, thousands of acres of valuable mineral land without a patent, in opposition to the rights--call it what you will, say power--of men a thousand times more useful.
My object in writing this letter is to inform you of coming events, and if Congress does not immediately make provision for the Utes, the death of that tribe will result.
Yours, sincerely, R. C.
Jan. 16, 1880: Evening Star: [Ute]
The Ute Investigation.--General Adams and Miss Josephine Meeker, daughter of the agent killed at the White river outbreak, were before the House Indian committee yesterday, and a long session was held with closed doors, and elicited some highly important points not yet given out by the Interior department. Gen. Adams said that Agent Meeker was very arbitrary in his treatment of the Indians, gave them peremptory orders, and punished them if they were not obeyed. The land which he plowed was a favorite spot for the Indians to use for amusements, and they never could see why another piece would not have done just as well. Indians are children about some things, and they acted about this ground just as a lot of school children would have acted had their favorite playground been destroyed. If Mr. Meeker had consulted the childish whims of the Indians in this matter, all the trouble might have been avoided. But Meeker's arbitrary treatment and his threats made the matter grow more serious every day. Gen. Adams said he did not believe the battle with the soldiers would have occurred had not Meeker been continually threatening the Indians with punishment, and informed them the soldiers were coming to reduce them to obedience. Then the Indians prepared to defend themselves. He does not think the guilty Indians will be given up. Miss Meeker was present while the General was giving his testimony.
The Ute investigation committee will, to-morrow morning, resume its investigation, and will examine Messrs. Fisk and Leeds, of New York. Indian Commissioner Hayt has also been invited to be present. The scope of the investigation will be confined to the recent outbreak and the causes that directly led to it, and will not extend to an inquiry into the affairs and management of the Indian department. The investigation will be pursued privately by the committee--at least for the present--for the reason, as stated, that too full publicity of the facts elicited might embarrass the committee in their conduct of the investigation. Another reason assigned is that the contracted quarters of the committee room will not permit the admission of all who would desire to be present. The chairman, however, stated this morning that there was no desire or intention on the part of the committee to conduct a star chamber investigation, on the contrary, that all material facts or results would be freely given to the press and public.
Jan. 16, 1880: Washington Post: [Ute]
Although an Indian, Still a Feminine.
From the New York Graphic.
Mrs. Ouray, while looking from the window of her hotel in Washington yesterday, saw a lady pass by wearing a handsome fur lined silk cloak, and Mrs. Ouray immediately expressed an ardent desire to be furnished with a similar garment, regardless of expense. And yet Mrs. Ouray is one of the Utes whose wholesale extermination is demanded by our esteemed contemporaries of Colorado.
Jan. 16, 1880 Washington Post [Ute]
The Ute Indians were to have been vaccinated yesterday, but the Indian bureau were out of virus points and had to order a supply from Boston.
Jan. 17, 1880: Evening Star: [Ute]
The Policy of the Interior department as regards the Ute Indians now here is one of delay. It is hoped that the conferences that Secretary Schurz is having with the visitors will result in a surrender of the prisoners demanded. If there should be a failure then the War department steps in. Troops could make no campaign against the Utes during the waiting; they cannot operate until next spring. For these reasons there is no hurry in bringing matters to a head with the Indians here, and their visit is likely to be a long one. If the Interior department is unsuccessful the Indians will be punished by troops. This they are being made to understand, and it is expected that before the time the troops could operate in the Ute country there will be a decision to give up the Indians wanted.
Jan. 17, 1880: Washington Post: [Ute]
Indians at the Tomb of Washington.
Capt. Blake, of the W. W. Corcoran, has extended to the visiting Indians, including Chief Ouray and suite and Little Bright Eyes, an invitation to accompany him to Mount Vernon upon the regular trip Wednesday. The red visitors have accepted, and will visit the tomb of their Great Father, the first white man known to have carried a hatchet.
Jan. 19, 1880: Evening Star: [Ute]
The Ute Investigation.--The House committee on Indian affairs resumed this morning their investigation of the causes of the recent Ute outbreak. Gen. C.B. Fisk, of New York, was the first witness examined; he charged the Indian bureau with mismanagement and inattention to the wants, claims and rightful dues of the Utes, which had led to dissatisfaction and restlessness on their part, rendering them rife for an outbreak. Commissioner of Indian Affairs Hayt followed with a general defence of his administration of the affairs of the bureau, particularly as affected the Utes. He read at length from the records and files of the bureau, and claimed that much of the matter of complaint charged against the Indian bureau should be attributed to his predecessor.
JAN.: SHOSHONIAN: Pai-Ute: BAE-AR 1 (list of authorities and collaborators) p. 406: Information
obtained at Washington from Na'tci, a Pai-Ute chief, who was one of a delegation of that tribe to Washington in
January, 1880.
Jan. 19, 1880: Washington Post: [Cheyenne, Paiute, Ute]
Another Delegation of Red Men. Chief Winnemucca and Party to Arrive--Jack and His Cheyenne Friend.
Another detachment of Indians will arrive here this morning in charge of Special Agent Hayworth, of Nevada. The party consists of Chief Winnemucca, his son, Chief Nathey, Capt. Jim and Dashing Sarah Winnemucca. They were expected last night, but remained at Chicago. On arrival they will be taken to the Tremont house, where the Utes are stopping. The latter were exercised Saturday by a 'bus ride to the Smithsonian, where they were delighted with the curiosities. Yesterday Ouray was treated to a buggy ride by Mr. Clark, manager of the Tremont house. Last night Tichkematse, a young Cheyenne, for five years a pupil at Hampton, Va., and recently employed in the naturalist's department of the Smithsonian, visited the Utes and endeavored to converse with them. He tried English, Spanish and Mexican, but made no headway until he addressed Jack through the medium of signs. He recognized in Jack one of a party of Utes who fought and killed four Cheyennes on the plains twelve years ago, and so informed him in broken English and signs. The two laughed over the episode, and Jack remarked that if the conflicting parties had understood the same language the fight would never have occurred.
Jan. 20, 1880 Post [Paiute; Ponca & ca. 4 more unid. tribes]
THE PIUTES' PROGRAMME. Threatening the Indian Bureau if Their Requests are not complied With.
This city appears to be a sort of paradise for Indians this winter. There are no less than a half dozen different delegations here now and yesterday another party arrived, with certain purposes in view. This consisted of Winnemucca, head chief of the Piutes; Sarah Winnemucca, his daughter; Nache, his son; and Capt. Jim, her nephew; all from the Humboldt valley, Nevada, and attended by Special Agent J. M. Hawroth, of Idaho territory. Sarah Winnemucca is an intelligent young Indian woman, who received an academic education at San Jose, Cal., and is employed by the Government as an interpreter. She was formerly the wife of Lieut. E. C. Bartless, U.S.A., who is a brother-in-law of Gen. Schofield, but left him some years since. She was attired in a neat-fitting dark suit, with satin facings and trimmings, and in deportment and appearance would compare favorably with most of her pale-faced sisters. The objects of the visit of this delegation, as stated by Sarah, is to secure recognition and aid by the Government similar to that enjoyed by other nations. She says the Piutes desire opportunities for moral and intellectual advancement, together with more substantial aid, and if their request is ignored general and specific charges against the policy of the Indian bureau and the conduct of past and present agents will be made and sustained.
Jan. 20, 1880 Washington Post [Paiute (& Ute)]
All of the Ute Indians, together with the Piute delegation that arrived yesterday, were vaccinated last evening.
Jan. 20, 1880 Washington Post [Ute]
Mr. and Mrs. Ouray will attend the performance of the Black Crook to-night, a private box having been tendered them by Mr. Ford.
Jan. 21, 1880 Washington Post [Ute] [right margin torn away; filled in where poss.]
FORD'S OPERA-HOUSE-- "The Black Crook."
The second presentation of this spectacular a.. ballet drama at the Opera-house was smoother and better than the first, though in the grand variety dance, in the third act, the elaborate array of children got somewhat mixed. Denham and Mrs. Germon do the best that can be done with the comic part of the drama and Belle Mackenzie, as the newly appointed "Countess of Wolfenstein", is a graceful and beautiful figure; but the dramatic part of the piece serves only to introduce the dancers, and in the present edition the songs and variety features of the performance. The number of the ballet is entirely sufficient, and at times the variety of characters and colors with the mazy effect of intricate movement, moves in very brilliant effects. The Ulm sisters are especially good in the German flee singing, and one of them gives a midget rendition of "Pretty as a Picture," which is very taking. Miss Blanche Thompson's song in the second act is a pretty specimen of that sort of music, and that charming little actress gives it beautifully in all respects, with a great deal of dash and grace. Miss Thompson is really improving wonderfully. Miss Bockel's solo in the fairy scene is a brilliant waltz song and is sung well, and she speaks the lines of her part with a great deal of taste and expression. The two principal dancers, DeRosa and Zallio, are excellent, and give the aesthetic phase of the Terpishorean art with the grace that has been called the poetry of motion while the coryphees can give palpable form to music with their fairy-like and aerial gambols. The grand march of the Amazons and the flag ballet, if it can be called so from the patriotic colors are gorgeous in the variety of colors and characters, though the dancing might be better. The audience last night was a large one and among the distinguished personages present were Chief Ouray and his wife Chipep...[ta] who occupied the private box where Gen. Sherman is so often seen. The chief was in full dress and is a very grave and dignified man, whose look and bearing indicate the character of soldier and statesman, as he is among ... people. He shows an appreciation of the drama not second to that of the distinguished gentleman whose place in the private box he occupied, and in that capacity it is not an exaggeration to foresee that he may, as a patron...the drama, become the Tecumseh Sherman of the Utes. Though not as hilarious at times as the General, nor as often the recipient of recognition from the players, yet his inexperience must be taken into account, his slender chances at private boxes and his lack of other dramatic opportunities.
Jan. 21, 1880 NY Times [Paiute]
NOTES FROM WASHINGTON.
Secretary Schurz had a long conference with the Piutes (sic) this afternoon. These Indians arrived yesterday morning, and last night stated to the Secretary their grievances, which are principally the outgrowth of the Bannock war. The tribe has been scattered, and some have been held at the Yakima Reservation. It was agreed in the council this afternoon that old Chief Winnemucca should be permitted to return to the Malheur Reservation in Oregon with such of his people as may chose to go there; that upon their arrival the Indians shall take up land in severalty, each head of a family to select as a farm a particular tract of land; and that such of the Piutes as are now scatterd throughout the white settlements and are earning their own living are to be permitted to remain where they are. The Indians repeatedly expressed their approval of these propositions of the Secretary, and old Chief Winnemucca said that under this policy in 10 years the Government need no longer take care of this tribe, as they would be self-supporting.
Jan. 21, 1880 Washington Post [Paiute]
A SATISFACTORY CONFERENCE. The Piutes Successful in their Interviews with Schurz.
The Piute Indian delegation had an interview with Secretary Schurz yesterday in relation to certain grievances said to have grown out of the Bannock war. The Piute nation has been scattered and some located on the Yakima reservation. The result of the consultation was a decision permitting Winemucca to return to the Malheur reservation, in Oregon, with those of his people who elect to go with him; that each head of a family shall select a farm tract, and that such Piutes as are scattered among the whites and are self-sustaining, shall remain undisturbed. These arrangements were satisfactory to the Indians, who said that in ten years, if they were carried out, the Piutes will be independent of Government aid. They also asked for an organized Indian police as at other reservations, and young Nachez, son of the chief, spoke of his prospective succession, and said he would encourage all to take farms. He promised to surrender any offender, but asked, that soldiers should not be sent precipitately. He expressed satisfaction at his visit, and displayed a medal presented to him for saving the lives of three white men during the Bannock war, and also spoke hopefully of the prospect of the advancement of his nation. The Piutes will return home this week.
Jan. 22, 1880 Evening Star: [Ute]
Conference On The Ute Question.--Secretary Schurz, the two Senators from Colorado and Representative Belford, Ouray and two of the other Utes now here had a conference yesterday afternoon, between 5 and 6 o'clock, in regard to Ute affairs generally. The conference, it was learned to-day, was very satisfactory to all concerned. As developed by the conference a majority of the Utes are in favor of going to the Uintah reservation in Utah. The Interior department favors this; and this disposition of the Utes will probably be the finale to the whole matter. When they go there the Indians, according to the policy of the Interior department, which has proved very successful, will be given lands in severalty, without being allowed to occupy large sections as a tribe. The Colorado members are satisfied with this proposition. As before stated, a majority of the Utes and the department also favor it.
Jan. 22, 1880: Evening Star: [Ute]
The Ute Investigation.--The House committee on Indian affairs resumed the investigation this morning of the causes of the recent Ute outbreak. Commissioner of Indian Affairs Hayt was agained [sic] before them, and continued his statements, which embodied a general defence of his administration. Lieutenant S. A. Cherry, of the fifth calvary, who, as adjutant of Thornburgh's command, participated in the famous fight resulting in Thornburgh's death, gave the committee a very interesting history of the military movements incident thereto, but expressed no opinions as to any remote causes that might have led to the outbreak.
Jan. 22, 1880: Daily Inter Ocean (Chicago) [Ute]
A correspondent at Washington says Ouray and his chiefs are careful every morning to touch up their faces with paint before presenting themselves to the public gaze. Mrs. Ouray appears delighted with the fashions of Washington, and will stand for hours at her window gazing upon the passing throng, and then try in every way to make her dress trail after the fashion of her white sisters by dropping a fold or two of her blanket to drag upon the floor. We never knew before what a wonderful evidence of civilization it was to pull silk and velvet trails over dirty sidewalks. Our heathen sister seems more struck with the custom than anything she has seen. If she should adopt the fashion for her tribe, who knows but it may be the means of settling the Indian question; at least the Indian can be said to have struck out “on a new trail.”
Jan. 23, 1880 Washington Post - ad for "The Black Crook" [ads before are illeg.]
Jan. 23, 1880: Evening Star: [Ute]
Southern Utes Coming.--Secretary Schurz received a telegram from Gen. Hatch yesterday stating that the delegation of Southern Ute Indians were en route to Washington. Gen. Hatch will not come to Washington probably, as his services are required at the post.
Jan. 23, 1880 Washington Post [Cherokee, Creek]
Col. W. P. Adair, John L. Adair, Richard Wolfe and William R. Bunch, of the Cherokees, and Gen. Pleasant Porter and D. M. Hodge, of the Creeks, called on Mr. Hayes yesterday. After having heard the object of their visit, in part composed of a report of another attempt by people from the adjoining States to settle upon their country west of the Arkansas river, Mr. Hayes replied that he would take prompt measures to have the invaders removed when such facts are presented as will warrant action in the premises.
Jan. 24, 1880: Daily Inter Ocean (Chicago) [Ute]
Our Washington dispatches this morning would indicate that the reason of the transportation of Ouray and the other nonhostile Utes to the capital, to be talked at, is perhaps being developed. Mrs. Ouray has already become so far civilized that she sports a silk dress, sealskin sacque, and a velvet hat and feather. Yet she has been at Washington only a few days. The progress the males of the party have made is not reported, but if it is at the like rate, this work may be considered practically finished, and it will be in order to fetch on more Indians from the plains to be civilized.
Jan. 25, 1880 NY Times [Paiute]
PIUTES TO SUPPORT THEMSELVES. Satisfactory Conclusion Of The Conference.
Washington, Jan. 24. -- The conference with the Piute Indians from Nevada has been satisfactorily ended, and as a result the Secretary of the Interior to-day signed the following, with which Winnemucca, the Piute chief, and his associates expressed themselves highly pleased: "The Piutes heretofore entitled to live on the Malheur Reservation, who will make that reservation their permanent home, are to have lands allotted to them in severalty at the rate of 160 acres to each head of a family and each adult male. Such lands they are to cultivate for their own benefit. The allotments will be made under instructions from their agent. As soon as enabled by law to do so, the department is to give Indian patents for such tracts of land, conveying to each occupant the fee simple in the lot occupied. Those of the Piutes who, in consequence of the Bannock war, went to the Yakama Reservation, and who now may desire to rejoin their relatives, are at liberty to do so, without expense to the Government for transportation. Those who desire to stay upon the Yakama Reservation, and become permanently settled there, will not be disturbed. None of the Piutes now living among the whites and earning wages by their own work will be compelled to go to the Malheur Reservation. They are at perfect liberty to continue working for wages for their own benefit, as they are now doing. It is well understood that those who settled on the Malheur Reservation will not be supported by the Government in idleness; they will be aided in starting their farms and promoting their cultivation, but the support given them by the Government will, according to the law, depend upon their willingness and efficiency in working for themselves."
The Piutes will leave here for home on Monday.
1878 & Jan. 25, 1880 NY Times [Cheyenne]
STARVING THE CHEYENNES. How Commissioner Hayt, Knowing Their Necessities, Failed To Relieve Them.
Washington, Jan. 24. -- William M. Leeds, late chief clerk of the Indian Office, appeared before the Senate select committee to examine into the circumstances connected with the removal of the Northern Cheyennes from the Sioux Reservation to the Indian Territory, and gave testimony intended to show that the complaint of these Indians, that they were being starved at their agency, was true. In his testimony to-day he asserted that the Indian Office was informed by their agent of the lack of food, and that Commissioner Hayt failed to furnish the agent with the supplies which the treaty called for, and that the actual quantity of food dealt out to each of the Northern Cheyennes for each of the five weeks, preceding the outbreak in September, 1878, was as follows: For the first week, 20 ounces daily; the second week, 17 ounces; the third week, 12 ounces; the fourth week, 14 1/4 ounces, and the fifth week, 18 ounces daily; whereas, their treaty as well as their necessities demanded 28 ounces daily. He also attacked Commissioner Hayt's annual report for 1878 asserting that the statement in it referring to the food supply for these Indians was deceptive in several particulars.
The witness quoted from Commissioner Hayt's report for 1878, which refers to the Indian food supply. Mr. Leeds said that the 54,731 pounds over the amount to which the Indians were entitled "is a surplus of hides, horns, hoofs, entrails, and refuse. One-half, or 107,684 pounds, of the difference between the amounts states as beef to which they were entitled, as the beef dealt out to them, represents hides, horns, hoofs, entrails and refuse, or the 50 per cent of tare which is allowed the Government at the time of purchasing, and which is not food. While it is true that there was a surplus of 54,731 pounds of gross weight furnished to the Indians, it is also true that, after deducting the 50 per cent. tare from the amount of beef to which they were entitled and the amount dealt out to them, there would be shown a deficit of 52,953 pounds. *** (sic) Thus, it will be seen that the quantity issued during 398 days was short of what was due them 106,795 pounds, without making any allowance for loss or shrinkage, or depreciation in the value of the ration by reason of a change in the proportion of its component parts. These facts, in connection with the fact that for some weeks their scant rations were still further decreased by a lack of the half pound per diem of flour, are not only sufficient evidence that the Northern Cheyennes did not receive rations to the amount to which they were entitled under the treaty, but sustain the charge that they were being starved."
Jan. 26, 1880 Washington Post [Paiute]
Sarah Winnemucca, the Piute Princess, who is stopping at the Tremont house, likes Washington; thinks Secretary Schurz very kind, and his daughter too lovely for anything, or words to that effect. Sarah is a woman of thirty or forty warm summers, with a strong, pleasant face, heavy dark eyes, and hair piled up in the rear and banged in front. She dresses English, speaks English, and has managed to get what she came for in less time that it takes the usual Indian delegations.
Jan. 26, 1880 Washington Post: [Ute; Paiute]
[NOTE: SOME FLAKING OF NEWSPAPER EDGE]
Will The Utes Be Pardoned? The White River Indians Leave to Bring their Brethren Here.
A portion of the Ute Indian delegation, consisting of Chief Jack, Sowawick and Unca Sam of the White river tribe, and Wash and Sieblo of the Uncompahgre or Los Pinos agency Utes, left Washington Saturday night to return on a visit to the Ute country. These Indians were attended by Gen. Adams, the peace commissioner, and their mission is primarily to secure the attendance in Washington of the outlawed White river chiefs and bucks who were participants in the White river agency massacre and incidental outrages, whom Secretary Schurz has heretofore been unable to capture through his peace efforts. It is confidently stated that all of the proscribed Indians, or at least a part, will surrender themselves to this deputation and be brought on by it. Inducements calculated to accomplish this end will be held out to them, one, not the least, of which is a possible or prospective pardon, and assurances that the evidence against them is not positive or such as to secure their execution. All of the Indians were fitted out with bran-new [sic] store clothes, including hats and shoes, and presented a civilized and improved appearance that cannot fail to increase their natural importance among their colleagues. Jack led the hostiles agains[t] Capt. Thornburg, and has the largest following among the chiefs of his tribe. Afte[r] prosecuting the duties assigned by Secretary Schurz the delegation will return here, wher[e] head chief Ouray and his braves will awai[t] them with the Uintah Utes, who are dail[y] expected. The Piutes who have been he[re] for a week or ten days will return to the[ir] home in Humboldt valley, Nevada Territor[y] to-night, with the exception of Princess Sar[ah] Winnemucca, who will go to New York a[nd] mount the lecture rostrum. The Piutes [re]ceived the formal titles to the Malheur Res[er]vation and incidental concessions Saturd[ay] and leave the National capital comparativ[ely] happy.
Jan. 26, 1880: Washington Post: [Ute]
If we can't catch the Ute murderers we can starve their grandmothers to death. For that reason we cut off the rations due to a tribe under a treaty stipulation--a contract of which the Utes fulfilled their part years ago. The Indian bureau is brave. It holds on to the food due to and paid for by these Indians, and says to the old men, the women and the babies, "You can have something to eat when you have caught and surrendered twelve murderers." We ought to be a proud people.
Jan. 26, 1880: Washington Post: [Ute]
Mr. Schurz And The Utes.
