1886 Delegations
President:
Grover Cleveland (March 4, 1885 – March 4, 1889)
Commissioner of Indian Affairs in 1886:
John D. C. Atkins (March 21, 1885 – June 13, 1888)
Jan. 22, 1886: Evening Star: [Apache & unid.]
Indian Boys at the White House.—Capt. Pratt, of the Carlisle Indian school, and a party of Indian boys and girls of the school, are in the city. They called upon the President to-day, who gave them a cordial reception. They were also received by Miss Cleveland, in one of the White House parlors. They also called upon Adjutant General Drum, and visited the Interior department, and other executive departments and points of interest. There is an Apache Indian boy in the party who has been but two years at the school, and yet, Capt. Pratt says, he is competent to go out in the world and take care of himself. This is regarded as quite remarkable, considering the fact that the Apaches retain more of their savage nature than any of the other tribes.
Feb. 5, 1886: Evening Star: [unid.]
Indians Pleading Their Own Cause.
The Indian delegation from Indian Territory, opposed to the Oklahoma bills introduced by Messrs. Townshend and Weaver, which propose to make citizens of the Indians under a territorial government, appeared before the House committee on territories to-day, and argued against the right of Congress to take their lands from them, and divide them up according to their own notions. They pleased and astonished the committee by the subtlety of their arguments, and were listened to very attentively.
Feb. 16, 1886: Watertown Daily Times: [Creek and unid.]
A “savage” Speech.
Ex-Governor Curtin received an Indian delegation at his home in Washington Friday evening, and their actions are the subject of much ridiculous comment in Washington correspondence. There were twenty-five savages, and not being chairs enough in the room, they squatted tailor-fashion on the floor, awaiting an audience with Pennsylvania’s famous was governor. This action of the savages was in accordance with their ideas of the fitness of things, and even though it was not in accordance with the etiquette of the white man,, it had the merit of sincerity. Equally sincere was the address delivered by Granson, the head of the Creek delegation. He talked in English, and said, addressing Mr. Curtin:
“We are here as the representatives of the Indian tribes of the Indian Territory, and we claim to speak also for the remaining aboriginal owners of this great country. [long impassioned speech about times changing, treaties broken, bad faith of the US government]
Laugh at the Indian’s ignorance of etiquette if you will, but point out one line in his address if you can which is not true—eloquent with its truthfulness.
Feb. 26, 1886: Evening Star: [Ute]
Removal of the Ute Indians.—A delegation of four southern Ute Indians with their agent, C. F. Stollsteimer, called at the Indian office to-day for the purpose of arranging terms with the government for their removal to Utah. They will be given a hearing on Monday.
Feb. 26, 1886: Evening Star: [Ute]
A Delegation of Ute Indians arrived at the Tremont house to-day.
Feb. 27, 1886: Evening Star: [Ute]
Ute Indians At The Capitol.
Ignacio, chief of the southern Utes and head chief of the Winanuchees; Buckskin Charley, head chief of the Menuchees, and Tabuchee, chief of Capotes, branches of the southern Utes, are at the Capitol to-day in conference with the Senators from Colorado. The delegation came here upon the invitation of Senator Bowen, whose purpose in the movement is to ascertain upon what terms the Indians will surrender their present reservation and move into Southern Utah. They now occupy excellent agricultural lands, but are said to be making no progress at all as cultivators.
March 1, 1886: Evening Star: [Ute]
The Southern Ute Indians.—Commissioner of Indian Affairs Atkins returned to-day after a few days’ absence in New York city, where he was engaged in superintending the opening of bids for Indian supplies. He found a delegation of the southern Ute Indians of Colorado in his office who wanted to confer with him relative to their removal to Utah. They find that their reservation in Colorado is very small, and that they are surrounded by ranchmen, who not only run over their reservation, but shoot them when they pass the limits. They propose to exchange their lands for lands situated directly south of them in Utah. The commissioner desired to have a further talk with them, and the Indians, after a talk with Secretary Lamar, left the department.
March 13, 1886: Evening Star: [Sac & Fox]
An Indian Delegation.—A delegation of Sac and Fox Indians from the Indian Territory called on the commissioner of Indian affairs to-day and had a conference in relation to their annuities and other matters which they wishes to discuss with the authorities here.
March 22, 1886: Evening Star: [Winnebago]
A Delegation of the Winnebago Indians, of Nebraska, had an interview with Commissioner of Indian Affairs Atkins in relation to the affairs of their tribe.
March 22, 1886: Critic Record: [Winnebago]
A delegation of Winnebago Indians to-day called at the Indian Department and had a talk with Commissioner Atkins about their affairs.
April 15, 1886: Evening Star: [Delaware, Oto, Sac & Fox]
An Indian Reception.