When Mr. Schurz cuts off the food supply of a tribe of Indians because a few of their number have been guilty of horrid crimes and have not been caught and handed over to him for punishment, he tortures the innocent as well as the guilty.
We may safely say that the innocent are the greater sufferers. Old men, women and children, who are not even suspected of any part in the Meeker butchery, are denied rations in midwinter when the snow is six or eight feet deep in their country, and when, of course, they can get nothing to eat.
Hunger is horrible torture. It is an infernal punishment, justifiable only as a last resort in the most desperate cases. To say to the White river Utes, as Mr. Schurz has said, "You shall have no rations until the murderers are surrendered," was simply saying to a large number of innocent people that they must starve to death because they would not perform an impossible thing.
It has been demonstrated beyond possible doubt that the White river Utes were very badly treated for years before the recent outbreak. We do not propose to excuse or palliate the murder of Meeker and his associates. The Indians must be taught that grievances, however serious, are not to be redressed by such means. The authors of that crime should be outlawed, a price put upon their heads, and no effort should be spared to insure their destruction.
But the Government cannot deal with this tribe as with Indians who are unfriendly or hostile without any cause. The Indian bureau had violated treaty stipulations in the most important particulars. It did not send the supplies or the farm tools due under the treaty. Gen. Fisk testifies that the neglect of the bureau forced the Utes to travel 175 miles, to Rawlins, for food, and that flour needed at White river stayed at Rawlins until it rotted. As long ago as 1877 the predecessor of Meeker reported to the Interior department that:
'The annuities and supplies furnished these Indians amount to, at a liberal estimate, not over one-half that required for their support. None of the annuity goods and but part of their supplies have reached this agency during the year. Goods purchased in August last year have been laying at the railroad depot, 175 miles away, since November last, a period of over nine months. Flour purchased the 1st of June is still at Rawlins; no clothing, blankets, implements or utensils of any kind have been issued at this agency for nearly two years; no flour, except once, fifteen pounds to a family, since last May."
In face of all these facts in face of the grossest violations of contract on the part of the Government--the Utes having long since fulfilled their part--Mr. Schurz proposes to starve men, women and children unless they will capture and deliver up to certain death twelve of their warriors. So long as this sort of criminal folly is persisted in there can be no peace.
Jan. 27, 1880: Washington Post: [Ute]
The Utes Must Go. Gov. Pitkin's Opinion Of The Colorado Barbarians. He Says They are Irredeemable, and They are Regarded as a Menace to the White People--The Remedies Suggested--The Thornburg Massacre.
Gov. Pitkin, of Colorado, who arrived in Washington yesterday morning, was greeted by The Post last night with the interrogatory:
"You expect to testify before the investigating committee, Governor?"
"I was subpoenaed here for that purpose."
"And when will you tell them all you know on the subject?"
"On Thursday I expect to be called on for testimony."
"Meanwhile will you not give to the world through The Post your opinions on the Indian problem?"
"I will gladly answer any question whose reply will not seem to anticipate the information likely to be elicited by the committee."
"Well, then, what is the condition and character of the Utes?"
"Their condition is an uncivilized, a savage one; three distinct bands of roaming nomads, claiming a territory (their reservation) of over 12,000,000 of acres, from which they constantly range, depredating even to murder on the whites. As to their character, the case of Father Meeker will do for a complete illustration. Meeker was well known all over the country as a pure and genuine philanthropist. The position of Indian agent was accepted not for money, but for the sake of benefiting the Indians. His measures were unquestionably calculated to do them good. They appreciated his efforts with such feeling that two months before the Thornburg massacre Jack and three other White river chiefs came to me and requested the exercise of my influence in procuring his removal. They would not be civilized nor countenance any efforts in that direction."
"What is the opinion of the people of Colorado about them?"
"The people of Colorado regard them as a menace; as a source of danger; as an impediment to the opening of the best lands in the State. The earlier settled portions of Colorado are the poorest, while the mineral wealth of the unsettled part is exceedingly great."
"Will the people of Colorado clean out the Indians if the Government does not interfere."
"The people of Colorado are law-abiding, and not disposed to be reckless. Two or three mining companies of whites could undoubtedly exterminate the Utes; but, as an example of their forbearance, let me state the fact--a fact acknowledged by the Utes themselves--that during the past twenty years only one Indian has been killed by the whites, while of the latter the Indians have killed numbers, wantonly and without provocation, in the same period. Every year several counties are warned by these Indians that if they do not leave they will be killed. The Indians do not abide on their reservation, but are constantly roaming off from it, plundering and devastating. The people of Colorado wish its government to fake the matter in hand and protect the whites. They are exposed to the unchecked violence of worthless savages, whose pastime is destroying life and property, ravishing women, and other similar exploits of irredeemable barbarians."
"What remedy would you suggest?"
"The prompt and effectual interference of the General Government."
"What will be the final result of this matter? I mean the ultimate fate of the Indians in Colorado."
"The Utes must go."
"Who do you think is responsible for the Thornburg massacre?"
"The responsibility lies wholly, I think, with the Indian."
Jan. 27, 1880: Daily Inter Ocean [Ute]
Chief Ouray wears a plug hat, and Mrs. O. a trail, and yet there are people who say Indians cannot be civilized.
Jan. 28, 1880: Evening Star: [Ute]
Miss Josephine Meeker appeared before the House committee on Indian affairs yesterday and to-day, and gave her testimony upon the Ute outbreak and the incidents of the Meeker massacre.
CHECK: ANYTHING 1/28 OR 1/29 RE GOV. PITKIN TESTIFYING ON UTES? SEE REF. BELOW 1/30 RE REFERENCE.
Jan. 28, 1880 Washington Post [Paiute]
Interpreter Berry and Mr. Andrews, of the Indian bureau, having charge of the Ute Indians at the Tremont house, indignantly deny the publication in the Republican, that Sara Winnemucca, the Piute (sic) princess, was the subject of an insult from Augutine, the Ute chief. The false publication arose from the fact that while Sara was talking to Mr. Andrews, Augustine addressed him in the Ute language, which she, not understanding, construed into an insult. The remark had no reference to Sara.
Jan. 30, 1880: Evening Star: [Ute]
The Ute Investigation.--Governor Pitkin, of Colorado, resumed his testimony before the House committee on Indian affairs this morning. He related incidents of his interview with Jack and other Indians, going to show that Ouray had gradually lost his influence over the younger Utes, and that a feeling of disaffection and a war spirit had for some time past been gaining the ascendancy with them. He said that the settlers of Routt county had, previous to the Thornburgh fight, known that the Indians would attack the troops at or near Bear river, and that the general opinion among the people of Colorado was that the outbreak was premediated on the part of the Utes.
Gov. Pitkin did not testify yesterday, as published, that the Utes desired, if possible, to drive out the whites from Colorado, but that they did desire to drive them out from the north and middle parks of that state, and had been endeavoring for years to do so.
***Jan. 30, 1880: Washington Post: [Ute]
Ouray, head chief of the Ute nation, and Mrs. Ouray, accompanied Mr. W. H. Berry, the special agent having them in charge, visited Brady's photograph gallery yesterday and had their pictures taken. Ouray and his wife were attired in their native costume of fine buckskin, with beads and fringe decorations.
Jan. 30, 1880: Washington Post: [Ute]
Pitkin On The Utes. The Colorado Governor Narrates Some Indian History.
Although Miss Josephine Meeker was present at the meeting of the House Indian Affairs committee engaged in investigating the Ute outbreak yesterday morning, she was not called upon to continue her testimony, Gov. Pitkin, of Colorado, being the only witness examined. He said that Colorado Indians, particularly the White river Utes, would neither stay on their reservations nor seem to feel bound to do so. They wandered all over the State, set forests on fire for the purpose of driving game into parks, where they would wantonly slaughter it, not to benefit themselves, but to injure the whites, who greatly value the game and seek to preserve it. The Indians wantonly destroy timber off their reservations, because they know the whites value it. He gave an account of an interview he held with Jack and other chiefs at Denver. They came to solicit his influence to have Meeker removed. They said they had no complaint to make against him in regard to the delivery of rations, but his offense was in plowing land and insisting on their working. Jack said: "Indian no work," and, pointing to Pitkin, said: "You no work." Then indicating a man named Bowers, who was present, said: "He no work." Then, thumping his breast, he said with emphasis: "Me no work. Squaw work a little, but Indian no work." Pitkin refused to assist in getting the agent removed, and his callers went away very angry. He was told afterwards by a man who met Jack on his way home that he said they were going to burn all timber as soon as they got beyond the reac[h] of the military. Without stating explicitly the cause of the outbreak, Gov. Pitkin gave out the impression that it was simply a general dislike of the Indians to work and civilization in every form, and in furtherance of their avowed purpose to regain possession of the South and other eligible parks in Colorado. Senator Teller, who was present, remarked that the claim to those parks was made more audacious from the fact that it is not really Ute country where they are situated, being originally Sioux and Arrapahoe lands. After the Sioux were driven out by the war of 1865 the Utes occupied it on sufferance for a few years, and in 1868 whatever fragment of a claim they had to it was ceded to the Government. Gov. Pitkin's testimony was not concluded, and will be continued at the next meeting of the committee.
Jan. 30, 1880: Washington Post: [general]
[NOTE: CHECK FOR MORE ON THIS IF WANTED]
Schurz Bounces Hayt. Summary Dismissal Of The Indian Commissioner. An Official Statement From the Secretary Explaining His Action--All the Parties Promptly Interviewed--Surmises and Speculations.
Hon. Ezra A. Hayt, commissioner of Indian affairs, was yesterday summarily removed from his official position by Secretary Schurz. The rumor which preceded the acknowledgement of the fact prevailed as early as 1 o'clock, and caused a Post reporter to call upon Chief Clerk Brooks, of the Indian office, to learn if there was any truth in the matter. Mr. Brooks, while not admitting its entire correctness, did not deny that such was the case. Subsequent developments showed that Mr. Hayt, had been called upon to resign, and between 3 and 4 o'clock he was noticed to don his hat and coat, and then left the Interior department for good. In investigating the case a Post reporter called at the commissioner's late residence and discovered that he had, bedouin like, quietly folded his tents and disappeared.
"Does Mr. Hayt reside here?" asked the scribe of the sable servitor who answered the bell.
"No, sir;" was the reply, "he did live here, but has gone."
"Where has he gone?"
"Home, I suppose, sir. He left about an hour ago to take the night train for New York."
Fortunately The Post met the late commissioner as he was proceeding down the avenue towards the Baltimore & Potomac depot, accompanied by Mr. E. J. Brooks, chief clerk of the Indian bureau.
"Mr. Hayt, will you give The Post the reasons for your sudden retreat from the Indian office?" asked the ubiquitous penciller.
"I have no explanation or statement to make," replied the much-investigated official.
"But it is due yourself and your friends to furnish a statement, as Secretary Schurz will probably give his version of the affair."
"The secretary can do as he pleases. I have nothing to say. I do not need to be set right before my friends."
"Have you no communication to make regarding your removal?"
"Not now. I may give the press a statement at the proper time."
Wishing the departing peace coadjutor of Secretary Schurz a pleasant and successful home run, The Post proceeded to call on the latter. He was engaged in entertaining a senatorial stag party, and it was late before he could be seen. In reply to inquiries Mr. Schurz said: "It is the custom in our department to act in this way when any of its officers withhold desired information."
"Was this an outgrowth of the investigations of the Indian commissioner?"
"It was in connection with that, but not the result of any findings by it."
"This was a case analogous to that of a chief clerk who was removed in that department?"
"Yes."
"What is the application of the civil service tenure in a case of this kind while Congress is in session?"
"Well, the officer holds over until his successor is appointed. It is regarded more in the light of a suspension."
"Is the office one where impeachment implies?"
"No; I do not think he is an officer liable to impeachment."
"Will Mr. Brooks be acting commissioner until Mr. Hayt's successor is appointed?"
"Yes; or until other arrangements are made."
Further than this the secretary was non-communicative. There were several rumors afloat last night regarding Mr. Hayt's summary removal, it being claimed that it was the result of withholding certain information that should have gone to Secretary Schurz, and again that the secretary has been convinced that some of the charges against Mr. Hayt were true, and the following being a copy of the letter of removal:
Interior Department.
Washington, D.C., Jan. 29, 1880,
Hon E. A. Hayt, Commissioner of Indian Affairs:
SIR: It has become my duty to inform you that the public interest demands a change in the commissionership of Indian affairs, and that your further services in that office are dispensed with.
Very respectfully, C. Schurz, Secretary.
The following statement, made on the authority of the secretary, was last night furnished for publication, and explains the true animus of the affairs:
"It is stated on the authority of the committee of the board of Indian commissioners, who have been investigating the charges against Mr. Hayt diligently and thoroughly, that no proof of any dishonest act or connection with corrupt practices on his part had been found, and that the action indicated by the letter of Secretary Schurz was taken for the reason that he had withheld from the department information which the department ought to have had. It will be remembered that for the same reason removals have been made before, and it is held that in such things the Administration can be no respecter of persons."
The dismissal of Mr. Hayt necessarily brings the investigations of the Indian commission to an end, and Gen. Fiske, who has been most prominent in it, left for New York last night. He declined making any specific statement before leaving, but a[pp]eared to regard the event of yesterday as [a] victory for the commission. It is thought that in suppressing the information referred to by Secretary Schurz Mr. Hayt was actuated by a desire to retain evidence from the commission that might tend to criminate himself, and this is supported by the declaration of the former that the "information" was in connection with the investigation. No one has been more prompt in furnishing the press with statements and evidence that served to contradict the charges against him than Mr. Hayt, and his refusal to make a statement last night is regarded as rather strange, to say the least.
Hon. Ezra A. Hayt was appointed commissioner of Indian affairs December 17, 1877; and his selection at that time was probably due to the fact that he had formerly served as a member of the board of Indian commissioners. He succeeded Hon. J. Q. Smith, who now occupies an office in Canada as a representative of the United States.
Jan. 31, 1880: Evening Star: [Ute]
The Southern Utes, Ignatio, Salvero, Buckskin Charley and Ojo Bancho, passed through Indiana yesterday, en route for Washington, in charge of Col. Page.
Jan. 31, 1880: Washington Post: [Ute]
A Sensation Spoiled. Exploding a Fiction Regarding Hayt's Dismissal. Secretary Schurz and Gen. Hammond Fully Deny the Dramatic
Story Published in Sundry Papers--The Report of the Investigation Ready.
The announcement of the sudden dismissal of Indian Commissioner Hayt by Secretary Schurz, as published in The Post yesterday morning, created considerable comment. The facts were presented devoid of any sensational and fictitious additions, such as appeared in sundry papers, and received widespread attention.
[Rest of article not copied here--is on microfilm print-out]
Jan. 31, 1880: Washington Post: [Ute]
The Utes in Colorado. Gov. Pitkin Continues His Descriptive History.
Gov. Pitkin, of Colorado, continued his testimony before the House Indian Affairs committee, engaged in the investigation of the Ute outbreak, yesterday. He again alluded to the interview between himself and Jack, and said that when he mentioned Ouray as authority for the statement that some trader was selling whiskey to the Indians at Bear river, Jack and his associates grunted contemptuously, and Jack remarked; "Ouray played out; President Johnson played out; want new President. Indian agent played out; new Indian agent. Ouray played out, all same as white man. Savonavaro, big chief." The latter is known as unfriendly to the whites. Regarding Agent Meeker, Jack remarked: "Some days Indians heap good with Meeker, next day heap bad." This Gov. Pitkin interpeted [sic] to mean that on some days Mr. Meeker was peevish, and this might possibly have helped to provoke the outbreak. He read a number of communications, all to the effect that the attack was premeditated. One communication stated that one of the scouts who was killed in the Bear river fight had been warned by the Indians to keep out of the way, as they intended to attack and destroy the troops at that point if they attempted to come on the reservation. The witness said he thought Ouray was sincerely friendly to the whites and desirous of keeping peace, but his influence over the younger members of the tribes was very slight. He had never heard of any complaint by the Indians that miners had intruded upon their reservation. He described the panic that followed Thornburg's fight and the massacre at the agency, and the appeals that he received for troops or arms from nearly every town in the State. Even now, when the panic has subsided, there is an almost universal belief among the settlers that they will be attacked next spring unless the Indians are in the meantime removed. He give [sic] the committee a list of forty-nine murderers of white men by Indians in Colorado within a few years past, and said he had heard of only one case of an Indian being killed by a white man, which he explained on the ground that the whites in that sparsely settled region were afraid to fight with the Indians, knowing that if an Indian were to be killed at any one point, his tribe would take vengeance on the white settlers everywhere. In regard to mineral lands on the reservation, the witness said that while miners carefully refrained from trespassing, the universal opinion of the people of the State was that it was an outrage on industrious and enterprising laboring men and the whole country to keep them out of that region, which is utterly valueless for any other than mining purposes, simply in order that a few Indians might remain and hunt over it, especially as it is quite worthless even for hunting, being for the most part near tops of mountains, above the timber line, and covered with snow the greater part of the year.
Jan. 31, 1880 Daily Inter Ocean (Chicago) [Ute]
[Main story is :The dramatic finale of Indian commissioner Hayt’s official career…Leaving aside his dishonesty and inefficiency, he was one of the most unpopular officials in the entire government, and no one who could avoid it ever had any business with him…The Democrats are quite chagrined that the indian Committee of the House, which was been investigating Hayt, did not strike the rottenness and take the credit of exposure, instead of leaving it to the Republican Board of Indian Commissioners…]
Ouray.
An attempt was made to-day to interview Ouray, the chief, to see what he thought of the last sensation, but the pickets were out, and no one was allowed to approach within hailing distance of him.
Jan. 31, 1880 Harper’s Weekly [Ute]
Hope and Foreign Gossip.
The Ute delegation, twelve in number, that recently arrived in Washington, included representatives of the four Ute tribes. As their examination by the Secretary of the Interior and the Committee on Indian Affairs brings them prominently before the public, it may be a matter of interest to identify them by name. Ouray, of coarse [sic], is well known by name, and he brings with him Chipita, his wife, who has shown her friendship for the whites on more than one occasion. Wash is an under-chief, in charge of the Indians; Alhandra, Galota, Joe-Nick, and Liebblo represent the Uncompaghres. Of the White River Utes there are Captain Jack (a war chief), Sa-Wa-Wie, and Unca-Sam; Ta-Pouche chief of the Capotes, and Augusting, chief of the Weminuche tribe. We give the names as they were reported on the arrival of the delegation at Chicago. These Indians went to Washington as volunteer representatives of their tribes, and none of them are believed to have had anything to do with the massacre and violence which took place at White River.
Ouray appears to be not only friendly to the white man, and desirous to have present difficulties peaceably adjusted, but he is evidently a shrewd chief. It is reported that when in a convention at Washington, the Secretary of the Interior continued as a condition of peace the delivering up of the murderers of Mr. Meeker, Ouray replied: “That is a very funny thing to ask of me. How can I give them up? Why do you hold my tribe responsible for what those men did? We are Uncompahgres; they are White River Utes, and not under my immediate control. If a murder was committed here in Washington, would your authorities make the whole population suffer for it?”
FEBRUARY: SHOSHONIAN: Comanche: BAE-AR 1 p.406: Information obtained at Washington, in February, 1880, from Maj. J. M. Haworth, Indian inspector, relating to signs used by the Comanches of Indian Territory.
Feb. 2, 1880: Evening Star: [Ute]
The Southern Ute Delegation arrived in the city last Saturday evening and are quartered at the Tremont House. The delegation consists of Olo [sic] Banco, Ignacio, Buckskin Charley, and Feraro [sic]. Agent Page accompanied them. The delegation represents about one-third of the Ute tribe, and their presence here is in connection with the negotiations with Ouray and the others who came on before them. Their presence is necessary to conclude and make binding upon all the Utes any agreement that may be arrived at.
Feb. 2, 1880: Washington Post: [Ute]
[NOTE: following is only one para from a column, probably, "City Talk and Chatter; rest isn't relevant] [NOTE: paper losses, can't read all]
The delegation of Southern Ute Indians, whose summons to Washington by the Interior department and selection by Gen. Hatch, late peace commissioner, was noted in The Post some time ago arrived Saturday night, having come through via Santa Fe, N.M., where Gen. Hatch remained. The party, which was lodged at the Tremont house where Ouray's chiefs are stopping, consisted of Ignacio, head chief of the Southern Ute tribe, and Buckskin Charlie, Ojo Blanco and Severo, sub-chiefs, Mr. Henry Page, their tribunal agent, accompanied them together with Mr. Will F. Burns as interpreter. All of the Indians are representative ...ng their fellows. Mr. Page, the ... formerly State treasurer of Ar-.... of the Indians are clothed in ... nd conspicuous dress, ornamented with bead-work, quills, etc. The object in bringing the party to Washington is to participate in the negotiations attending the proposed transfer of the Utes from Colorado.
Feb. 2, 1880 Washington Post [Ponca]
Standing Bear and Bright Eyes.
Philadelphia, Feb. 1. -- The Ponca Indians, Standing bear, a chief, Bright Eyes, daughter of Iron Eye, and Woodworker, her brother, whose tribe of 800 persons have been removed to the Indian Territory without their consent, and who are endeavoring to have their reservation restored to them, arrived in this city from New York this morning. They attended the West Arch street Presbyterian church, where their cause was advocated by Mr. T. H. Tibbles, of Omaha, the friend of the Indians.
Feb. 3, 1880: Evening Star: [Ute]
Conference On The Ute Question.--Gov. Pitkin, of Colorado, Senators Hill and Teller, and Representative Belford, of the same state, called in a body to-day upon the President, Secretary Ramsey and Secretary Schurz. Their visit was in regard to the Utes. Upon general terms they want the Utes to go, and go quickly. They presented their views upon the subject at large, and particularly urged the sending of troops to protect certain settlers in the state. It appears that in the mountains near Dallas and Durang [sic] the settlers are cut off from civilization by the Utes. They are beyond the settled portion of the country, with the Utes between. The Colorado delegation stated that these settlers are in danger, and requested that troops be sent for their protection. This subject came up in the Cabinet this afternoon. If it should be decided to send troops, the trouble would be to get them out on account of the heavy snow, and then they would have to go through the Ute reservation. The question was not finally decided. It was thought best, however, to wait the result of the mission of the Ute Indians, who have gone back home with General Adams in the endeavor to securet the remainder of the Indians demanded. In the meantime, as a number of the Utes are now here, and as they are regarded by their people as hostages, it is not considered likely that any attack will be made on the settlers.
Feb. 4, 1880: Evening Star: [Ute]
The Southern Utes, who arrived here a few days ago, had a conference, conducted in Spanish, with Secretary Schurz to-day. The meeting was a private one. Ignacio, who leads this delegation, is a fine specimen of humanity--over six feet high, broad shouldered and very intelligent. He is chief of the Indian police for the Southern Utes, and is very proud of his position.
Feb. 4, 1880: Evening Star: [Ute]
It is proposed that Ouray shall go to the Indian school, at Carlisle, Pa., to see how the young Indians are being trained. Ouray wants to go, and it is very likely that he will make the visit.
Feb. 4, 1880: Washington Post: [Ute]
[NOTE: paras from column; no heading; rest not related]
The Ute question was the only important subject discussed in Cabinet yesterday. It was represented that the people of Colorado were in some points actually defenseless, and liable to be massacred by the Indians. No ultimate decision was reached, as advices are soon expected from Gen. Adams and the Utes who went back with him.
Gov. Pitkin and the Colorado delegation in Congress were at the White House yesterday regarding the safety of settlers beyond the Ute reservations whom they deemed in danger, and desired troops to be sent to their aid. It was thought that this might foment [sic] trouble, and the Cabinet decided to remain status quo pending the return of Gen. Adams from his mission for the hostile Utes.
Feb. 5, 1880: Evening Star: [Ute]
The Ute Investigation.--The House committee on Indian affairs this morning examined W. N. Beyers, postmaster at Denver, Col., relative to the Ute question. His testimony covered incidents of the past five years, and matters coming within the scope of his personal knowledge and experience. He stated that the causes of dissatisfaction and irritation on the part of the Utes dated back to the treaty in which they claimed to have been "sold out by Ouray;" that the White River Utes repudiated that treaty, and invariably warned settlers from the reservation which they held they never intended to cede to the United States; that the Indian idea was that they had exclusive rights on the reservation and an equal right with the whites off the reservation. Mr. Beyers gave a detailed account of the Indian depredations, calling attention to the fact, that while they left intact the timber on their reservation, they had destroyed immense quantities in the surrounding region. As an indication that the outbreak was premediated, he instanced the fact that the Utes had for sometime been courting friendly relations with the Cheyennes and Arrapahoes when it is well-known that they are natural and deadly enemies.
Feb. 5, 1880: Washington Post: [Ute]
City Talk and Chatter.
A private conference of the Southern Utes, who recently arrived here, was held yesterday with Secretary Schurz.
It is probable that Ouray will visit Carlisle, Pa., and examine the workings of the Indian school at that place.
Feb. 7, 1880: Evening Star: [Ute]
The Utes.--Secretary Schurz to-day received a dispatch from General Adams, at Los Pinos, announcing his arrival there. Jack and Sowerjick [sic], who went west from here with General Adams, left immediately for Grand River to meet the Utes. They promised to do all they could to secure the surrender of the Indians wanted. The Indians are quiet.
Feb. 7, 1880: Evening Star: [Ute]
The Ute Investigation.--Henry C. Olney, of Colorado, register of the land office of San Juan district, testified before the House committee on Indian affairs this morning relative to the recent Ute troubles. His acquaintance with the Utes dated back to 1871, and his testimony related to matters of his personal knowledge and information, which he had received as publisher of the Silver World newspaper, and as register of the land office. His evidence was mainly corroborative of the statements of Gov. Pitkin and others relative to outrages and depredations by the Indians and indicated that the relations between the whites and Indians in Colorado was anything but conducive to harmony and mutual confidence.
Feb. 7, 1880: Washington Post: [Ute]
The Redskins. Jack, the Ute Chief, at His Home--Victoria [sic] in the Lava Beds.
Special Dispatch to The Post.
Los Pinos Agency, Co.., Feb. 6, -- Gen. Adams and party arrived yesterday. Capt. Jack and Sowawick left immediately for Grand river. At that point it is reported that Douglass and the White river Utes are encamped. Jack made no promises, and refused to set a time for his return. "I will do my best to effect a surrender of the prisoners," were his parting words to Gen. Adams. Douglass has not been at the agency since he made his demand for rations on the 17th ultimo and was refused. All is quiet. The Indians are extremely anxious over the pending negotiations at Washington.
Feb. 12, 1880: Evening Star: [Ponca]
Standing Bear, the Ponca chief, to-day appeared before the Senate select committee investigating the Ponca question and completed his testimony begun yesterday. He complained of the alleged deceit practiced by the agents of the government, who induced the Poncas to go to the Indian Territory, and also related in detail the hardships endured by his people while in that territory and while endeavoring to return to their homes on the Niobrara. His testimony to-day and yesterday was a repetition of statements heretofore frequently made by him and that have been published throughout the country. The committee meet [sic] again to-morrow and will then examine Bright Eyes, another member of the Ponca tribe of Indians.
[NOTE; NOTHING LOCATED EARLIER ON THIS]
Feb. 12, 1880: Daily Inter Ocean (Chicago): [Ute]
Indian Affairs. Educating Indian Youth.
Captain Pratt, of the army, who has charge of the Indian school at Carlisle, Pa. has awakened a wonderful interest in his work here, and Congressman Pound, of Wisconsin, has introduced a bill, which will probably pass to increase the facilities of the school, and establish similar schools elsewhere. Captain Pratt has invited the Indian committees of the House and Senate to go up to Carlisle and inspect his school, and they are making arrangements to do so. It is also proposed to have Ouray go there and see the Indian youth with books and slates in their hands.
Feb. 13, 1880: Evening Star: [Cheyenne, Ponca]
"Bright Eyes" [Susette LaFlesche, Omaha acting as interpreter for Ponca] Examined.--At a meeting of Senator Kirkwood's special committee investigating the removal of the Cheyennes and Poncas, to-day, Bright Eyes was examined with reference to her knowledge of the causes leading to the removal of the Poncas, and their condition in the Indian Territory. In these respects nothing new was developed. The attention of Bright Eyes was called by Senator Morgan to a paper purporting to be signed by heads of nearly all the heads of Ponca families, requesting the President to remove them to a new reservation in the Indian territory, Bright Eyes exclaimed: "Why, White Eagle has told me a dozen times that he never signed any such paper! Why, that is monstrous!" Standing Bear was then shown the paper. He read it over, smiled incredulously, made several gestures of disgust, accompanied by expressive "ughs," and finally said: "That's the white man's way. The [sic] write one thing and tell us another." He then voluntarily explained the circumstances attending the signing by the council of chiefs of a paper supposed by them to be a refusal to leave their reservation, the facts regarding which are familiar. The investigation will proceed to-morrow.
Feb. 13, 1880: Washington Post: [Ute]
[City Talk and Chatter?]
Ouray and his wife, and all of the Colorado Utes [sic] Indians who have been in Washington for some weeks, returned from Carlisle, Pa., last night, whence they went Wednesday morning in charge of Mr. W. H. Berry, their agent, to visit the Government Indian school at the military barracks in that place. Ouray and his band evinced great satisfaction and surprise at the condition and material intellectual advancement of the Indian boys and girls under tutelage there, and Ouray so expressed himself in a speech to Capt Pratt, the officer in charge.
Feb. 14, 1880 Washington Post [Ponca]
The Ponca Inquiry.
Col. E. C. Kemble, the agent who had charge of the removal of the Ponca Indians to the Indian Territory, and who, it is probable, came in for a good share of the $20,000 appropriated by Congress for that purpose, gave his version on Saturday of "the deep damnation of the taking off" of the Poncas before the select committee of the Senate. Col. Kemble, inspector, began his narrative at 10:30 A.M., and at 1:30 P.M. had got about half way through, and so the committee concluded to let him finish on Monday. His account of the affair is in direct contradiction of that given by the Indians, and the committee will be at some loss to determine which to accept as the truth.
Feb. 14, 1880 Washington Post [Ponca]
The Wrongs of the Poncas.
The select committee of the Senate, of which Mr. Kirkwood is chairman, examined the Indian girl "Bright Eyes" in regard to the removal of the Poncas from their reservation to the Indian Territory yesterday. Her testimony gave the same version of deceit practiced upon her tribe and their condition in their new home as that of Standing Bear the previous day. She was accompanied by her brother and Standing Bear. A paper was shown to the witness signed by the members of the Ponca tribe, and signifying their willingness to go to the Indian Territory. On the agreement being shown to Standing Bear, he said that it was not the same that they had signed. Mr. Brooks, the acting commissioner of Indian affairs, testified that he knew nothing of the removal of the Poncas except from the records of the office, and the evidence of their consent was based upon the reports of Mr. Kimball and Agent Howard. Mr. T. H. Tibbles, who came on with the Indians, stated that in his opinion the only motive for the removal of the Indians was the appropriation of $40,000 that was made for this purpose. The removal was effected during the summer, and the Indians furnished their own transportation. An itemized account of the expenditure of this money from the annual report of the Indian office was produced, which showed charges for fuel and forage. Standing Bear denied that they had received either. Mr. Kimball will appear before the committee to-day, and at the request of the chairman the Indians will be present. They expect to leave Washington on the evening train.
Feb. 17, 1880 Washington Post [Paiute & Ute]
Indians at the Tomb of Washington.
Capt. Blake, of the W. W. Corcoran, has extended to the visiting Indians, including Chief Ouray and suite and Little Bright Eyes, an invitation to accompany him to Mount Vernon upon the regular trip Wednesday. The red visitors have accepted, and will visit the tomb of their great Father, the first white man known to have carried a hatchet.
Feb. 17, 2880: Washington Post: [Ute]
The Red Devils En Route.
Chicago, Ill., Feb. 26.--The second Ute delegation passed through Chicago this evening for Washington. It consists of three of the accused Meeker murderers. Douglass, Jim Johnson and Thomas prominent. Among the delegation is Shavano, Sowawick and Wass. They are in charge of a guard of soldiers under Gen. Adams.
Feb. 17, 1880 Evening Star: [Ponca]
The Ponca Investigation.--The Senate special committee's investigation of the Ponca question was continued this morning by a long and searching cross-examination of ex-Inspector Kimble, conducted mainly by Senator Dawes, but nothing new of interest or importance was developed.
Feb. 18, 1880: Evening Star: [? Utes involved?]
A Congressional Trip To Carlisle.--The House committee on Indian affairs are making up a party to visit the Indian school at Carlisle Barracks, Pa. The members of the committee with ladies and other invited guests will compose the party. The members of the Cabinet have been invited, and Secretary Schurz will certainly go. A special train with the party will leave the Baltimore and Ohio depot at 10:40 next Friday morning, arriving at Carlisle at 5 p.m. and returning on Saturday at 2:50 p.m.
Feb. 18, 1880: Evening Star: [Ute]
Three Ute Murderers Surrendered And Coming to Washington.--Late yesterday afternoon Secretary Schurz received a dispatch from Gen. Adams announcing that Chiefs Jack, Sowawick and Wash. Thomas have returned to Los Pinos Col., with three of the twelve prisoners demanded by the government--Douglass, Thomas and Tim Johnson--and three other Utes, en route for Washington. The other culprits demanded could not be reached on account of the snow. Chief Johnson, one of the men demanded, sent his regrets, and said he was a medicine man and had a sick patient and couldn't come. The road to Ouray and other settlements, by way of Los Pinos, is now probably safe.
Feb. 18, 1880: Washington Post: [Ute]
Gen. Adams and the Utes.
The following was received at the Interior department yesterday afternoon:
Los Pinos Agency, Feb. 15, 1880.
Hon C. Shurz, Secretary of the Interior.
Chief Jack, Sowawick and Wash returned here yesterday with Douglass, Thomas and Jim Johnson. Will start with these and three additional Uncompahgres to-morrow on sleighs, hoping to reach Fort Garland next Tuesday, and will proceed to Washington without delay. Matters here are perfectly quiet and peaceful; all Indians are expecting a permanent settlement of the trouble and peace; road to Ouray and other settlements, via Los Pinos, now perfectly safe and open, except where blockaded by snow, mails and teams traveling it daily. Will advise you further upon reaching telegraphic communication. Charles Adams, Special Agent.
Feb. 19, 1880: Evening Star: [? Utes involved?]
The Congressional Trip To Carlisle.--A Congressional delegation and others will leave by special car at 10:40 a.m. to-morrow to visit the school for training Indian youths at Carlisle, Pa. The visit is made under the auspices of the committee on Indian affairs of the House of Representatives--Gov. Pound, of that committee, having the matter especially in charge. Invitations have been issued to the Secretaries of the Interior and War departments, General Sherman, the commissioner of education, the members of the committee of Indian affairs of the Senate and House, the chairman and one republican member of each of the committees on ways and means, appropriations, and education and labor of each branch of Congress; the members of the board of Indian commissioners, the acting commissioner of Indian affairs, the Speaker of the House, and the Vice President of the Senate. The invitations include the ladies of their families. A bill is pending in the House of Representatives providing for the use of unoccupied military barracks for industrial training schools for Indian youths and detailing officers of the army (in part) as teachers. The school at Carlisle occupies the barracks there, and is in charge of Capt. H. H. Pratt, of the army. It was established by the Interior department under an act of the special session of the present Congress. The bill referred to has been reported favorably by Gov. Pound, of Wisconsin.
Feb. 19, 1880: Daily Inter Ocean [Ute]
The Indians.
Los Pinos Agency, Col., Feb. 16, via Lake City, Col., Feb. 18.—The contractor failed to furnish transportation at the time appointed, and General Adams and Otto Mears were unable to leave until this morning. The delegation is composed of nine Indians from the Uncompaghres and five White River Utes. Three of the latter—Douglas, Jonson, and Thomas—are prisoners. The delegation is above the average in point of intelligence, and as representative men is ahead of those who accompanied Chief Ouray. General Adams has succeeded beyond the expectation of the people of Colorado. Few men would have accomplished so much.
Feb. 20, 1880 Washington Post [gen.]
OPENING THE INDIAN TERRITORY. - [no specific tribes or DC connection - copy in file.]
Feb. 20, 1880: Washington Post: [Ute]
[City Talk and Chatter?]
Secretary Schurz held another conference with Chief Ouray yesterday regarding the Ute questions. Additional telegrams were received by the secretary yesterday from Gen. Adams, indicating further that the Indians were peacefully disposed and no trouble is anticipated.
Feb. 23, 1880: Repository (Canton, Ohio) [Ponca]
The Tricky Treasury Boss.
Special Dispatch to Cincinnati entrails
Washington, Feb. 19.—Several Ponca Indians left Washington to-day for the West, after holding several long conferences with Secretary Schurz. At the last of these pow-wows Secretary Sherman was present, and a Treasury agent, whose salary is $5 per day, with expenses paid, was observed going out for beer and pretzels. After the confab was over, Old-Man-Afraid-of-a-Liar was interviewed by our correspondent, and, though very reticent, he said enough to give me a very clear inkling of the subject of the mysterious conferences. There can be no doubt that a large delegation of Ponca Indians are to swoop down upon Chicago June 4th, armed with rifles furnished by the Interior Department, and compel the Republican Convention to either nominate the prime mover in this conspiracy for the Presidency or submit to be scalped collectively and individually. Another part of the scheme is that the various detachments of the regular army are all to be sent to distant posts by General Sherman, who will be taken into the conspiracy later on. By this audacious plot the ambitious boss of the Treasury hopes to make himself master of the situation in Chicago.
The above is about on a par with the stuff daily sent from Washington to the Enquirer concerning Secretary Sherman.
Feb. 25, 1880: Evening Star: [Ute]
The Ute Prisoners.--The statement that Secretary Schurz has decided that none of the Indian prisoners recently delivered to Gen. Adams shall be brought to Washington is incorrect. It has not been definitely decided what shall be done with the prisoners, but it is the intention to bring some of them here.
Feb. 25, 1880: Evening Star: [Ute]
All Quiet At Los Pinos.--The acting Indian agent at Los Pinos in a telegram received at the Indian department to-day says that all is quiet at that place.
Feb. 27, 1880 Evening Star [Cherokee, Creek, Seminole, Shawnee]
Giving a Hearing To The Indians.--The Senate committee on territories to-day gave audience to W. P. Adair, assistant principal chief of the Cherokee nation; P. Porter and John F. Brown, representing respectively the Creeks and Seminoles; and Charles Bluejacket, and Charles Tucker, Shawnee representatives, in opposition to the bill which was agreed upon by the committee last week, "providing for the establishment of a United States court in the Indian territory and for other purposes." Col. Adair read to the committee the published memorial that was presented to the Senate on 16th instant, and several other delegates made oral arguments against the bill in the same general line of argument. The report to the Senate has been delayed in order to hear this delegation, but the committee, at the conclusion of the hearing, decided to adhere to their previous action, directing the measure to be reported with a recommendation for passage.
Feb. 27, 1880 Washington Post [Ute]
The Red Devils En Route.
Chicago, Ill., Feb. 26.--The second Ute delegation passed through Chicago this evening for Washington. It consists of three of the accused Meeker murderers. Douglass, Jim Johnson and Thomas prominent. Among the delegation is Shavano, Sowawick and Wass. They are in charge of a guard of soldiers under Gen. Adams.
Feb. 28, 1880: Evening Star: [Ute]
There Will Be No War With The Utes in the spring. That much seems to be settled; at least it is well understood in military circles that such is the case. It is stated, on good authority, that word has been sent to the officers in Colorado and New Mexico, who have been preparing for an Indian war in the spring, that they need not go further in the prosecution of the preliminary details. Stores have been moved and accumulated at advantageous points, and troops have been located for a "ready." It has been repeatedly announced, by authority, that if the Ute murderers were not delivered up for punishment that the whole affair would be turned over to the army. Three of the Utes who are charged with participating in the Meeker massacre have been given up, and two of them arrived here this morning. The other, Douglass, is a prisoner at Fort Leavenworth. It is understood that the two supposed murderers, who arrived here to-day, will be sent to Fortress Monroe. They cannot be punished beyond confinement. There is no law, as pointed out in The Star at the beginning of the negotiations, for the surrender of the Meeker murderers, under which they can be punished. The crime was committed on an Indian reservation, outside the jurisdiction of the Colorado courts or the United States courts. The delivery of the three prisoners referred to is all that will be accomplished in the direction of punishment. It is not the policy of the Interior department to have war with the Indians; in fact, it has all along been the object of Secretary Schurz to avoid a war if possible. In the delivery of the three prisoners there is an opportunity of avoiding the turning of the whole matter over to the army. From the instructions sent out by the War department it is evident that it will not assume the aggressive under the decision of the administration and particularly of the War department. The arrival of the Ute prisoners here and the confinement of Douglass at Fort Leavenworth and the future transportation of the two prisoners here to Fortress Monroe winds up the whole matter of punishing Utes on account of the Meeker massacre and their recent outbreak. It is known that the question is now practically disposed of.
March 1, 1880: Washington Post: [Ute]
Ouray's Brother
Leavenworth, Kansas, Feb. 29.--Chief Douglas, who is confined in the guard house at Fort Leavenworth, refuses to be interviewed regarding the Meeker family. He says he is Ouray's brother.
March 1, 1880: Washington Post: [General]
City Talk and Chatter.
Gen. Charles Adams and wife, of Colorado, are guests at the Ebbitt.
March 3, 1880 Washington Post [related]
Dr. Clark Johnson's Indian Blood Syrup. [ad - details in file]
March 3, 1880: Evening Star: [Ute]
The Utes Agree To Go.--Commencing at a quarter-past 4 o'clock yesterday afternoon the Secretary of the Interior and the delegation of Southern Utes now in the city had quite a lengthy conference at the Interior department. The position taken by Secretary Schurz in regard to the removal of the Utes has been that the Northern Utes--the White River Utes and Uncompaghres--should go into Utah, and the Southern Utes into New Mexico. Some time ago Ouray, as stated in The Star, expressed himself as satisfied with the change for the Southern Utes. At the conference yesterday afternoon the Southern Utes agreed to be removed to New Mexico. They will be given land in severalty near the Navajo reservation. They will be given the back annuities which they claim, and will be paid for the land they cede. Secretary Schurz will late this afternoon have a conference with Ouray and the other Southern Utes. There is no doubt of their formally accepting the terms offered. The White River Utes will go to the Mintah [sic] reservation, in Utah, and the Uncompaghres to land on the Grand river, in that territory, near the Colorado border. All the details for these changes have not yet been arranged, but the removal and the opening of Colorado to settlers will be arranged as speedily as possible.
March 3, 1880: Washington Post: [Ponca]
The Ponca Removal.
The Senate special committee engaged in the investigation of the causes for the removal of the Ponca Indians met yesterday. The object of the meeting was to hear the testimony of White Eagle, one of the chiefs of the tribe. White Eagle, however, was modest, and desired to be excused from testifying until he had been provided with a new breech clout, evidently imagining that it would be indelicate to unfold his narrative to a Senate committee in old clothes. He was, consequently, excused until to-day, when he will tell his story, which, it is thought, will not materially differ from the testimony of Bright Eyes and Standing Bear. There is a notion afloat that an effort has been made by the Indian department to tamper with White Eagle so far as to induce him to at least modify his testimony.
March 4, 1880: Evening Star: [Ponca]
The Ponca Investigation Committee yesterday examined White Eagle, head of the Poncas, who testified that his people were unwilling to remove from their reservation, and that they were very badly treated in the matter by Inspector Kemble.
March 4, 1880: Evening Star: [Ute]
The Agreement With The Utes.--The Secretary of the Interior had a conference with Chief Ouray, the Uncompahgne [sic] and White River Utes yesterday afternoon, at which the Indians virtually agreed to accept the terms of the government and cede their reservation. As soon as a definite understanding is reached, the Secretary will submit the details of the agreement to Congress. The condition upon which the Secretary of the Interior has made lead all others in the Ute negotiations is that the Ute murderers not yet given up shall be surrendered. It is intended to send the Indians here home as soon as the agreement with them is finally ratified, except the two murders, who will probably be sent to Fortress Monroe.
March 4, 1880: Washington Post: [Ute]
The Ute Matter Settled.
Ouray and the members of his tribe, including Jim and Momas, the [sic] two of the White river tribe who arrived Saturday, held a conferences [sic] with Secretary Schurz yesterday, in which the terms of removal of the Utes in Colorado were ratified. It is agreed that the White river tribe shall be settled on the Uintah reservation in Utah, the Southern Utes go to New Mexico and Ouray and the Uncompaghres cross the Colorado line on the Grande river, in Utah, where they will be granted lands in severalty. The inducement for the change is the settlement of annuities in arrears. The subject will, as soon as formally arranged, be submitted too the Indian Affairs committees ... [th]e two houses of Congress.
March 5, 1880: Evening Star: [Ponca [Omaha]]
Society Notes.
"Bright Eyes," the Ponca girl, was one of Mrs. Representative Clafin's assistants at her reception on Tuesday. On Wednesday evening Mrs. Clafin gave a party to some of the many Bostonians now visiting Washington, which was a very agreeable entertainment.
March 5, 1880: Washington Post: [Ute]
The Ute Conundrum.
Secretary Schurz Tells What is to be Done With the Prisoners.
"What disposition is to be made of the White river Ute prisoners now in the hands of the Government?" asked a Post agent of Mr. Schurz yesterday.
"Douglass will be kept at Leavenworth until he is tried," replied the Secretary of the Interior.
"When will that be?"
"When the others are secured."
"What will be done with Jim and Thomas, the prisoners now here?"
"They will also be kept in custody."
"Where?"
"That has not been determined as yet. They will remain here until the present negotiations are concluded."
"Do they participate in the negotiations?"
"Oh no, the Government would not allow that."
Jim and Thomas were present at the interview between the Utes and Secretary Schurz, and were brought on to Washington probably with a view to secure information from them, and to hold them as hostages for the surrender of the remaining offenders of their tribe.
March 6, 1880: Evening Star: [Ponca]
The Ponca Investigation.--The committee investigating the removal of the Poncas yesterday resumed the examination of White Eagle, the head chief of the Poncas, in relation to the removal of the tribe, after the return to [sic] himself and the other chiefs who had been to visit the territory. On their return they reported against removal, and the tribe in council decided not to remove. But Inspector Kemble told them they must remove anyhow, or he would put them into the hands of the soldiers, which he afterwards did. The first place to which they removed was stony and unhealthy. The next place was better land, but more unhealthy. Between July and December, 1876, White Eagle lost his wife and four children, has been sick himself most of the time, and is sick yet. He and all his tribe want to get back to their old reservation. He also testified in regard to the killing of Big Snake by the Fort Reno troupe, which he claimed, was unnecessary and unprovoked.
March 6, 1880: Washington Post: [Ute]
Chief Douglas' Escape and Recapture.
Special Dispatch to The Post.
Chicago, March 5.--A special to the Times from Leavenworth, Kan., says, Chief Douglass, one of the Ute Indians named by the Meeker women as being guilty of murders at the White river agency and subsequent outrages upon themselves, lately surrendered by the tribe to Gen. Adams and confined at Fort Leavenworth, escaped from the guardhouse at that post on Thursday afternoon, by jumping from the second story window. He was pursued by the guard and fired at several times. After running half a mile he was captured by Sergeant Hubbard, of the provost guard, and placed in close confinement. He was overpowered with great difficulty.
March 8, 1880: Washington Post: [Ute]
A Settlement With The Utes. The Final Agreement Now Ready for Ratification by Congress.
The negotiations which have been pending between Secretary Schurz and Ouray, head chief of the Ute Indians in Colorado, for two months past, were finally concluded Saturday and signed by Ouray and the chiefs and head men of the Southern Uncompaghre and White river tribes of Utes now here, Jack and Savanno signing for the latter. The agreement requires that the Indians shall secure the surrender of the members of the White river tribe who are charged with complicity in the White river agency massacre and the brutal outrages on Mrs. and Miss Meeker and Mrs. Price while the latter were prisoners in their hands. These outlaws are to be tried by the Government, and if found guilty, punished, and in the event of failure to secure the accused, the Indian parties to the agreement are not to obstruct but faithfully aid the agents of the Government in their efforts to arrest them. The Utes are to cede to the United States all the territory at present held by them as reservations in Colorado and are to receive elsewhere 160 acres of agricultural and a similar allotment of grazing land to each head of a family, and one-half to each single person. The Southern Utes are to be settled on the unoccupied agricultural land on the La Plata river in New Mexico and Colorado, near the State line; the White river Utes on the Uintah reservation in Utah, and the Uncampaghres on Grand river in Colorado and Utah adjacent to the State line, near the mouth of the Gunnison river. The Indians are privileged to select their allotments in conjunction with the commissioners, who are to be appointed to carry out the provisions of the agreement, which also provides for the establishment of highways and public roads. The Ute chiefs become parties to this agreement and promise to obtain the consent of their people, if possible, to the cession of the present territory on the following conditions:
1. The Government to survey and patent to the Indians in severalty of the lands reserved for them, giving a fee simple title to each Indian so soon as the necessary laws are passed by Congress, their title to remain inalienable and the lands not taxable for twenty-five years.
2. That so soon as the consent of the several tribes of the Ute nation shall have been obtained to this agreement the annuities heretofore provided for by Congress, amounting at this time to $60,000, will be paid to the Indians in cash, and as much more will be added as Congress shall appropriate. This annuity is to be paid in cash at the request of the Indians, the President having discretion to pay it in cash or stock, wagons, and agricultural implements, etc. The latter are to be furnished the Indians, as now provided for elsewhere, sufficient for their reasonable wants; also such saw and grist mills as may be necessary to enable them to commence farming operations as soon as their settlement is effected.
The commission to be appointed will consist of two civilians and one army officer, probably Gen. Crook, who will apportion the money appropriated by Congress, giving one-third to the Southern Utes, one-half to the Uncompaghres and one-sixth to the White river tribe. The Indians are to receive, in addition as pay for their lands, an annuity of $50,000, to be distributed per capita, together with a continuance of their present annuity of $35,000. The Indians are also to be sustained until they become self-supporting and their children are to be educated. The agreement will now be presented to Congress, and upon ratification by that body the Utes will return to their homes in Colorado.
March 11, 1880: Evening Star: [Ponca]
The Poncas.--The Senate committee on the removal of the Poncas heard a statement from White Eagle yesterday, the chief of the tribe, in which he claimed that of $8,000 half cash, half goods, only the goods had ever been received. It being suggested that probably the whole amount had been invested in goods. White Eagle said he hadn't thought of that and would reflect on it. The committee will investigate it, however.
March 11, 1880: Evening Star: [Ute]
The Ute Agreement.--The agreement between Secretary Schurz and the Ute Indians meets with decided approval among most members of Congress. There are a few, however, who are dissatisfied. Senator Teller, of Colorado, is very much dissatisfied. The agreement allows Ouray and a portion of the Uncomphagre Utes to settle in the Uncomphagre valley in Colorado, if they so desire. This is what displeases Senator Teller. He wants every Indian driven out of the state, and don't [sic] want to give them the slightest chance. It is understood that he will oppose the ratification of the agreement on this account. Only a few Indians, under the agreement, can remain in the valley, but Senator Teller don't [sic] want any of them to stay.
March 15, 1880 Washington Post [Ponca]
The examination of Maj. Pollock, United States Indian inspector, was continued before the Senate committee investigating the removal of the Poncas Saturday. The major defended the Indian character to a considerable extent. The education of the youth of the tribes at such schools as are now established at Carlisle, Pa., was, he thought, one solution to the Indian problem, and would do more to break up the tribal system than anything else and teach the Indian the dignity of labor.
March 15, 1880 Washington Post [Ponca]
The true inwardness of the Ponca outrage is coming to the surface. These Indians were induced to sign a paper agreeing to their removal by the assurance that the document was a protest against being disturbed. It was a disgraceful trick that ought to consign the perpetrators to the penitentiary.
March 16, 1880: Evening Star: [Ute]
A Rush to the Ute Lands. Danger Of A Collision. Secretary Schurz has received dispatches from Colorado stating that the people of that state taking the agreement between him and the Indians, as already ratified, are rushing in to occupy the land which the Utes agree to cede. They are staking off their claims to mineral lands and making themselves at home generally. There is danger of a collision with the Indians. This matter came up in the Cabinet to-day. Secretary Schurz and Secretary Ramsey will unite to keep the people out of Ute land. A proclamation warning them away will be issued, and troops will be used to enforce it.
The information concerning the new trouble in Colorado was contained in a dispatch received by Secretary Schurz this morning from the Indian agent at Los Pinos. The dispatch also says others are preparing to follow those who have already invaded the Ute reservation, and that within two weeks it will be swarming with trespassers. A collision with the Indians will be inevitable. Prompt action, it will be noted, was taken. Secretary Ramsey, after leaving the cabinet this afternoon, ordered that troops be at once sent to keep the invaders away and preserve the peace. The proclamation will not be issued immediately by the President; it will be held back for further information.
March 17, 1880: Evening Star: [Ute]
Ouray, Ignacio and the other Ute Indians now here will leave to-morrow night for Colorado because it is thought their presence on the reservation may assist in permiting a hostile collision between the Utes and the squatters.
March 17, 1880: Washington Post: [Ute]
Crowding the Utes. Enterprising Colorado Miners Already Staking Claims on the Reservation.
The following dispatch was received yesterday at the Interior department:
Los Pinos Agency, March 14, 1880.
Commissioner Indian Affairs:
A number of parties have already staked place claims and taken up ranches on the reservation. Others are preparing to follow. The next two weeks will see the reservation swarming with trespassers, and conflict is inevitable.
Troops should be ordered to the reservation for the purpose of protecting the Utes. Sherman, Clerk.
The Secretary of the Interior laid the matter before the Cabinet meeting later in the day. A full discussion was had upon it, which resulted in Mr. Schurz being directed to issue an order or warning to the intruders, which he did as follows:
Department Of The Interior,
Washington, D. C., March 16, 1880,
It having been brought to the attention of the Interior department that persons are now entering the Ute reservation in the State of Colorado for the purpose of locating ranches and mineral claims, notice is hereby given that such locations and claims will not be recognized by the Interior department, as the lands embraced within said reservation are not now public lands of the United States, and no location made thereon can be or will be recognized as legal, except those made after the lands shall have been regularly restored to the public domain. C. Schurz, Secretary.
Secretary Ramsey also issued an order, after leaving the Cabinet, directing that troops be sent at once to the reservation to permit an invasion and preserve peace. Secretary Schurz, has also written to the chairmen of the Indian committees of both houses of Congress, urging prompt action upon the pending Ute agreement in view of the present difficulties. Ouray and all the Ute chiefs now in this city will leave at once for the reservation to aid in keeping the Indians quiet until the settlers can be withdrawn from their country. Secretary Schurz said yesterday that the action of these miners, although perhaps enterprising, was entirely illegal, and no official notice would be taken of the claims they have staked off until the land was declared by the United States as open to settlers.
March 18, 1880: Evening Star: [Chippewa]
The Chippewa Indians, who recently arrived here, called on Commissioner Trowbridge and had a little talk to-day.
March 18, 1880: Washington Post: [Ute]
[City Talk and Chatter]
As indicated in yesterday's Post. Ouray and the rest of the Ute chiefs will leave for their reservation to-night. Ouray had an interview with Secretary Schurz yesterday afternoon.
March 18, 1880: Washington Post: [Ute]
Ouray Tells His Story.
Ouray and his wife, Chepeta, appeared before the House Committee on Indian Affairs yesterday to testify in relation to the Ute outbreak. Ouray said that the trouble commenced when Meeker was appointed agent; that he was a dictatorial, overbearing man, who had an idea that his way and none other was the right one, and insisted upon it being carried out. He made no efforts to gain the confidence of the Indians, would not confer with them or consult their pleasure in anything he undertook. Several efforts were made through outside parties to have him removed, and on one occasion Jack and one or two others went down to see the Governor in relation to the matter. The land that Meeker wanted to plow was a piece upon which several Indians had already staked off sites for cabins, etc. This fact was represented to him, but he refused to yield. The Utes had been very well satisfied with their previous treatment by the Government. In speaking of the final outbreak, Ouray said that Jack had been very anxious to avoid a collision with the troops, and remonstrated with them and with Meeker against their advancing on the reservation. When asked which side commenced the attack, Ouray said they both began at once. The testimony broke off at this point, but will continue to-day. Ouray's wife, a fat, good-humored looking squaw, will also be examined.
March 19, 1880: Washington Post: [Ute]
Ouray's Lively Tale.
What the Old Chief Told the Investigating Committee Yesterday.
Ouray appeared again before the House Indian Affairs committee yesterday, to testify in relation to the Ute outbreak. His evidence and views on the arrangement for the removal of the tribe from Colorado, which were solicited from him by the committee, were extracted very slowly, owing to the embarrassment of translating through a hardly efficient interpreter. In regard to the outbreak, he went over the same ground traversed on Wednesday, and published in yesterday's Post, about their grievances with Meeker, his dictatorial course and attempt to plow up ground where cabin sites had been staked off. Nothing new was elicited upon that point. In reference to the contract between Secretary Schurz and the Indians he said that personally he would prefer to remain in Colorado; that he had an extensive establishment there, a large ranche [sic] and good house that he sorely disliked to give up. However, if it is for the good of his people, he will go. He wishes to get to Colorado to submit the terms of the arrangement to his people and learn their will about the matter. If they consent to go he will give up his home and go with them. Ouray's examination will probably be concluded to-day. His wife and Jack, both of whom were present yesterday, will also, probably, give their testimony to-day.
March 20, 1880: Evening Star: [Ute]
[NOTE: PARTIALLY ILLEG. HAND COPIED AS MUCH AS POSS.]
The Ute Witnesses Non-Committal.--The House committee on Indian affairs resumed the examination of Ouray yesterday, but failed to elicit any satisfactory information in regard to the fight with Thornburgh, the Meeker massacre, or the subsequent ill-treatment of the captive women of the agency by the Indians. He did not deny that they might have been treated as alleged, but asserted that he knew nothing of it. Mrs. Ouray was still more noncommittal, and the committee were entirely unable to extract any information bearing upon the subjects under inquiry. Jack was then tried but with no better success; he stating that he was not present at the fight, and knew nothing of the circumstances attending it; that he met the soldiers three days before the fight and failing in this and fearing trouble he had gone away; that he had no part in the Thornburgh fight or the Meeker massacre. Chairman Scales then addressed Ouray, telling him it was evident to the committee that they had determined not to testify, and that [with?] a [course?/cause?] would only delay matters and ... prolong their stay here; that the object of summoning them to appear before the committee was to obtain their version of the ... in Colorado; that the committee was friendly to them, and only ... to have ... and to protect them in their rights. Ouray..... , but made no reply. The committee then adjourned.
March 22, 1880: Evening Star: [Crow]
A Delegation of Crow Indians is on its way to Washington to confer with Secretary Schurz respecting certain lands in their reservation, discovered to be mineral in character, upon which settlers are pressing. It is thought that the Crows will agree to cede the land to the government.
March 22, 1880 Washington Post [Ute]
The Indian, Jack, was again before the House Committee on Indian affairs Saturday, but progress was slow in his examination, owing to the difficulty of translation. He described some particulars of the fight in which Custer and his men were destroyed, but failed to give any specific facts about it.
March 23, 1880: Evening Star: [Ute]
The Ute Agreement Amended.--The Senate Indian affairs committee yesterday ordered the report of a bill submitted by Secretary Schurz, to carry into effect his agreement with the Ute Indians, amending the agreement so that no portion of the money coming to the White River Utes shall be paid to them until they shall have surrendered the guilty members of their band, and striking out the clause admitting the Indians to citizenship.
March 24, 1880: Evening Star: [Ute]
"The Utes Will Go" back to Colorado to-morrow night. Their long stay here has been producing of results most important to the future of their nation. Ouray says his people have been treated fairly and justly by the government, and will for their part carry out the agreement arrived at in good faith. This agreement must now be presented to the tribe by their chiefs, in order that it shall receive according to stipulation the approval of three-fourths of the adult male members of the confederated bands. The chiefs must also at once undertake the task of capturing those guilty of the White River atrocities, and to facilitate the accomplishment of this two White River Utes will be taken west, at least as far as Fort Leavenworth. Ouray and the chiefs told Secretary Schurz they appreciated the justice of the proposal to pay out of the Ute fund an annuity to the survivors of the Whtie River massacre.
March 25, 1880: Evening Star: [Apache]
Five Jicarilla Apache Indians, from Pueblo, New Mexico, arrived in the city last evening. They came to make arrangement with regard to their settlement upon lands.
MARCH & APRIL: TINNEAN: Apache: BAE-AR 1 p. 407: A list of signs obtained from Huerito (Little
Blonde), Agustin Vijel, and Santiago Largo(James Long), members of a delegation of Apache chief (sic) from
Tierra Amarilla, New Mexico, who were brought to Washington in the months of March and April, 1880.
March 25, 1880: Evening Star: [Ponca]
The Ponca Investigation.--Charles T. Morgan, interpreter for the Ponca Indians, testified before the Senate committee yesterday that when the Poncas signed the agreement for their removal, they distinctly understood that they were to be removed to the Omaha reservation, and not to the Indian territory.
March 25, 1880 Washington Post [Apache]
A delegation of ten Apache Indians from Pueblo agency, New Mexico, arrived last night to present their alleged grievances to the Government authorities. They were in charge of Mr. Ben. M. Thomas, agent, and stopped at the Tremont house.
March 25, 1880 Evening Star [Apache - Jicarilla]
Five Jicarilla Apache Indians, from Pueblo, New Mexico, arrived in the city last evening. They came to make arrangements with regard to their settlement upon lands.
March 26, 1880 Washington Post [Ponca]
Evidence accumulates that the Ponca Indians were tricked into signing an agreement to move from their reservation into the Indian Territory. Being unable to read they were made the victims of an imposition which, for unmitigated baseness, has rarely had a parallel. There ought to be some way found and used to bring the authors of this infamous act to such punishment as their crime merits. The Ponca's have been the unvarying friends of the whites, but the treatment accorded them has been worse than that bestowed on the most belligerent and troublesome tribes.
March 26, 1880 Evening Star: [Ute]
The Utes will leave to-night for Colorado.
March 26, 1880: Evening Star: [Ute]
The Ute Agreement.--The House committee on Indian affairs discussed quite fully this morning the agreement recently entered into by Secretary Schurz with the Ute Indians and decided to take final action upon the matter on Tuesday next.
March 26, 1880: Washington Post: [Ute]
[City Talk and Chatter]
Ouray and his Ute chiefs paid a farewell visit to Secretary Schurz and Acting Indian Commissioner E. J. Brooks yesterday afternoon, preparatory to returning to Colorado.
March 27, 1880: Washington Post: [Ute]
The Utes Have Gone. Ouray and His Chiefs Return to Colorado to Prepare for Removal.
The delegation of Ute Indians, headed by Chief Ouray and his wife Chipeta, and numbering eighteen, the majority of whom have been here since January 11, left Washington yesterday evening on the return to Colorado. There were ten Uncompahgre, and four each of Southern and White river Utes in the party, which was attended by special agent Henry Page, and assistant agent and interpreter Will F. Burns, of the Southern Ute tribe, and special agent W. H. Berry and assistant agent and interpreter Otto Mears, of the Uncompahgres, who, with Ouray and Chipeta, were furnished with sleeping-car accommodations. It is expected that the Indians will reach their reservations in Colorado by April 12, and previous to leaving Ouray presented a number of his local acquaintances with photographs and other souvenirs, among them a valuable Navajoe [sic] blanket to Mr. H. W. Andrews, clerk of the Indian bureau, who had the Utes in charge at the Tremont house. Prior to his departure, Mr. Burns received a commission as agency trader at the Southern Ute reservation, and the appointment of Mr. W. H. Berry as agent at Los Pinos, indicated in The Post a week ago, was signed yesterday, and will be transmitted to the Senate on Monday for confirmation. Tim Johnson and Thomas, the two White river Utes of the party suspected of complicity in the Meeker massacre, will be allowed to return to their tribe, but Douglass, who, while en route to Washington with them was left at Leavenworth, will remain there until tried. Ouray is armed with the names and descriptions of the other guilty Utes, and expects to experience little difficulty in turning them over to the Government for trial later in the spring.
March 29, 1880 Evening Star [Apache - Jicarilla]
The Five "Hickory" Apaches now here had a long interview with the Secretary of the Interior this morning. They represent about 700 Indians belonging to the band of old Chief Guerro Mudo (sic), whose son Guerito is here with the delegation. They have been in an unsettled condition for some time, principally because they are not willing to go to the Mescalero Agency. They say the whites in that neighborhood would steal everything. Secretary Schurz is endeavoring to obtain their consent to settle somewhere in severalty, according to the bill now before Congress.
March 29, 1880: NY Times; [Pottawatomi]
[IN DC OR ONLY LETTER??]
Business of the Nation. Indian Officers Charged with Fraud. The Pottawatomies Appeal to Congress for Justice--Their Lands and Property Stolen--Serious Charges Against Officers.
Washington, March 28.-- Forty-one Indians, members of the Pottawatomie Nation, have addressed an appeal to the House Committee on Indian Affairs, asking for an investigation of certain specific charges sworn to by them. The charges, in brief, are as follows: [rest avail. in print-out if proves to be real delegation]
March 29, 1880: NY Times [Ute]
The Return of the Utes.
Chicago, March 28.—Chief Ouray and party passed through here to-day on their return trip from Washington. Ouray will leave his companions at Cameron Junction, Mo., and go to Fort Leavenworth, where Chiefs Douglas and Johnson are confined, to have an interview with them concerning the results of the Washington conference.
March 30, 1880 Washington Post [Apache]
Secretary Schurz granted on (sic) interview yesterday morning to the five Apaches who have come here to represent their alleged wrongs to the Government.
March 31, 1880 Washington Post [Ponca (& Dakota)]
The Ponca Inquiry.
The Senate committee engaged in investigating the removal of the Poncas examined yesterday Solomon Draper, the attorney whom the Poncas engaged to come to Washington to endeavor to permit their removal. He said that the Indians were very reluctant to move, and did so only on compulsion. He related the particulars of the interviews with the Interior department officers who were at first inclined to listen to his array of proof that the Poncas had not consented, and to gratify their request for an investigation to determine the question of their consent, but finally decided that they must act upon the official report of Inspector Kemble, which was that they had consented to go. The Government insisted on their removal. The real cause of the removal he attributed to a contest between two rings competing for the business of furnishing supplies to the Sioux nation. If the Sioux remained where they then were the Omaha ring would supply food and goods, and the Union Pacific road transport the supplies; if they could be removed to the neighborhood of Sioux City another ring would furnish the supplies, and Missouri river boats the transportation. The latter ring was successful temporarily, and it was arranged that the Sioux should have their agency removed to the Missouri river at a point that precluded the possibility of their being supplied by the Union Pacific railroad. So the old Ponca reservation was vacated for them by removing those Indians. Afterward the Omaha and Union Pacific ring regained the ascendancy, and the Sioux agency was removed to its present location.
March 31, 1880 Evening Star [Dakota]
Another Indian War Threatened.--Troubles being threatened between white settlers on the Upper James river, Dakota, and a Sioux band under "Drifting Goose." Secretary Schurz has invited that chief, with other leaders of his band, to Washington to talk the matter over. "Drifting Goose," claims that the white settlers have invaded his lands, and he says he will die rather than go anywhere else.
Apr. 2, 1880: Evening Star: [Chippewa]
The Chippewa Indian delegation this afternoon had a conference with Secretary Schura and Indian Commissioner Trowbridge.
Apr. 4, 1880: NY Times: [Chippewa]
NOTES FROM THE CAPITAL.
Washington, April 3--1990.
The Secretary of the Interior and Commissioner of Indian Affairs are now engaged with a delegation of Chippewa Indians, endeavoring to persuade them to settle in severalty. It is the intention of the department to receive delegations from all of the semi-civilized tribes with the same object in view. It is probable, however, that the Indians now in the Indian Territory will not be conferred with on the subject at present, owing to their extreme opposition to it.
Apr. 6, 1880 Washington Post [Chippewa]
Secretary Schurz and Indian Commissioner Trowbridge held a lengthy talk with the Chippewa Indian delegation yesterday, in reference to the settlement of that tribe in severalty.
April 6, 1880 Evening Star: [Chippewa]
The Chippewas had a final interview with Secretary Schurz yesterday afternoon at 4 o'clock, but have not yet left for Wisconsin. They are well pleased with the arrangement proposed by the department, under which their valuable pineries are to be sold before they can be stripped of timber by aggressive whites, the proceeds to form a fund for the tribe, in the the [sic] benefits of which each Indian will have an equal share.
Apr. 7, 1880 Washington Post [Chippewa]
The settlement with the Chippewa Indians has not as yet been concluded, but will, it is thought, be arranged within a few days, and the delegation will probably return home next week.
Apr. 8, 1880 Washington Post [Ponca (& Dakota)]
The Poncas in the Senate.
Mr. Saunders introduced a resolution directing the committee on Indian Affairs to inquire into the advisability of transferring the Santee Indians from the sate of Nebraska to the Ponca reservation, in Dakota Territory, in the Senate yesterday.
Mr. Dawes protested any scheme for taking one man's land for the use of another, and this is what is contemplated by the resolution. He moved to reconsider the vote sending this resolution to the committee as the Senate had already directed the committee to consider the return of the Poncas to their old reservation.
Mr. Allison said that the Senator (Mr. Dawes) implied that there had been some underhand work in connection with the removal of the Poncas. He would state how it happened. The land owned by the Poncas was, unfortunately, included in the large tract ceded to the Sioux, and the latter always laid claim to it. The Sioux were enemies of the Poncas and constantly raided their corn fields.
Mr. Paddock--No one wants the Santees to go unless first their consent is obtained. The resolution involved nothing except that the committee institute inquiries.
Mr. Hoar thought that in consideration of the questions now pending before the committee on this subject, this resolution might better be dropped.
Pending the motion to re-consider the vote to refer the resolution to the Indian committee, the morning hour expired.
Apr. 8, 1880 Washington Post [Bannock & Shoshone; Crow]
A delegation of Bannock and Shoshone Indians, from Fort Hall agency, Idaho, in charge of Mr. John A. Wright, agent, arrived yesterday morning, and were at once quartered at the Tremont house. The names of the Indians are as follows: Ten Doy, Tihee, Tissidimit, Grouse Pete, Captain Jim, Jack Gibson, Jack Ten Doy and Charley Rainey. These Indians have been summoned here to confer with the Interior department regarding their lands. A company of Crow Indians is expected to-day on the same mission.
APRIL & MAY: SHOSHONIAN: Shoshoni and Banak (sic): BAE-AR 1 p. 406-7: A list of signs obtained from Tendoy (The Climber), Tisidimit, Peter, and Wi'agat, members of a delegation of Shoshoni and Banak chiefs from Idaho, who visited Washington during the months of April and May, 1880. (p.406-7)
SPRING: IROQUOIAN: Wyandot: BAE-AR 1 p. 406: A list of signs from Hen'-to (Gray Eyes), chief of the Wyandots, who visited Washington during the spring of 1880, in the interest of that tribe, now dwelling in Indian Territory.
April 8, 1880 Evening Star [Apache - Jicarilla]
An Old Indian.--San Pueblo, the patriarch of the Jicarilla Apaches, now in this city, has recollections which, if genuine, fix his age at one hundred years.
April 8, 1880: Evening Star: [Bannock, Shoshoni]
Seven Shoshone and Bannock Indians have arrived in the city to consult with the Secretary of the Interior and Commissioner Trowbridge. They are from the Fort Hall and Lemhi agencies. They are here to settle their affairs, principally about their lands.
April 8, 1880 Evening Star: [Apache - Jicarilla; Chippewa]
Red Men Men Call On Their "Great Father."--
The Indian bureau will get the five Pueblo, New Mexico, Apache Indians, who are now here, off to their homes the first part of next week. The business of the Indians has been practically completed, and they will leave satisfied. These Indians want land assigned them in order that they may go to farming. The difficulty is that there is a scarcity of agricultural public land in their section. The department will, however, send an agent down to look around for a place of settlement for the Indians. They agree to locate in severalty. This afternoon Com'r Trowbridge took them to the White House, as they have ever since their arrival expressed a strong desire to see their Great Father before leaving. Dr. J. L. Wakan, agent for the Chippawas, {sic] and Agent Thomas of the Pueblo agency, were also with the Indians. The President received them very kindly, and after a short conversation through an interpreter and a number of "hows," without the interpreter, showed them around the house. He also gave them pictures of his children.
April 9, 1880 Washington Post [Apache – Jicarilla]
The delegation of Jicarilla Apaches now in the city yesterday visited Mr. Hayes, being introduced by the Indian Commissioner Trowbridge. These Apaches have visited Washington for the purpose of getting their present location in Southern New Mexico recognized as a reservation. It will be impossible to do this, for several very satisfactory reasons, but the department will send an agent to find them a section of agricultural public land in that region, where they can be settled in severalty, as they desire. The Indians are satisfied with this, and have expressed themselves as gratified with the interest shown by the department in their welfare.
April 9, 1880 Washington Post [Chippewa]
The interior department has nearly concluded its negotiations with the visiting Chippewas. The proposition made to the Indians that they should be settled in severalty was received with favor by some, the younger portion especially, but two old chiefs, in particular, did not seem so willing to agree. The delegation will, therefore, return and hold a meeting of the tribe, when the question will be discussed. It is more than probable that the tribe will agree to receive lands in severalty.
April 10, 1880: Evening Star: [Chippewa]
Agreement With The Chippewas.--The Interior department has practically reached an agreement with the Chippewa Indian chiefs, who have been here for some time, about their lands. Chief Clerk Brooks, of the Indian Bureau, and Dr. Mahan, their agent, to-day had a long interview with the Chippewas. They agree to take land in severalty under a perfect title, and that the balance of their reservation in Wisconsin shall be sold and the proceeds held as a trust fund for them.
April 10, 1880: Evening Star: [Crow; Dakota]
Grievance of the Crow Indians, from Montana, under Agent Keller, is expected to reach Washington this evening. The Crows have always been allies and friends of the whites, fighting with the soldiers and settlers against the Blackfeet and the Sioux. The progress of mining in Montana, however, threatens seriously to impair the friendly relations heretofore existing, inasmuch as the whites having occupied a certain part of the Crow territory, with the consent of the Indians, since 1864, four years before the present reservation was established, have recently passed-over into the country the Indians have always claimed. There exists at present, therefore, all the necessary elements for another Indian war, and it is to settle these difficulties peaceably that the Crow chiefs have been permitted to come to Washington. The country in dispute includes within its borders the Emigrant, Crevice, Bear, Clark's Fork and other mines, and the post office of Chico. The noted chief, Drifting Goose [Dakota tribe], of James river, Dakota--or, as he is called by the Yankton newspapers, "the curse of the Upper Jim"--with two sub-chiefs, is expected to arrive on the same train with the Crows.
APRIL & MAY: DAKOTAS: Absaroka [Crow]: BAE-AR 1 p. 404: A list of signs obtained from
De-e'-ki-tcis (Pretty Eagle), É-tci-di-ka-hatc'-ii (Long Elk), and Pe-ri'-tci-ka'-di-a (Old Crow), members of a delegation of Absaroka or Crow Indians from Montana Territory, who visited Washington during the months of April and May, 1880.
April 12, 1880: Evening Star: [Chippewa]
The Chippewa Indian delegation this afternoon had a conference with Secretary Schurz and Indian Commissioner Trowbridge.
April 12, 1880 Washington Post [Crow; Dakota]
Arrival of Indians.
Two more Indian delegations arrived Saturday and quartered at the Tremont house, where there are already several detachments awaiting the result of negotiations with Secretary Schurz. The last additions are Two Belly, Long Elk, Plenty Coos, Pretty Eagle, Old Crow and Medicine Crow, Crow chiefs from Montana Territory, who are accompanied by A. P. Keller, agent, and F. Stewart and A. M. Quivey, interpreters; and Drifting Goose, Gabriel Renville, Sintayuka and Left Hand, James River Sioux chiefs from Dakota Territory, attended by Charles Crissey, agent, and Smiley Shepherd, native interpreter. The Crows, who occupy lands on the south side of the Yellowstone river that are gradually being encroached upon by white miners, were summoned by Secretary Schurz with a view to settlement in severalty. The tribe numbers about 3,500 and has always been friendly to the whites. The Sioux are here to secure to the tribe valuable lands ceded to the Government on a fraudulent treaty to which they claim the signature of Drifting Goose, head chief, was forged.
April 13, 1880 Washington Post [Ponca]
Rev. S. D. Inman [Hinman] appeared yesterday before the Senate committee investigating the removal of the Ponca Indians. Mr. Inman stated that he had been in charge of the Episcopal mission at Santee agency, Nebraska, and always felt a warm interest in the Poncas, as they were a people possessing many excellent characteristics and the steady friends of the whites. He accompanied the chiefs when they went to the Indian Territory to inspect the land there, and he said the understanding certainly was that if they did not like it they could return. Mr. Inman's testimony is not yet concluded.
April 13, 1880: Evening Star: [Crow]
The Crows, in full dress, paid their respects to the Secretary of the Interior this morning, and received a very flattering ovation from the clerks of the department. These Indians are universally pronounced the finest specimens of the race yet seen in Washington. One of them stands six feet four in his moccasins, and weighs two hundred and sixty pounds. Each chief wears a magnificent war shirt of buckskin, finely embroidered, beaded, and adorned with many white weasel tails.
April 14, 1880 Washington Post [Ute]
Intelligence has been received to the effect that Ouray and his delegates have reached their Colorado homes safely.
April 14, 1880 Washington Post [Ute]
Gen. Sherman has returned from Chicago. He does not anticipate any trouble with the Utes.
April 14, 1880: Evening Star: [Chippewa]
The Chippewa Indians, accompanied by Commissioner Trowbridge and Dr. I.I. [L.?] Mahan, their agent, were received at the White House yesterday afternoon by their Great Father. The President talked with them pleasantly and showed them around the house. They leave to-morrow for Wisconsin, their business having been settled on the basis heretofore given in The Star. They agree to settle in severalty upon 160 acres of land each and to have the balance of their reservation sold, the proceeds to be held as a trust fund for them. They leave at 9:30 a.m. and will go by way of Carlisle, Pa., to visit the Indian school.
April 14, 1880 Washington Post [Crow]
The Crow Indians, in their semi-barbaric uniform, visited the Interior department yestermay (sic) by appointment. They called on Mr. Hayes in the afternoon, and were pleasantly received. They afterwards visited the War department, attracting much attention.
April 14, 1880: Evening Star: [Ponca]
The Senate Ponca Committee to-day resumed the examination of Rev. S.D. Hinman. His examination to-day was mainly in regard to the proceedings of the council of January 27. He stated that he believed the Poncas misunderstood the tenor of the proposition which they agreed to at this council, for the reason that by their interpretation of it they were to go and inspect the Indian territory lands and not to remain there. He did not believe any intentional fraud was perpetrated on the Indians, certainly not by Mr. Kimble, the government inspector appointed to remove them, whom the witness described as a man of "immovable integrity so straight that he sometimes leans backward." He also stated that he considered the removal of the Poncas to the Indian territory an error of judgment more easily to be seen now than then.
April 15, 1880: Evening Star: [Bannock, Chippewa, Crow]
The Delegation of Bannock and Crow Indians went down to Mount Vernon to-day. The Chippewas left the city to-day.
April 15, 1880 Washington Post [Chippewa]
The agreement of the Chippewa Indians to settle on lands in severalty and have the balance of their reservation sold for their benefit, is a sensible thing. This tribe has for some years enjoyed the services of a thoroughly good agent, and the influence exerted by him has been shown in the rapid advance of the red men in the arts of civilized life.
April 15, 1880 Washington Post [Chippewa]
The Chippewas yesterday held a final interview at the Interior department, and agreed to the plan allotting them lands in severalty. They will leave this morning for their homes.
April 15, 1880 Evening Star [Dakota]
Drifting Goose's Indians had an interview with Secretary Schurz and Commissioner Trowbridge this afternoon. They claim that they never signed the treaty by which the Sioux gave up their lands and went on reservations, and wants to get back their old home (sic), which have now been taken up by settlers. The department can see no way to accommodate them. Some other arrangement will be made.
April 15, 1880: Sun (Baltimore) [Chippewa]
The delegation of Chippewa Indians in the city called upon the President to-day. They leave to-morrow morning for Wisconsin via Carlisle, Pa., where they will visit the Indian school. These Indians have agreed to settle in severalty on a portion of their reservation, the balance to be sold for their benefit.
April 15, 1880: NY Times: [Chippewa]
NOTES FROM WASHINGTON.
Washington, April 14, 1880.
The delegation of Chippewa Indians now in this city called upon the President to-day. They will leave to-morrow morning for Wisconsin via Carlisle, Penn., where they will visit the Indian school. These Indians have agreed to settle in severalty on a portion of their reservation. The remainder of their land will be sold and the proceeds held as a trust fund for them.
April 16, 1880: Washington Post: [Dakota]
A preliminary consultation as held yesterday at the Indian office, between Secretary Schurz, Commissioner Trowbridge and the delegation of James River Sioux.
April 16, 1880: Washington Post: [Crow]
Mrs. Gov. Pound has issued cards of invitation for to-morrow evening to those interested in seeing and hearing the Indian chiefs who compose the Crow delegation, now in the city. Mrs. Isabella Hooker will make an address. Music will be a feature of the entertainment.
April 17, 1880: Evening Star: [Bannock, Shoshoni]
A Bannock Interview.--Commissioner Trowbridge to-day had an interview with the Bannock and Shoshone Indians. The Indians expressed a willingness to settle upon lands in severalty, and become farmers as the buffalo is fast disappearing from their country.
April 17, 1880 Evening Star [Dakota]
More Indians Coming.--The Interior department has authorized the sending from the Upper Missouri a large Indian delegation east. These are the Sioux most of whom have children at the Carlisle school, Pennsylvania. They expressed a desire to visit their offspring. After visiting Carlisle these Indians will very likely be allowed to come to Washington.
April 17, 1880 Evening Star [Dakota]
An Indian "Goose Question."--Ma-ga-bobdu, "Drifting Goose," is a Sioux Indian of many grievances, who now has a case before Indian Commissioner Trowbridge involving title to lands in the Upper James river, Dakota. His name appears among the signatures to the Sioux treaty of 1876, ceding to the government the land in question, which is now occupied by whites. The Indian plea is that "Stormy Goose," or "Floating Goose," and other Sioux chiefs, may have signed it, but "Drifting Goose" did not. The commissioner is likely to have an interesting time settling this "goose question," as Drifting declares he would rather die than gie the land. There is much collateral evidence showing that this chief did sign the agreement, and made a speech favoring the cession of the land.
April 17, 1880 Evening Star [Dakota: Brule]
An arrangement has been concluded with the Lower Brule Sioux by which the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul railroad will be run through their reservation toward the Black Hills. A similar arrangement will be sought with the other Brules.
April 18, 1880 Evening Star: [Miami]
Indians Coming to Washington.—Four prominent men of the Miami Indian nation, Thos. Miller, first chief; David Geboe, second chief; Chas. Welsh and Samuel Geboe, are en route to Washington from Indian territory to demand that their tribe e made citizens of the United States; that they have their lands set apart to them severally, and that they be allowed to draw all the money due them from the government.
April 19, 1880: Evening Star: [Crow]
The Crow Indians, in red paint, beads and feathers, had an interview with Commissioner Trowbridge to-day. They are a fine looking set of Indians. Their faces are very good. The Commissioner made known to them what the department desired--that they settle in severalty. Several of the Indians made speeches. One made a very eloquent appeal to the Commissioner to keep whisky out of their country. It ruined their people, he said, and they wanted it kept away. The Commissioner promised to do all he could to this end.
April 21, 1880 Washington Post [Crow; Shoshone & Bannock; Dakota]
Mr. and Mrs. F. P. Hill have issued cards of invitation to meet the Crow, Sioux and Shoshone and Bannock delegations of Indians at the Tremont house, to-morrow eveneng (sic), from 8 to 11. This reception will doubtless prove one of the most enjoyable, as well as the most novel, entertainments of the season.
April 22, 1880 Evening Star [gen.]
[The Anthropological Society meet at S.I. ... Rev. Samuel Dutton Hinman reported for membership. Full article in file.]
April 23, 1880 Washington Post [Crow; Shoshone & Bannock; Dakota]
POOR LO'S NOVEL POSITION. Receiving Company in a Drawing Room Instead of the Wild Forest.
Mr. and Mrs. F. P. Hill, in proposing a reception of the several delegations of Indians now at the Tremont house, conceived an entertainment which has not been equaled in this city for its novelty. The idea was successfully carried out and proved a most enjoyable occasion. Among the guests present were Representative Blackburn, Postmaster Ainger, Assistant Secretary of the Interior Bell, the officials of the Indian bureau and many prominent ladies and gentlemen. The exercises consisted of a recitation by E. L. Stevens, a solo by Mrs. Wells and an address by Miss Kelly, who, for five months, was a captive among the Sioux. A feature of the entertainment was the presentation of the Indians. Each delegation, the Crow, Sioux and Shoshone and Bannock, was drawn up before the guests, and the several agents gave some interesting bits of history about the tribe and the individual members present. The Indians also gave specimens of their characteristic war songs and dances. Several also made addresses, which were interpreted for the edification of the audience. An elegant collation was served at the conclusion of these exercises. Mr. and Mrs. Hill received numerous congratulations on the success of their very agreeable entertainment.
April 23, 1880 Evening Star: [Crow; Dakota; Bannock, Shoshoni]
Entertaining the Indians. Social Reception To The Red Men.
A novel but very pleasant affair was the reception given by Major and Mrs. F. P. Hill, at the Tremont House, to the Indian delegations there last evening from 8 to 11 o'clock. Among the large company present were Hon. J.C.S. Blackburn; Hon. Alonzo Bell, Assistant Secretary of the Interior; Colonel Ainger, city postmaster; Major Harmon, deputy Second Auditor, and several officials from the Indian bureau.
The Red Men present included Two Belly, Long Elk, Medicine Crow, Plenty Coos, Pretty Eagle and Old Crow, of the Crows, all in full and elaborate Indian costumes; Gabriel Reville [sic], Drifting Goose, Left Hand, Jintayne and Smily Shepherd, of the Sioux, in citizens' dress; and Ten Day, Tishe, Tisdimits, Grouse Pete, Capt. Jim, Jack Gibson and Jack Ten Day, of the Shoshone and Bannocks, in full Indian costume. On taking seats they held quite a reception, assisted by the agents and interpreters.
Literary and Musical.
Col. A. B. Meacham, as master of ceremonies, then directed the exercises which consisted of music by Mrs. Applegate and Mrs. Culver; recitations by Master Buckley, Mrs. Parkhurst, of Lowell, "Emily Hawthord" Mrs. Wells; Mr. Stephens, of the Interior department, and Mrs Dr. [sic] Bland; and remarks by Mr. Blackburn and others. During the evening the Crows and Shoshones gave specimen songs, and the delegations were presented to the company and some of them made short addresses, which were interpreted to the audience.
Indian Taffy.
Old Crow said: "I am the Old Crow you have heard about, and I have heard about you good people every day where I live. I have seen plenty good people, but you are the best I ever saw. Everything I see is pretty--pretty houses and women. Every house I see is better and better, and everything so nice I am ashamed to take hold of it. But I'm not ashamed of any act I have ever done."
A Woman's Experience With The Sioux.
Mrs. Fanny Kelly, who was for some time a prisoner of the Ogallalla Sioux was introduced, and she stated that she was treated by them with the greatest consideration and kindness, even while their children were starving. It was explained that while she was a prisoner, the "Sweet Lip Sioux," some of whom were present, attempted to buy her with a horse and send her to the white people. One of the other Indians with an exclamation of astonishment said "She worth two horses," an interruption which caused some laughter.
More Indian Talk.
Drifting Goose said:--"I have been brought up to sing, and sing all night, but that is not what I have been thinking of. From what I have seen, I am ashamed of my old ways, and I want to go back and do as the white men do. I've got nothing but love for you all, and I want to shake hands with all of you." Centayne [sic] (the man that has a tail) and Left Hand also made addresses. The most interesting feature of the evening was a conversation between Old Crow, of the Crows, and Ten Day, of the Bannocks, in the sign language--a practical exemplification of the fact that there is among the uneducated a unversal language. The gist of this conversation was that the Crows and Bannocks are friends, and friends of the white people too, &c. The entertainment was concluded with an elegant collation [sic].
April 26, 1880: Evening Star: [Crow]
The Crows will cede to the government the western portion of the reservation, which includes the long-established mines in the neighborhood of Chico, Montana. This region is very mountainous, and has not been occupied by the Indians. That part of the reservation to be retained by the tribe is said by Agent Keller to comprise within its limits the finest grazing country in the northwest.
May 2, 1880 Washington Post [Dakota]
Drifting Goose's band of Sioux Indians were before Commissioner Trowbridge yesterday. They state they never signed the Sioux treaty for the disposal of the Black Hills and want their land back again. They will have further conferences with the commissioner.
May 4, 1880 Evening Star [Dakota]
A Satisfactory Agreement.--The Commissioner of Indian Affairs has at last reached a most satisfactory agreement with Drifting Goose, which will probably avert the long threatened collision between his band and the settlers on the James river. The Indians will go to the vicinity of the Crow Creek Agency, in Dakota, and settle upon lands in severalty. Drifting Goose says he was mistaken about it formerly, but has found out now that Washington is his friend, and he and his people will follow the white man's road hereafter.
May 6, 1880 Evening Star [Dakota]
Drifting Goose's Band of Indians, in charge of Commissioner Trowbridge, were received by the President to-day in the library at the White House. The commissioner expects to get them away soon.
May 7, 1880 Washington Post [Dakota]
Drifting Goose's band of Sioux Indians were before the commissioner of Indian affairs yesterday, touching the disposition of their lands in the Black Hills. They claimed that they never signed the treaty or agreed to the terms by which they were dispossessed of their land.
May 7, 1880 Evening Star [Dakota]
Drifting Goose's Indians.--The Commissioner of Indian Affairs and Chief Clerk Brooke to-day had a final conference with Drifting Goose's Indians. A conclusion was reached by which these Indians will leave the reservation set apart for them a year ago, on James river, Dakota, and settle on lands on Crow creek, in the same territory. These Indians will be gotten away to-morrow, it is expected.
May 12, 1880 Evening Star: [Bannock; Crow]
The Crows and Bannocks.--Upon invitation of the Senate and House committees on Indian affairs, the Secretary of the Interior appeared before them this morning, and the proposed settlements with the Crows and the Bannocks were discussed. The Indians are entirely willing to make the cession of the portions of their lands upon which white men have located, the amount to be paid them only remaining to be determined.
May 14, 1880 Washington Post [Bannock (& Shoshoni?)]
The Indian office made a final agreement with the Bannocks yesterday touching the disposition of their lands, but it has not been signed yet.
May 14, 1880: Evening Star: [Crow; Bannock, Shoshoni]
Agreement With The Crow Indians.--An agreement was signed to-day with the Crow Indians, by which they agree to sell about 2,000,000 acres of their lands in Montana to the government for $30,000 a year for twenty-five years. The Fort Hall, Idaho, Indians--Bannocks and Shoshones--also signed an agreement to part with about 400,000 acres of their lands for $10,000 a year for 20 years. These agreements were embodied in bills, and sent to the Senate Indian committee to-day. The committee had a conference on the subject, and are expected to report the bills at an early date.
[May 14, 1880: AGREEMENT SIGNED in D. C. w/ CROW]
May 15, 1880 Washington Post [Crow; Bannock & Shoshone]
By the agreement with the Crow Indians, which was signed Thursday, as stated in yesterday's Post [not located], that tribe agree to sell about 2,000,000 acres of their lands in Montana to the government for $30,000 a year for twenty five years. The Fort Hall, Idaho, Indians--Bannocks, and Shoshones--also signed an agreement to part with about 400,000 acres of their lands for $10,000 a year for 20 years. These agreements were embodied in bills, and sent to the Senate Indian committee yesterday.
May 17, 1880: Evening Star: [Bannock & Shoshoni; Crow]
The Crows, Shoshones and Bannock Indians now here will leave tomorrow for their homes.
May 17, 1880: Evening Star: [Ponca (& ref. to Dakota)]
The Poncas.--Secretary Schurz was before the Senate committee on the removal of the Cheyennes and Poncas [follow-up on 1879 deleg.] for an hour and a half Saturday, during which a general discussion took place relative to the policy of removing Indians from the Indian territory. The Secretary admitted that injustice had been done to the Poncas by removing them from their reservation in Dakota, but believed they would have become reconciled to the change before now if left undisturbed by outside influences exerted by parties who seemed disposed to keep up a spirit of discontent among them. He thought their return to Dakota would renew the old hostility between them and the Sioux, and deprecated it for the further reason that it would weaken the hold of the government upon the Indian territory by tending to disintegration and by causing other tribes to desire removal on similar grounds, although no other Indians there have so strong a claim for removal north as the Poncas, not even the Cheyennes.
May 17, 1880: Evening Star: [Ponca]
Standing Buffalo, the Ponca chief who was here last winter, writes to Secretary Schurz from Ponca Agency, Indian Territory May 3, saying "that the half-breeds are the worst about trying to go back to Dakota. It is not our fault that the Poncas are unsettled. Stop these white people (Tibbles & Co.) from interfering with us, and our people will quiet down and go to work. When I was in Washington I thought but few of the Poncas would be willing to stay, and I asked for only ten wagons. I would now like to have twenty wagons for my people."
May 18, 1880 Washington Post [Crow; Shoshoni & Bannock]
The Crows, Shoshones and Bannock Indians will leave here to-day for their homes.
May 19, 1880 Evening Star [Dakota]
Red Cloud, Spotted Tail and ten other Sioux chiefs are waiting at Rosebud Landing, D.T., for a boat to take them to Yankton, whence they will come to this city to discuss the proposition to permit railroads to run through the Sioux reservation.
May 26, 1880 Washington Post [Cherokee]
[Congressional Notes] The bill to permit Elias C. Boudinot, of the Cherokee nation, to sue in the Court of Claims, was passed in the House yesterday.
May 27, 1880 Evening Star [Dakota]
The Thirty-Two Sioux Chiefs now visiting the Indian children at school at Carlisle, Pa., will come here, arriving Saturday or Monday, it is expected.
May 29, 1880: Evening Star: [Dakota; Ponca]
The Ponca Indian Lands. Standing Bear's Suits to Recover Them.
New York, May 29.--An Omaha, Neb., special says: The attempt to bring suits to recover lands taken from the Ponca Indians which has created universal interest, was brought to a successful termination yesterday. Appleton and Webster, the advocates who defended Standing Bear last year and took him out from the control of the Indian department, have been working for six months gratuitously to get the case into court. They first attempted to bring ejectment suits, but the Interior department seems to have anticipated their action, and put every human being off the territory in question, leaving no one to serve a notice upon. They then attempted to get service on the Sioux chiefs, Red Cloud and Spotted Tail. A deputy U.S. marshall was sent across the country to Pine Ridge agency with the necessary papers, but was ordered off the reserve. The Sioux chiefs being ordered to Washington, the marshall rode across the country, and, boarding the boat at one of the landings, served the paper.
May 30, 1880 Washington Post [Sun. ed.-- most unavail.] [Cherokee, Creek, Choctaw]
THE RED MAN'S TRIBUTE. Decorating the Last Resting Places of Cherokee Chiefs.
Yesterday Col. W. P. Adair, assistant principal chief; Col. John L. Adair, R. M. Wolf and R. Burch, Cherokee delegation; Gen. P. Porter and Col. D. M. Hodge, Creek delegation; Gov. P. P. Pitchlynn, Choctaw delegate, in company with Hon. John Q. Tufts, United States Indian agent for Union agency; Hon. T. M. Gunter, member of Congress from Arkansas; Dr. T. W. Bland, of this city, and Hon. W. O. Tuggle, of Georgia, proceeded to the Congressional cemetery to decorate the graves of the following-named distinguished Indian chiefs who have died in this city while in the discharge of the public service of their respective nations: Gen. Push-ma-ta-hah, chief of the Choctaw nation; Capt. John Rogers, chief of Cherokees; Capt. John Looney, chief of Cherokees; Hon. W. S. Coody, Cherokee delegate; Hon. Bluford West, Cherokee delegate; Hon. Ezekiel Starr, Cherokee delegate; Capt. Thomas Pegg, Cherokee delegate; Capt. James McDaniel, Cherokee delegate; Judge Richard Fields, Cherokee delegate, and Col. Daniel B. Asbury, chief of Creek nation.
Push-ma-ta-hah was a brigadier-general under Gen. Jackson during the Creek war, and was a great tavorite (sic) and admirer of Jackson. When on his death-bed, in this city, he said to President Jackson, who frequently visited him: "My friend, you have been kind to me and to my people, for which my heart feels thankful. I am sorry to leave you, but the Great Spirit has called me to the spirit land to join my people, who have sought refuge in that last home of the red man, and I will soon bid you good-bye forever. The tidings of my death will strike my ill-fated people as the thunder of a great tree that has fallen in the stillness of the forest. I ask you to be a father to them; and, when I am gone, let the big guns be fired over me."
According to his request, a salute was fired as a part of his funeral ceremonies, and upon his monument are inscribed the words: "When I am gone, let the big guns be fired over me."
Captains John Rogers and John Looney were educated half-breeds, and served also in the Creek war under Jackson, and were much esteemed by him, and were among the first pioneers of Indian civilization that went west of the Mississippi river. W. S. Coody was a finely educated half-breed, a thorough statesman, and ranked among the best orators of his day. He was a nephew of the celebrated Cherokee chief, John Ross, and a brother-in-law of Gen. Rucker, Bluford West and Ezekiel Starr were half breeds, with excellent educations, and discharged valuable service to their nation. Thomas Pegg and James McDaniel were intelligent full-bloods, and were captains in the Federal army during the War of the Rebellion, and served with distinction. Richard Fields was a half-breed of finished English attainments and was the father-in-law of Gen. Sackett. Col. Daniel B. Asbury was a thoroughly educated half-breed and served his nation faithfully in several offices being, as stated, one of the chiefs of his nation at the time of his death.
May 30, 1880 Washington Post [Sunday edition] [Dakota]
The party of Sioux who have been invited to see the workings of the Indian schools at Carlisle will arrive to-morrow.
May 31, 1880: Evening Star [Cherokee, Choctaw, Creek]
Memorial Day Notes.
Saturday afternoon Colonels W. P. and J. S. Adair, General Porter, Colonel Hodge, Colonel Pitchlyn and others visited Congressional cemetery and decorated the graves of the following Indian chiefs who have died in this city while in the discharge of the public service of their respective nations: General Push-ma-ta-hah, chief of the Choctaw nation; Captain John Rogers, chief of Cherokees; Captain John Looney, chief of Cherokees; Hon. W. S. Coody, Cherokee delegate; Hon. Bluford West, Cherokee delegate; Hon. Ezekiel Starr, Cherokee delegate; Captain Thomas Pegg and Captain James McDaniel, Cherokee delegates, who served in the late war; Judge Richard Fields, Cherokee delegate, and Colonel Daniel B. Asbury, chief of Creek nation.
SUMMER: ARAPAHO: BAE-AR 1 p. 403: A list of signs obtained from O-qo-his'-sa (the Mare, better known as Little Raven) and Na'-watc (Left Hand), members of a delegation of Arapaho and Cheyenne Indians, from Darlington, Ind. T., who visited Washington during the summer of 1880.
SUMMER: CHEYENNE: BAE-AR 1 p. 404: A list of signs obtained from Wa-Un' (Bob-tail) and Mo-hi'nuk-ma-ha'-it (Big Horse), members of a delegation of Arapaho and Cheyenne Indians from Dalintgon, Ind. T., who visited Washington during the summer of 1880.
JUNE: DAKOTAS: Dakota: BAE-AR 1 p. 405: A list of signs obtained from Pe-zhi' (Grass), chief of the Blackfoot Sioux; Na-zu'-la-tan'ka (Big Head), chief of the Upper Yanktonais; and Ca-tan'-ki'-ka (Thunder Hawk), chief of the Unepapas, Teton Dakotas, located at Standing Rock, Dakota Territory, while at Washington in June, 1880.
JUNE: DAKOTA: Dakota: BAE-AR 1, p. 405: A list of signs obtained from Shun'-ka Lu-ta (Red Dog), an Ogalala chief from the Red Cloud Agency, who visited Washington in company with a large delegation of Dakotas in June, 1880.
JUNE: DAKOTA: Hidatsa: BAE-AR 1 p. 405: A list of signs obtained from Tce-caq'-a-daq-a-qic (Lean Wolf), chief of the Hidatsa, located at Fort Berthold, Dakota Territory, while at Washington with a delegation of Sioux Indians, in June, 1880.
JUNE: KAIOWAN: Kaiowa (sic): BAE-AR 1 p. 406?: A list of signs from Sittimgea (Stumbling Bear), a Kiowa chief from Indian Territory, who visited Washington in June, 1880.
JUNE: PANIAN: Arikara: BAE-AR 1 p. 406: A list of signs obtained from Kua-nuq'-kna-ui'-uq (Son of the Star), chief of the Arikaras, residing at Fort Berthold, Dakota Territory, while at Washington with a delegation of Indians, in June, 1880.
JUNE: SHOSHONIAN: Comanche: BAE-AR 1 p. 406: A list of signs obtained from Kobi (Wild Horse), a Comanche chief from Indian Territory, who visited Washington in June, 1880.
JUNE: TINNEAN: Apache: BAE-AR 1, p. 407: A list of signs obtained from Na-ka'-na'-ni-ten (White Man), an Apache chief from Indian Territory, who visited Washington in June, 1880.
JUNE: WICHITAN: Wichita: BAE-AR 1, p. 407: A list of signs from Tsodiáko (Shaved Head Boy), a Wichita chief, from Indian Territory, who visited Washington in June, 1880.
June 1, 1880 Washington Post [Cherokee]
The bill to permit Elias C. Boudinot, of the Cherokee nation, to sue in the Court of Claims, was passed in the Senate yesterday as reported from the House--yeas, 31; nays, 8.
June 3, 1880: Evening Star: [Dakota, Cheyenne, Gros Ventre, Arikara]
Indian Chiefs In Town.--At 4 o'clock yesterday afternoon there arrived by the B. and P. railroad an excursion party of 40 Indian chiefs, representing the Ogallala, Brule, Yankton, Blackfeet, Uncapapa, Cheyenne, Santee, Gros Ventre and Arickaree Sioux, accompanied by five interpreters. The party is in charge of Major W. D. E. Andrews, who came with the chiefs from Dakota for the purpose of their visiting the Indian schools at Carlisle and Hampton. They arrived at Carlisle last Thursday, [May 27] and remained there until yesterday morning [June 2]. They were pleased with their visit to Carlisle and the progress made by the Indian boys and girls at the school there. They go from here to Hampton, Va. to visit the Indian school there.
June 3, 1880 Evening Star [Dakota]
The Large Delegation of Sioux Indians now in Washington, headed by the veteran chiefs Red Cloud and Spotted Tail, paid their respects to Secretary Schurz this afternoon. These Indians constitute the Sioux visiting school committee, and say they are not only satisfied, but very much pleased with the condition of their children at Carlisle. They will while here settle several matters of business, among which will be an agreement granting right of way across their reservation to two proposed railroads, and the fixing of the sum to be paid the Indians for this privilege.
June 3, 1880: Washington Post: [Dakota: Oglala, Brule, Yankton, Blackfeet, Hunkpapa; Gros Ventre, Arikara]
[City Talk and Chatter]
Maj. W. D. Andrus, of the Yanckton agency, in charge of delegations of Indians, some forty in number, arrived in the city last evening and is stopping at the Tremont house. The Indians belong to the Ogallaha, Brule, Yanckton, Blackfeet, Uncapapa Sioux, Gros Ventre and Arickaree tribes. They are accompanied by Messrs. J. H. Bridgman, Louis Roubichoux, Louis Primeau, John Smith and Peter Beauchamp as interpreters. Among them are Spotted Tail, Red Cloud, American Horse, Little Wound and White Thunder. Spotted Tail's daughter, Mrs. Tackett, is the only female in the delegation. Max, Oliver, William and Pollock, sons of Spotted Tail, are here for the first time. The Indians will remain here a week, or perhaps longer."
June 4, 1880 Washington Post [Ute]
The Utes Quiet.
A dispatch was received yesterday by the Indian bureau from Los Pinos agency, saying: "Gen. McKenzie and command have arrived, and are going into camp near agency. No excitement among the Indians, as they thoroughly understand from Ouray that the troops are here to protect all parties. The passage of the Ute bill is anxiously looked for by Ouray and the Utes generally."
June 5, 1880 Washington Post [Dakota]
The Sioux Indians called on Mr. Hayes yesterday.
June 6, 1880 Washington Post [Dakota]
A delegation of Sioux Indians had a conference yesterday morning with Secretary Schurz, in reference to ceding a right of way through their country to the Milwaukee & St. Paul and Northwestern railroads. Considerable talk was indulged in, but no conclusion reached. The conference will be resumed on Tuesday.
June 12, 1880 Evening Star [Dakota]
The Sioux Indians had a long talk with Secretary Schurz this morning. They agreed to give the Dakota Central Railroad Company one section of land near Fort Pierce, on which the location of the depot building is. This is on the west side of the Missouri river. The Indians demand for this land $5 per acre.-- $3,200.
June 13, 1880: Washington Post: [Ute]
[NOTE: Other articles about the Ute bill but not the delegation]
The Ute bill has at last been passed and will be approved at once. It is a timely and judicious measure, likely to result in much good to all parties interested in the agreement which it legalizes.
June 13, 1880 Washington Post [Dakota]
The Sioux Indians have agreed to give the Dakota Central Railroad Co. one section of land near Fort Fierre (sic = Pierre), on which the depot building is located, for $3,710 or $5 per acre.
June 13, 1880 Washington Post [Dakota]
The price demanded by the Sioux chiefs for a section of land for a railroad depot is but $5 per acre. A corporation that can't afford this sum should not engage in railway building.
June 14, 1880 Washington Post [Dakota]
INDIANS AS TEMPERANCE TALKERS. Untutored Sons of the Forest Orate in Behalf of Cold Water.
The Dashaways introduced a new feature last night at their meeting, which took place in Masonic Temple. Col. Meacham, for the president of the club, Bud Eggleston, introduced several notable Indians of the Sioux tribe, including Red Dog, Red Cloud, Black Crow, White Thunder, Little Wound, Iron Ring, Red Shirt, Bull Eagle, Like the Bear and Medicine Bull; and their interpreters, Mr. Louis Primeau and Louis Rosebidoux (sic). They all spoke in their native tongue, their language being interpreted by Mr. Primeau.
The first to speak was Red Cloud. He said: "The society you have got here I come to because I think it is good. I want to live among my own people because the whites have whiskey. Every time I come to Washington I tell the Great Father to stop his people from selling whiskey to my people. It's bad, and will send us all to the devil." Red Dog followed by invoking the Great Spirit to look down upon the people who had assembled here to-night, and assist them to keep whiskey down. He wanted the assistance of the Dashaways to help them at their agencies to keep whiskey away, so that they might all live as relatives. Bull Eagle spoke as follows: "Gentlemen and ladies, listen to what I say to you. Wherever the boundary of our country is, I want you to help to keep the whiskey away from it. Any man who drinks whiskey it is bound to make a fool of. I think the men who drink whiskey are pushed by the devil, and are the ones who do all the rascally things." Like-the-Bear following, said: "The society assembled here to-night seems just like I was a member of it. It makes my heart glad. I heard, away up among my own people, that Col. Meacham was helping my people to keep whiskey out of our country. I am glad to see it for myself that he is with you good people and trying to drive fire-water out of the country." Black Crow said: "I hope you will keep whiskey out of our country. I have no rope around my neck yet, and don't want one. If you keep whiskey out of my country I won't have one." White Thunder spoke last, and said: "The good people here to-night are on the straight road. I come to speak on one point. I never was raised with whiskey, and anyone who drinks it will walk away from his house with a little grey blanket under his arm. Any man who drinks it can't wear good clothes like these (pointing to his own). From the time I come into this house all you people are my friends. I want you to help us keep whiskey out of our country." Col. Meacham closed for them by saying: "We as a people are responsible if these red men become drunkards." He said that in an interview with the Secretary of the Interior yesterday, that the Indians asked the Secretary to send sober married men to their nation to instruct them; that they all desired to be and live like the white people in everything save drinking whiskey. The meeting throughout was one of the most pleasant and entertaining ever held by the Dashaways, and considerable enthusiasm was manifested. President of the club, Bud Eggleston, is endeavoring to make these meetings as novel and interesting as possible.
June 15, 1880 Washington Post [Dakota]
Red Cloud, Spotted Tail and other Sioux Indians, accompanied by an interpreter, were interested spectators at the butchers' barbecue at the Scheutzen [a park] last night.
June 17, 1880 Washington Post [Dakota]
The Sioux Indians had a conference with Secretary Schurz yesterday about agency affairs. They asked for cattle, horses, blankets, etc., and left impressed with the idea that their requests would be granted.
June 21, 1880 Washington Post [Dakota]
The Sioux leave this morning for home. They have transacted all the business before the Interior department that brought them here to their entire satisfaction. The Pacific railroad has placed in the hands of Secretary Schurz the money to be distributed to the various agencies for the right of way granted by the Indians through their country. On their way home the delegation will pay another visit to school at Carlisle, Pa., where the children of Spotted Tail are being educated. The Indians express themselves well pleased with the treatment their children are receiving, both at Carlisle and Hampton schools.
June 21, 1880 Evening Star [Dakota]
Departure of the Sioux Chiefs. -- This morning forty-seven of the Indians who have been quartered recently at the Tremont House left on the 10:40 train, by the Pennsylvania road, for their homes in the west. These are with one or two exceptions Sioux, whose business east was principally to visit the Indian children at school at Hampton, Va., and Carlisle, Pa., and they express themselves as being much pleased with what they have seen, and they are especially pleased that their children show such improvement. Included in the party are Red Cloud, Spotted Tail, Like the Bear, Red Shirt, Little Wounds, Two Strike, Son of the Star, Black Crow, Blue Eagle, Iron Wing, John Smith, John Gross (sic), White Thunder, Eli Abraham and others, and as they sat in the smoking room of the depot, with their trunks all labeled with the names of their copper-colored owners, they attracted considerable attention. They will stop en route at Carlisle barracks to visit the school again.
June 23, 1880 Washington Post [Kiowa, Comanche, Apache, Wichita]
Stumbling Bear, of the Kiowas; Wild Horse, of the Comanches; White Man, of the Apaches, and Zo-da-Arko, of the Wichitas, head men of their respective tribes; Phet-toint and Johnson Lane, accompanied by Mr. E. L. Clark as interpreter, all from Fort Still, arrived at the Tremont house last night. They came by way of Carlisle, Pa., where they have several children at school. They will remain in the city a week or so.
June 24, 1880 Washington Post [Dakota]
The Interior department was yesterday informed of Spotted Tail's conduct over the removal of his son-in-law from the position of interpreter of the Indian school at Carlisle, Pa. Secretary Shurz sent him a telegram saying he must not interfere with Capt. Pratt in the discharge of his duties; that if he wants to take his children from school he can do so, but that his threats will be of no avail.
June 26, 1880 Evening Star [Apache, Comanche, Kiowa, Wichita]
The Indian Chiefs, Stumbling Bear, Kiowa; Wild Horse, Camanche [sic]; White Man, Apache’ and Tsoqiaco, Wichita, from the Kiowa, Camanche and Wichita agency, will start for their homes this evening. They have been visiting the Indian school at Carlisle, Pa., where they have children, and are mch pleased with the school and the progress their children are making. Having completed some minor matters of business with the department, they are ready to return to the agency.
June 30, 1880 Evening Star [gen.]
Secretary Schurz's Tour. -- Secretary Schurz proposes to make an extended trip to the west this summer, and will visit a number of the outlying provinces of his department. Leaving Washington about the middle of July, he will go direct to the Pacific coast, stopping at the Western Shoshone and at the Pyramid Lake Indian reservations. After about ten days in California he will return by way of Fort Hall and visit the Bannock Indians, in Idaho; thence through the Yellowstone National Park, which is under control of the Interior department, to the Crow agency in Montana. From the Crow agency the Secretary will proceed down the Yellowstone and Missouri rivers to Bismarck, stopping at Forts Custer, Keogh, Buford and Berthold, where he will be able to give personal attention to the disposition of Sitting Bull's Indians, now returning in large numbers, and he will also call upon the Arickarees, Mandans, Gros Ventres and other tribes. He will be absent about six weeks. [THEREFORE NO DELEGATIONS TO DC??]
July 4, 1880 Washington Post [gen. Indian Territory tribes]
SOME INDIAN TALK. How the Civilized and Uncivilized Get Along in Oklahoma.
From the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Two gentlemen from the Indian Territory, Dr. L. L. McCabe and Mr. D. P. Brown, were met by a Post-Dispatch reporter this morning, in company with Dr. Ben Whitemore, and in the course of a short conversation the scribe learned that Dr. McCabe was surgeon in charge of the Kiowa, Comanche and Wichita reservation, and Mr. Brown clerk at the agency at Anadarko, which is the central point of the reservation. The doctor is the medical adviser of some 5,000 Indians, scattered over 135 miles square of territory, and his hands are full. During one month last winter he had 900 patients, and his opportunities for observing the home life of the gentle savage have been excellent. The tribes in his reservation are the Kiowas, Comanches, Wichitas, and their affiliated tribes, the Delawares, Caddos, Keechis and Towacnas (sic). There are some Apaches also in the district.
"How do your charges like the Oklahoma idea?" queried the reporter.
"They do not like it at all, and, I think, would give trouble. In fact, the civilized Indians are the only ones who are not violently opposed to any invasion of the Territory."
"The civilized Indians?"
"Yes, the Choctaws, Cherokees, Chickasaws, Creeks and Mussogees (sic) look at the matter differently from the others. I dare say a majority of them favor the scheme. They think they could hold their own, I suppose."
"How many Indians are there in the Territory?"
"Very nearly a hundred thousand."
"In your own reservation you have no civilized Indians?"
"Well, the Delawares and the Caddos are very nearly so. They have become self-supporting, and the Government will stop issuing rations to them on July 1, except beef, which will be give (sic) to them for another year."
"How does that strike them?"
"Well, it doesn't seem to strike them at all well. For the past week they have been holding a dance, which corresponds to our indignation meeting. They dance on every occasion, you know; and they declare bitterly against the proposed stoppage of supplies."
"Do they take kindly to your ministrations?"
"At first they do not. Their medicine men fight us, you know, and so we have much to contend with. They are grasping the idea, however, that our medicine is the best, and they come to us in shoals. Of course their doctoring is all hocus-pocus and conjuring. The usual theory of disease adopted by their medical prophets is that an evil disposed twig of wood has got into the vital parts, and they proceed to suck it out, usually over the breast. After a great beating of drums and a special dance, the twig is produced and the patient pronounced all right."
"Is there anything in the herbs they use?"
"Nothing that we have not known for a thousand years or more."
"Have you many schools?"
"Two, each with a capacity of about 150. They are very well attended, too, the average roll in each is 117."
"There is very little law and order, I suppose, in the nation?"
"Our code is very simple. No white man without a pass is permitted to remain in the reservation at all. He is run out at once, and those who have passes are sent away as soon as it can possibly be done. The Indians hate and despise the whites and will have nothing to do with them."
"But there are whites adopted in the tribes."
"Very few--and theirs is not a very happy life. The Government grants them none of the privileges of the Indians and still they are subject to tribal laws."
"What are the tribal laws?"
"All disputes between Indians and all crimes, wherein only Indians are parties, are settled by the tribes themselves. Horse-stealing is the most serious offense, murder the most venial. When a white man is a party the agent interferes and he is taken to Fort Smith for trial, if the offense is serious; if not, the agent settles it on the spot."
"You think they are improving?"
"Certainly they are. They have made over 300,000 rails last season, have hauled in and sawed 30,000 feet of saw-logs on their own wagons, have freighted in all our goods from Caddo, the nearest railway station, and are really becoming self-helpful and industrious."
July 16, 1880 Washington Post [Ponca; Nez Perce - gen. bkgd.]
THE PONCA INDIAN TROUBLE. Agent Whiting Relates the Tibbes Episode--The Nez Perces Happy.
William Whiting, Indian agent at Ponca, Indian Territory, writes to the Interior department, under date of July 7, enclosing his report for the month of June. He says that the Poncas are doing well at farming, grazing, etc., and are peaceably disposed. On the 15th instant many of the Indians went on a visit to Cheyenne agency, and while there a white man named Tibbes entered their quarters during the night and tried to persuade them to leave and return to their old hunting grounds in Dakota. He said he would give them cattle, horses, etc. This made them discontented, and Poison Hunter and his wife left the agency. The others, however, have returned to the Ponca agency and are now satisfied to remain, and have resumed work. The Nez Perces, at the same agency, give no trouble and are prospering in their farming operations. In conclusion, he says the Indians are anxious to know when the Industrial school, which the department had promised them to erect, will be built.
Aug. 7, 1880: Daily Inter Ocean (Chicago) [Ute]
The Indians.
Utes Signing the Treaty—Victoria and His Band.
Los Pinos, Col., Aug. 4, via Lake City, Col., Aug. 5.—One hundred and twenty Umcompahgre and thirty-six White River Utes have signed the treaty.
The commission left this morning for the southern Ute agency, under the escort of Company C, Twenty-third Infantry, Captain Pollock in command. Chief Ouray goes by the mountain trail to join the commissioenrs at that point and assist in obtaining the consent of the White River Utes to the Agreement.
August 13, 1880: Evening Star: [Cheyenne & Arapaho]
Indian Children Coming To School.--Col. Miles, Indian agent, will leave Fort Reno, Indian Territory, on the 18th inst. in charge of eighteen Cheyenne and Arapahoe children, who are to be placed in the school at Carlisle, Pa. or Hampton, Va. Several chiefs will accompany the party.
August 24, 1880: Daily Inter Ocean [Ute]
Telegrams from the Los Pinos Agent report that the Ute chief, Ouray, is dangerously ill, and, it is believed, cannot recover. In event of his death it is feared the treaty with the Utes will fail.
Aug. 28, 1880: Daily Inter Ocean (Chicago) [Ute]
Ouray Dying.
Denver, Col., Aug. 27—a Tribune special says Ouray is at the Southern Ute Agency sick with Bright’s disease [acute nephritis], and will probably die before morning. The treaty is not signed yet.
Aug. 30, 1880: Washington Post: [General]
Secretary Schurz's Movements.
Acting Secretary of the Interior Bell yesterday received a dispatch from Secretary Schurz, dated Fort Hall agency, Idaho, August 11. The Secretary was enjoying excellent health. On the 13th (to-day) he was to hold a council with the Lemhi Indians to induce them to remove to Fort Hall reservation, on the Ross fork of the Snake river, some thirty miles south of their present situation. From the agency he intended to go to Fort Hall, where he would remain a few days. Thence he expected to go to the Crow reservation, where he would hold a council, and from there to Fort Custer, which he hoped to reach by the 28th of the month. He would pass through Fort Kehoe, where there are held as prisoners 680 sitting Bull Indians. From there he would start for Washington, which he expected to reach by the 10th of September.
Aug. 30, 1880: Daily Inter Ocean (Chicago) [Ute]
Ouray’s Death.
Los Pinos Agency, Col., Aug. 26, via Lake City, Col., Aug. 28.—an Indian arrived last night from a southern agency with a communication from Dr. lacey to the effect that Ouray’s case is a hopeless one; that he is unconscious, and has not recognized him since his arrival. A consultation of three physicians has so decided, and report that the public may expect to hear of his death at any moment. Chippeta, his wife, is with him. The Uncompaghre Utes are almost in a panic at the very thought of his demise, and the bands are already discussing his probably successor from among the various candidates who are crowding to the front. Chief Sapovonara will, undoubtedly, be the man. The commission has accomplished nothing as yet at the Southern agency toward the signing of the treaty. The death of Ouray will complicate matters, and may delay the settlement of the Ute question at least a year.
12:30 p.m. – A runner has just arrived announcing Ouray’s death.
August 31, 1880: Evening Star: [Ute]
Ouray's Death Confirmed.--Acting Secretary Bell, of the interior department, received a dispatch last evening from Mr. Manypenny, chairman of the Ute commission, dated Southern Ute Agency, August 24, which confirms the published report of Chief Ouray's death. Up to the time of the receipt of this telegram, which it will be observed was six days on the way, Secretary Bell was inclined to discredit the report of Ouray's death. The dispatch received states that "Ouray died this morning. The commissioner fear this may embarrass them in their work. Held a full council yesterday, but no Indians signed the ratification. Ignatio and other chiefs opposed it."
Sept. 14, 1880: Evening Star: [Cheyenne & Arapaho]
A Delegation of Cheyenne and Arrapahoe Indians, numbering 13, arrived at one o'clock to-day by the B. & P. R.R., and were taken to quarters at the Tremont House.
Sept. 15, 1880: Evening Star: [Cheyenne & Arapaho]
The Delegation of Indians from the Carlisle, Pa., barracks made a call on Acting Secretary of the Interior Bell to-day. Among the number was Little Raven, Yellow Bear and Left Hand, Arapahoe chiefs, and Big Horse, Bob Tail, Mad Wolf and Man on the Clouds, of the Cheyennes, Captain Pratt, of the army, accompanies the party.
Sept. 15, 1880: Washington Post: [Cheyenne & Arapaho]
A delegation of Cheyenne and Arapahoe Indians arrived in the city yesterday morning and put up at the Tremont House.
Sept. 21, 1880: Washington Post: [Cheyenne & Arapaho]
A delegation of Cheyenne and Arapahoe Indians had formal talk with Secretary Schurz, yesterday, in reference to perfecting the title of the lands now occupied by them.
Sept. 21, 1880 Evening Star [gen.]
Civilizing The Indians.--Secretary Schurz visited on his western trip seven of the principal Indian agencies and reservations in the west and northwest, including among others Fort Hall, Fort Lembi (sic), the Crow reservation on the northern boundary of the Yellowstone Park and Fort Keogh, the Agency for the Sioux reservation. He also met and conversed with a number of delegations from different Indian tribes, whose reservations were not on the line of the route pursued by the Secretary. He is greatly encouraged by the success of the department in making good farmers of the Indians, and thinks the work of advancing them in civilization would be greatly aided if laws were passed authorizing the allotment of land to the Indians in severalty.
Oct. 12, 1880: Evening Star: [Dakota: Brule]
A Letter From Spotted Tai.--Secretary Schurz yesterday received a letter from Spotted Tail, chief of the Brule Sioux, referring to the young men who were charged with having stolen some horses in August last, and were arrested by the Indians themselves, and voluntarily turned over to the United States authorities for trial. The chief says: "I want to talk with you about the six young men belonging to my people who were sent down to Omaha to be dealt with under the laws of the "Great Father." These young men I have given up to you to be punished if they are guilty, according to the same laws laid down for the punishment of white men who have committed crimes against the laws of the "Great Father." Now what I want to say to you, is this, if these young men are guilty I want them punished; if they are not guilty I want them sent back to me and to their families. Now they should have in the trial for their alleged crimes the same chances that the white man has; they should have as good lawyers as we can give them, and we should defend them the same as you would be allowed to defend your children if they were in prison and were to be tried.
Now my people have put together from their earnings a little money to be used in helping our children in this trouble. All who were able to give have given to help them, and the money we have raised we are going to send to you that you may help us find good lawyers to defend our children. We want them to have a fair trial, and we want you to spend the money we send you that they may have as good a chance to go free as white men could have. So I send you $322.80."
Oct. 19, 1880: Washington Post [Chickasaw]
A delegation of Chickasaw Indians are in the city. They had an interview with Acting Commissioner of Indian Affairs Bender yesterday.
Oct. 19, 1880: Evening Star: [Ute] NOTE; ANYTHING BEFORE THIS?
The Ute Complication. Gov. Pitkin To Secretary Schurz--The Governor Wants Agent Berry Surrendered.
The following dispatch has been received at the Interior department:
Denver, Col., Oct. 18.--Hon. C. Schurz, Secretary of the Interior:--As there is not a telegraphic line to Gunnison City I am unable to get accurate and reliable reports from there. I have no advices of two companies of state militia having started for the reservation, and I disbelieve the rumor. The information which has reached me is that the sheriff arrested Berry over a week ago at the agency; that Berry persuaded the sheriff to accompany him to the Cantonment, about four miles distant, where he escaped from the sheriff. Two dispatches have been received here to-day concerning him, one stating that he is secreted by the Indians, and the other that he is protected by the commander at the post. I respectfully request that you require the commander of the post to deliver him to the sheriff of Gunnison County at Gunnison City. This will avoid the necessity of the sheriff taking a state force with him to make the arrest. Although his efforts to escape have strengthened the conviction as to his guilt, I have no apprehensions as to his personal safety when once in the custody of the sheriff at Gunnison. Captain Cline has been in jail for about a week without being molested. The sheriff telegraphed me to-day that Berry and others are safe from a mob in Gunnison. If you desire to have the military commander deliver him to the sheriff I shall like to be informed of the decision, that I may notify the sheriff at once that further preparations for making the arrest will be unnecessary,
(Signed) Fred. W. Pitkin.
Decision Of The Attorney General.
The question having been referred to the Attorney General, he has decided that the cases of the arrests in Colorado, growing out of Jackson's killing an Indian, that the jurisdiction is with the state authorities, not the government. General Drum has telegraphed this decision to General Sheridan. The demand that Indian Agent Berry be turned over to the sheriff will therefore be granted and he will be delivered to the civil authorities.
Oct. 23, 1880 Evening Star [Cherokee]
Death of Col. Adair.
Col. W. P. Adair, assistant chief of the Cherokee nation of Indians, who has been ill for about a week part, died about 4 o’clock this morning, at his lodgings, at the corner of 3d street and Missouri avenue. He had recently been very active as an agent in the settlement of some Indian claims, and overwork and fatigue brought on a low fever and inflammation of the bowels, which was the immediate cause of his death. He was a descendant of Gov. Adair, of Kentucky, a native of Georgia, and was in his 52d year. He emigrated from Georgia in 1836 to the Cherokee nation, and has been for many years a representative in Washington, not only of his own nation, but of many tribes of North American Indians, all of whom availed themselves of his knowledge of Indian affairs and his influence at the seat of government, his duties being almost constantly in Washington in aid of the Cherokee nation, while the chief, Daniel Bushyhead, remained at home in the west. He was an able lawyer, and had the confidence of the entire Indian race. Having great knowledge of the needs of his people, he, with other prominent Indians, secured the establishment of a grand council in 1866, the object of which was to advance the civilization of the Indians, and bring them on such relations with the government that the whole family could be colonized in the Indian territory. This for a long time had been the ruling ambition of his life. The grand council was very successful, nearly forty tribes sending representatives, many of whom before that time had been on the war path, and all of whom have since been at peace with the government.
Nov. 19, 1880 Evening Star [Ponca]
The Report of Secretary Schurz which is nearly ready for publication, will recommend that the Ponca Indians be recompensed for the loss of their lands in Dakota. The Northern Pacific railroad is also referred to, and its condition pronounced to be most satisfactory.
Nov. 22, 1880 Evening Star [Ponca]
Poncas coming to Washington.—The Secretary of the Interior to-day ordered to Washington White Eagle, chief of the Poncas, and a small delegation of the head men of that tribe, at their own request. Their object in coming here is to relinquish, finally, their old reservation in Dakota. In their petition asking this the Indians state that the continual agitation of the project for their return to their former home in Dakota causes a feeling of uncertainty in their minds as to the stability of anything they may do where they now are, and hinders the settlement and progress of the tribe.
Nov. 30, 1880: Evening Star: [Dakota: Brule]
Sioux Coming.--Capt. Wm. E. Dougherty, acting Indian agent at the Crow Creek agency, is expected to reach Washington in a few days with a delegation of Brule Sioux chiefs. These Indians have conceded to the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul railroad the right of way through their reservation, and wish to come to this city to settle the details.
Dec. 1, 1880: Daily Illinois State Register [Dakota: Brule]
Capt. Dougherty, acting Indian agent of the Crow and Creek agency, it is reported, will reach Washington in a few days with a delegation of Brule Sioux chiefs. These Indians have conceded to the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad the right of way through their reservation and with to come to this city to settle the details.
Dec. 3, 1880: Evening Star: [Creek]
The Creek Indians.--Col. Porter, D. M. Hodge and ex. Gov. Ward, representatives of the Creek Indians, are at St. Louis, en route to Washington, where they will look after the interests of the Creek nation during the session of Congress. The Creeks are strongly opposed to the settlement of the ceded lands, now known as Oklahoma, by the whites.
Dec. 4, 1880 Evening Star [Ponca]
The Ponca Indian Case. -- Judge Dundy, in the United States circuit court at Omaha, Neb. yesterday, decided in the Ponca Indian case to recover the old reservation and establish the title thereto, holding that the Ponca tribe of Indians have a legal estate in the reservation and are entitled to possession thereto. The case is the first on record where one Indian tribe brought suit against another in the courts of the United States, and has aroused widespread feeling on account of the wrong done the Poncas.
Dec. 9, 1880: Evening Star: [Dakota]
Chief Medium Bear, of the Sioux delegation to Washington, was accidentally shot at Crow Creek yesterday, and the visit of the Indians to this city will be postponed.
Dec. 9, 1880: Daily Inter Ocean (Chicago) [Dakota]
Yankton, D. T., Dec. 8.—The departure of the Sioux delegation for Washington, to close a bargain for railroad rights of way across their reservation, is delayed by the accidentally schooting ]sic] of Chief Medicine Bear at Crow Creek.
Dec. 10, 1880: Evening Star: [Cherokee]
Col. Geo. Bushyhead, a prominent member of the Cherokee tribe of Indians in North Carolina, was in Richmond yesterday en route to Washington. Bushyhead comes here for the purpose of endeavoring to get Congress to make an appropriation for his people. There are about 600 in the North Carolina lands of the Cherokees.
Dec. 10, 1880 Sun (Baltimore) [Dakota: Chey. River, Brule]
Indian Delegations.
A delegation of Sioux Indians from Cheyenne reservation will arrive to-morrow morning for the purpose of talking about a railroad being laid through their reservation. A delegation of Lower rules will arrive here on Saturday [Dec. 11] morning to join in the pow-wow.
Dec. 11, 1880 Evening Star [Ponca]
Gen. Crook has been ordered to Washington on business connected with the Ponca Indian matter.
Dec. 11, 1880 Washington Post [Dakota]
A delegation of Cheyenne river Sioux Indians arrived on the 2 o'clock train, this morning, and put up at the Tremont house. Mr. Love, the agent, accompanies them. It is understood that they will, while here, have a conference about allowing a railroad to be laid through their reservation.
Dec. 13, 1880 Evening Star [Ponca]
The Poncas Want to Stay in Indian Territory.
The charge having been made that the petition sent to the Interior department by the Poncas in October to be permitted to visit Washington for the purpose of giving up their rights to their old reserve in Dakota and stipulating for as indemnity, with the desire to remain in the Indian territory, had been obtained by illegitimate influences, Secretary Schurz sent an inspector to the Ponca agency for the purpose of investigating whether that petition was a free expression of their will, and to-day received the following dispatch:
"Ponca Agency, Dec. 11, 1880.--Secretary Interior, Washington, D. C.: Poncas in council reaffirm letter of October 25th. Are anxious to settle and remain here. Haworth, Inspector."
Secretary Schurz has written a long and sharp letter to Governor Long, who presided over a meeting held in Boston December 3, to express sympathy with the Ponca Indians and denounce the wrongs inflicted upon them by the government in their removal from Dakota to the Indian territory. Secretary Schurz argues that the injury done the Poncas in ceding their Dakota reservation to the Sioux was inflicted by a previous administration; that to allow the Poncas to come in contact with their old and more powerful enemies, the Sioux, would expose them to destruction, and that, as they are now prosperous and contented in the Indian territory, it is best to allow them to remain there.
WINTER '80-'81: DAKOTA: Dakota: BAE-AR 1, p. 405: A special list obtained from Ta-tan'ka Wa-kan (Medicine Bull), and other members of a delegation of Lower Brulé Dakotas, while at Washington during the winter of 1880-'81.
Dec. 15, 1880: Evening Star: [Dakota: Brule & others]
The Sioux Indians.--Little No Heart, Rattling Rib, White Swan, Blue Coat and Four Bear, the five Sioux chiefs from the Cheyenne agency who came here under charge of Major Leonard Love, will be followed by a deputation of chiefs from the Lower Brule agency, who also come on business with the Indian bureau. Their business has reference to a proposal from the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul and the Chicago and Northwestern railroad companies to purchase the right of way through their lands, from the Missouri river to the Black Hills, to which it is understood they are not averse. General Lawler, representing the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul road, and Marvin Hewitt, representing the Chicago and Northwestern road, are also in the city to take part in the negotiations.
Dec. 15, 1880 Evening Star [Dakota: Brule]
Medicine Bull Severely Wounded.
Information from the Lower Brule agency, Dakota, is that the Brule chief medicine Bull was shot and severely wounded by the accidental discharge of the revolver of Mr. Beveridge, the agency clerk. Medicine Bull called his Indians together and charged them to molest no one because of the accident, and, to show good faith, presented his best horse to Beveridge. He is an influential chief, and did much toward keeping the Brules at the agency during the Sitting bull war.
Dec. 15, 1880: Washington Post [Dakota]
The Cheyenne River Sioux now visiting this city will have a conference with Secretary Schurz this afternoon, in reference to ceding a right of way 200 feet wide through their country for railroad purposes.
Dec. 16, 1880: Washington Post: [Dakota]
Conference of the Sioux Indians.
The Cheynne river Sioux had an informal conference with Secretary Schurz yesterday at the Interior department. The Indians preferred, before entering into any agreement with the Government that ceded the right of way through their country, to await the arrival of the Brule and Yanktonnais Sioux, who are now on their way to this city, and who are expected to arrive here by next Saturday. Another conference will therefore be held next week. The department is of the opinion that the Indians will grant the railroad the right of way asked.
Dec. 18, 1880: Evening Star: [Ponca]
The Ponca Chiefs will leave the Indian territory to-day for Washington, and will probably arrive here on Monday or Tuesday. They come at their own request to settle finally their affairs with the government.
Dec. 22, 1880: Evening Star: [Ponca]
The Ponca Chiefs, who some time ago asked permission to visit Washington, arrived here yesterday, and this morning Secretary Schurz held a council with them in the presence of Gen. Geo. Crook, Mr. Stickney and Mr. Walter Allen, three of the Ponca commissioners, lately named by the President, General Miles being out of town. The Ponca chiefs declared unanimously that they desired to remain in the Indian Territory, and to make permanent homes there; to sell their Dakota land, and to acquire title to their reservation in the Indian territory. They said, further, that there had not been any sickness among them for a year. They were emphatic in declaring that they wanted Mr. Tibbles and the other white men who had been trying to get them back to Dakota, and thus interfering with their working and becoming prosperous to let them alone henceforth.
Dec. 22, 1880: Washington Post: [Ponca; Dakota]
The Ponca Indians are expected to arrive here this morning. They will stop at the Globe house, Twelfth and F streets northwest. The remaining delegation of the Sioux will arrive here to-night, and take up quarters at the Tremont house.
Dec. 23, 1880: Evening Star: [Dakota; Ponca]
A Delegation of Sioux Indians from the lower Brule agency arrived in the city last night. They have come to join with the delegation from the Cheyenne river agency now here in a protest against giving the right of way to lines of railroads through their joint reservation. There are twelve of the principal Brule chiefs with two interpreters in the party, which is in charge of Capt. W. E. Dougherty, who is well known in connection with the capture of the assassin Booth. This party was detained on the road about a week by an accident to Medicine Bull. They are quartered at the Tremont House. Their names are White Ghost, Iron Native, Dear Hand, Little Pheasant, Medicine Bull, Bull Head, Don't Know How, Dog Back, Bear Bird, Big Mane, Wizi, and Handsome Elk. The Poncas, who arrived here Tuesday night, are at the Globe House.
Dec. 23, 1880 Evening Star [Dakota]
The Sioux Indians now in the city called the White House this afternoon to pay their respects to the Great Father. The President received them very kindly, and in response to their expressions of good faith and friendship the President spoke of the interest that he felt in their welfare and advancement.
Dec. 23, 1880: Washington Post: [Ponca]
THE PETITION OF THE PONCAS. They Acknowledge Having Signed it and Are Willing to Ratify it.
The Ponca Indians, under charge of Agent Whiting, and accompanied by Joseph Esau and Antoine Leroy as interpreters, had a long talk with Secretary Schurz yesterday morning. The chiefs present were White Eagle, Frank La Flesche, Child Chief, Standing Buffalo, Black Crow, Big Soldier, The Chief and Red Loaf. Acting Commissioner Marble, Gen. Crook, Inspector Hayworth and William Stickney and A. K. Smiley, of the board of Indian commissioners, were also present. The secretary opened the conference by reading their letter to him, and by calling their attention to their petition, an extract from which reads: "And we earnestly request that the chiefs of the Ponca tribe of Indians be permitted to visit Washington the coming winter for the purpose of signing away our right to all land in Dakota, and to obtain a title to our present reservation, and we also wish to settle our Sioux troubles at the same time." All the chiefs said that they had signed the paper and had now come here to ratify their part of the agreement. They also said there was no sickness among them. The conference was most satisfactory.
Dec. 23, 1880: Evening Star: [Ponca]
The Ponca Indian Commission will leave about the middle of next week to visit the Poncas and report upon their condition and what should be done for them, as instructed by the President in organizing the commission.
Dec. 23, 1880: Evening Star: [Dakota]
The Sioux Indians now in the city called at the White House this afternoon to pay their respects to the Great Father. The President received them very kindly, and in response to their expressions of good faith and friendship the President spoke of the interest that he felt in their welfare and advancement.
Dec. 23, 1880: Evening Star: [Pawnee/Dakota]
An Indian Sailor.--Among the crew of the schooner Centennial, Capt. Birdsell, lying at Mr. Wm. Smoot's wharf, is a man who claims to be the only genuine Indian sailor in the world. He says he was born in Little Arkansas; that his parents were members of the Pawnee tribe, and that his mother is a sister of Red Cloud, who is now in Washington; that he was taken to Glasgow, Scotland, when quite young, by a man who came to this country for the purpose of engaging in the cattle trade, but who got tired of the business and went back home; that after going to school for several years in Scotland he enlisted in the British navy, from which, after a long service, he was honorably discharged; he then went on board of a merchant vessel and came to this country a few years ago. He has, according to his statement been on the sea nineteen years and has visited all parts of the world. He is now seriously thinking of returning to his people.
--Alexandria Gazette, 22d.
Dec. 23, 1880 Sun (Baltimore) [Dakota: Brule; Ponca]
The Ponca chiefs who arrived in Washington yesterday to-day called on Secretary Schurz. Gen. Geo. Crook, Mr. Stickney and Mr. Walter Allen, three of the Ponca commissioners, were present. The chiefs declared that they desired to remain in the Indian Territory and make permanent homes there; to sell their Dakota lands and acquire title to their reservation in Indian Territory, where they were perfectly contented and wanted to be let alone.
A delegation of lower Brule Indians, twelve in number, arrived here to-night to join with Cheyenne Agency Indians to protest against a railroad running through their join[t] reservation.
Dec. 23, 1880 Evening Star [Dakota] (see Drifting Goose delegation in May)
Sitting Bull's Surrender--A telegram to the N.Y. Herald from Bismarck, D.T., Dec. 23 (?) says:-- Commissioner W. P. Dane, of the Indian department, will arrive here to-night en route to Fort Buford, to receive the surrender of Sitting Bull, as the commissioner on the part of the United States government. Relays of teams have been provided by the quartermaster's department between this city and Fort Buford to get Dr. Dane through with all possible safety. Treachery is evidently apprehended, as the quartermaster's department here has forwarded to Fort Buford several Gatling guns and 2,400 rounds of ammunition. Drifting Goose, a chief of Sitting Bull's gang, who once offered to surrender at Keogh, now refuses to come in and may be forced to by the military. Sitting Bull will only surrender at the Forks of the Yellowstone or Fort Buford. Decisive measures have been determined upon by the government.
Dec. 24, 1880: Washington Post: [Dakota]
Secretary Schurz and the Sioux.
The Brule Yanktonnais and Cheyenne river Sioux Indians, accompanied by Capt. Doughterty and Leonard Love, agents, and William Fielder, Alexander Rencounter and Mark Wells, interpreters, had a conference with Secretary Schurz yesterday. The Indians present were: Little No Heart, Rattling Rib, White Swan, Blue Coal, Four Bears, White Ghost, Iron Native, Dear Hand, Little Pheasant, Medicine Bull, Bull Head, Don't Know How, Dog Back, Bear Bird, Big Mane, Wizi and Handsome Elk. After shaking hands with the Secretary, and saying "How," the Indians expressed a desire to see the Great Father, and left for the White House, where they were each introduced to Mr. Hayes. Their business with the Interior department is the granting of a right of way through their country, for railroad purposes. Another conference will be held to-day, when business will be discussed.
Dec. 24, 1880: Washington Post: [Ponca]
The Ponca Indians, now in this city, manifest a more forgiving spirit than has ever before been shown by any of their race. They not only accept cruel wrong uncomplainingly, but seem quite content to bear such an infliction.
Dec. 24, 1880: Cincinnati Daily Gazette [Dakota]
A delegation of Sioux chiefs, consisting of White Ghost, Dog Back, Don’t Know How, Dear Hand, and several others, called upon the President at the White House yesterday. They visit Washington to arrange with railroad men to grant the right of way through their reservation.
Dec. 24, 1880: Daily Illinois State Journal [Dakota: Brule]
Indian Delegation.
A delegation of twelve Sioux Indian chiefs and head men from the lower Brule Agency reached Washington last night in charge of Capt. Dougherty, of the United States Army, acting Agent for the Crow Creek Agency. Their business here is to conduct negotiations with the representatives of several lins of railway relative to granting the right of way through their reservation. They will also confer with a delegation from the Cheyenne Agency who came here on similar business. To-day, in company with Secretary Schurz, hey called at the White House and paid a brief visit to President Hayes, who was introduced and shook hands with them all. The names o the chiefs are: White Ghost, Iron Native, Dear Hand, Little Pheasant, Medicine Bull, Bull Head, Don’t-Know-How, Dog Bark, Bear Bird, Big mane, Wizi and Handsome Elk.
Dec. 24, 1880: Wheeling Register [Dakota: Brule, Cheyenne River]
Medicine-Bull.
White-Ghost, Bull-Head, Don’t-Know-How, and other Prominent Guests Call at the White House.
Washington, December 23.—A delegation of twelve Indian chiefs and headmen from the Lower Brule Agency reached Washington, last night, in charge of Capt. Dougherty of the United States Army, acting agent for the Crow Creek Agency. Their business here is to conduct negotiations with the representatives of several lines of railroad relative to granting the right of way through their reservations. They will also confer with the delegation from the Cheyenne agency, who came last week on similar business. To-day in company with Secretary Schurz they called at the White House and paid a brief visit to President Hayes, who was introduced and shook hands with them all. The Chiefs are: White Ghost, Iron Native, Dearhod [sic], Little Pheasant, Medicine Bull, Bull Head, Don’t Know How, Dog Back, Bear Bird, Bigmare, Wizi and handsome Elk.
Dec. 25, 1880: Washington Post [Dakota; Ponca]
An Interpreter Who Has Influence.
The Sioux Indians had a long conference at the Interior department, yesterday. Assistant Secretary Bell presided, and spoke to them of the importance of the land grant, for railroad purposes, which was desired. The Indians expressed themselves as favorable to the grant. No result, however, was arrived at, as some details of the agreement have yet to be arranged. Some trouble was experienced with the interpreter who accompanies, as it is alleged that he has influenced the Indians against the grant. He is, it is said, in the employ of the traders, who, if the railroad is established, will be greatly injured in their business. Another conference will be held to-day.
The Poncas also had an extended interview with Secretary Schurz, but no result was reached.
Dec. 26, 1880: Washington Post: [Dakota]
Heavy Demands for Right of Way.
Another conference with the Sioux Indians was held at the Interior department yesterday, assistant Secretary Bell presiding. After a talk of several hours the conference adjourned without arriving at any definite conclusion. It is understood that the Sioux demand $40,000 for the right of way through their country. The route selected by the Northwestern railroad, that desires their land, is about 200 miles long and 200 feet broad. The Sioux Indians, whose land is not passed through, also put in a claim for a proportionate share of the money, and upon this point the disagreement seems to hitch. It is alleged that one of the interpreters, Alexander Rencounter, has so influenced the Sioux that no satisfactory decision can be reached.
Dec. 27, 1880: Evening Star: [Dakota]
How The Red Men Do It.--At a conference with the Indians at the interior department, a day or two ago Rattling Rib, one of the chiefs, got on a good story. He was about to state a proposition, when he was intercepted by an Indian, who opposed what Rattling Rib contemplated urging. The latter let the interloper go ahead, but when he got through he said: "I state a false proposition he is always anxious to be heard before any one else." This was a more dignified way of passing the lie than is practiced in the House of Representatives.
Dec. 27, 1880: Evening Star: [Dakota: Brule & Cheyenne River]
The Brule Sioux and Cheyenne river Indians to-day had an interview with Assistant Secretary Bell, of the interior department, in regard to the railroad right of way through their lands. Nothing definite was determined, and the Indians who saw Mr. Bell to-day will to-morrow have a talk with Secretary Schurz.
Dec. 27, 1880: Washington Post: [Dakota]
SUNDAY'S NEWS. The Cream of Yesterday's Edition Concisely Re-stated.
...GOVERNMENTAL....Assistant Secretary Bell had a conference with the Sioux Indians at the Indian department, but no definite conclusion was reached. The Sioux want all the money that is to be paid by the Northwestern railroad for the right of way through their reservation. The other Indians want their proportionate share, and this is the question to be settled.
Dec. 28, 1880: Evening Star: [Dakota]
The Brule Sioux Indians had another conference at the Interior department to-day. The disposition of the leading chiefs is not to make any agreement with the Chicago and North-Western Railroad or the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul road until an agreement is reached with respect to the title of their lands. Both of these companies want the right of way through the Sioux Indian reservation to Deadwood. At the conference to-day a dozen or so railroad attorneys were present. It is not probable an understanding will be reached for some days yet. The Indians don't mind the delay, for, as one of them said to-day, "We are here under the government expense."
Dec. 28, 1880 Evening Star [Ponca]
Protest Against The Ponca Agreement.--Senator Dawes this morning sent a sharp letter to the President protesting against the proposed exchange of lands with the Poncas according to the agreement signed yesterday. He takes the ground that the Indians are entitled to their lands in Dakota and should not be deprived of them, and also that the lands on which they now are do not belong to the government, but to the Cherokee Indians. There can be no legal action taken, he says, until Congress has made provision for the purchase and the Cherokees formally covey their lands to the government. This letter was laid before the Cabinet at the meeting this afternoon.
Dec. 29, 1880: Evening Star: [Dakota: Cheyenne River]
The Cheyenne River Sioux had another interview with Secretary Schurz to-day about the railroad right of way through their lands. They held out for $7,000,000 for the grant [sic] of way. Secretary Schurz told them it was impossible to pay that amount. It would not cost that much to build and equip the road. The $6 an acre offered them was more than would be paid white men. The Indians said $7,000,000 was what they had been told to ask by their people. Secretary Schurz told them that if they could not be reasonable they might as well go home. The Indians left, but will probably ask for another hearing.
Dec. 28, 1880 Sun (Baltimore) [Dakota: Brule; Chey. River]
The Brules and the Sioux.
The Lower Brule and Cheyenne River Sioux delegations visited the Interior Department again to-day, for the purpose of continuing their talk with Secretary Schurz in regard to granting right of way to a western railroad company through that portion of the Great Sioux reservation now occupied by the Cheyenne River and Brule bands.
The only definite proposition advanced during the day came from one of the Indian delegates, and this placed the sum of money asked for the right of way and the necessary lands at $7,000,000. As the length of the proposed new railway route over their reservation is only about 200 miles, this proposition did not seem to receive at the time very serious consideration from the railroad representatives.
Dec. 30, 1880: Evening Star: [Ponca]
Senator Dawes and White Eagle.--Under the inspiration of Mr. Tibbles, Mr. Standing Bear and Miss Bright Eyes, Boston has become thoroughly aroused in its sympathies on behalf of the Ponca Indians. Gov. Long gave voice to the Boston idea in his recent speech, in which he held Secretary Schurz up before the world in the character of a heartless official. The Secretary made an able defence, but Boston was not convinced. White Eagle, accompanied by his entire cabinet of sub-chiefs, came here a week ago to make a new treaty. He said: "My people are content to remain in the Indian territory. We want papers for our lands there and pay for our old home in Dakota. We don't wish to go back to Dakota." Last Monday Senator Dawes, accompanied by Tibbles, called on Secretary Schulz and demanded a secret caucus with the Ponca chiefs. No objections were offered to this, but the Senator thought better of it and held an open council. He appealed to the patriotic sentiment of his red brethren, by asking if it was true that they were willing to sell the graves of their fathers. White Eagle, speaking for his people, relied that he was willing, and that all his people were willing, for they were getting better lands and money enough to set them up in farming. The Senator subsided and sadly left the council, evidently much disgusted at the want of patriotic sentiment in the noble red man.
Dec. 30, 1880: Washington Post: [Dakota]
Schurz and the Cheyennes. [Cheyenne River Sioux]
Another conference was held yesterday by Secretary Schurz at the Interior department with the Cheyenne and Brule Sioux Indians. The spokesmen of the party were Rattling Rib and Four Bears. They persist in their demand for $7,000,000. Secretary, with some abruptness, told the Indians that such a demand was foolish, and that had he been aware of such determination on their part, they should never have come to the Capital. It is possible that an agreement may yet be reached.
Dec. 31, 1880: Evening Star: [Dakota: Brule & Cheyenne River]
The Cheyenne River and Lower Brule Sioux kept their appointment for another conference at the Interior department this morning, and informed Secretary Schurz that they had made up their minds to accept the terms offered them by the Chicago and Northwestern and Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroads for rights of way through their reservation, but they wanted to talk the matter over among themselves several days longer before signing any agreement. The Secretary, in reply, told them they must bring the matter to a conclusion one way or the other this afternoon, and the conference was accordingly adjourned for a few hours, at the end of which time the agreement will probably be signed.
NOTE: SEVERAL DELEGATIONS CARRY OVER INTO JAN. 1881, which see.
Esp. Jan. 1, 1881: Boston Daily Advertiser [Dakota: Brule, Ponca]
Special Correspondence of the Advertiser.
Washington, D. C. Dec. 29, 1880. …