A council Fire Held at the Meeting of the Indian Defense Association.
The various Indian delegations now in the city were present by invitation at the meeting of the executive committee of the National defense association Tuesday evening. Rev. Dr. Sunderland, vice president, occupied the chair. On the suggestion of Dr. Bland the meeting was converted into an informal reception to the visiting Indians, and the evening was spent in listening to short speeches. Chief Keokuk, of the Sac and Fox nation, made an eloquent speech through his interpreter, Rev. Mr. Hurr, an Otoe Indian. Chief Journey [Lake?], of the Delawares, gave a brief history of the trials of his people from the time of their treaty with William Penn. They then numbered about one hundred thousand and owned a large country. Now they number 771, and own a small tract of land in the Cherokee nation. Ex-Gov. Ward Coachman, of the Creek nation, and Mr. Wardsworth, of the Peoria tribe, spoke of the many bills in Congress to break up the Indians, and all of the Indian speakers expressed gratitude to the association for its defense of the Indians. Responses to the Indian speakers were made by Rev. Alexander Kent, Hon. A. J. Willard, Prof. Bernard T. Jenney and Dr. T. A. Bland.
July 18, 1886: Washington Post: [Apache: Chiricahua]
Apache Indians in the City.
Ten chiefs and their squaws, of the troublesome tribes of the Apache Chirachua [sic] Indians of Arizona, arrived in this city last evening in charge of Capt. J. H. Darat, of the Fourth Cavalry, U.S.A., in order to have a conference with Secretary Lamar relative to the affairs of the tribe. It is thought probably that these Indians may be removed from Arizona to some of the vacant lands of the Indian Territory.
July 20, 1886 Washington Post: [Apache: Chiricahua]
The Chiricahua Apache Indian who arrived in this city Saturday night, as related in The Post, had an interview with Secretary Lamar yesterday. One of the old chiefs acted as spokesman and spoke in the Apache dialect, which was interpreted into Mexican by an Indian halfbreed and then into English by an American who came on with the Indians. They merely wanted to be allowed to remain on the San Carlos reservation in Arizona, where they are getting along very well, instead of being removed to the Indian Territory. The Secretary said he would consider what had been said, but the Government was determined to put a stop to their raids and depredations. He would let them know what action was decided upon.
July 21, 1886: Evening Star: [Apache: Chiricahua]
The Case of Chaco, the apache.—It is sated that Representative Morrill, of Kansas, who made a request of Secretary Lamar that Chaco, one of the apache Indians now in this city, be arrested for the murder of the McComan family in 1883, in New Mexico, will make a similar demand upon the Secretary of War, under whose protection these Indians have come on east. As Chaco has been living quietly at Fort Apache since that time, and as a legal process of this sort could have been served upon him at any time during those years, it is not thought likely that any action will be taken in this matter, especially now, when he has come on to Washington under the protection of the government and with an implied promise of safety.
July 21, 1886: Washington Post: [Apache: Chiricahua]
A Bloody Apache Chief.
An Indian in Washington Who Murdered a Family.
The Story of the McComas Tragedy—A Kansas Representative Wants Secretary Lamar to Hold the Chief—What the Secretary says.
Chaco, one of the thirteen Chiricahua Apaches now in this city is one of the most famous chiefs of the Apache race, and is the same one who gave Gen. Crook so much trouble to catch in 1883, but was finally captured with his band among the mountains of Mexico by the late Capt. Crawford. [info. in re charges, decision, but nothing on delegation]
July 23, 1886: Evening Star: [Apache: Chiricahua]
The Apache Indian Delegation.—The Secretary of the Interior will have another conference with the Apache Indians now in this city, and the Indians will then return to their reservation in Arizona. The main object of the visit was to make the Indians acquainted to some degree, with the extent of the country and the population. The subject of their removal was broached, because it is probably that in the future such a step will become necessary, and then the question will not be such a novel one.
July 23, 1886: Washington Post: [Apache: Chiricahua]
Chaco Safe From Harm.
The Government Cannot Punish Him For His Crimes.
Secretary Lamar Says That Although He May Have Committed Fifty Murders He is Safe Under the Terms of His Surrender to Gen. Crook.
Secretary Lamar’s attention was called by a Post reporter yesterday to a published interview in which Mr. H. H. Carpenter, of Silver City, N.M., who is now in Washington, is represented as saying not only that Chaco, the Apache chief, who is also in Washington at the present time, is the murderer of the McComus family, but that there is evidence to show that he has “fifty murders on his head.” [discussion of history]… In regard to the fourteen Apache Indians now in Washington, Secretary Lamar imparted some information. “They have come here,” said he, “at the invitation of the Government. They are here both as the guests and the wards of the government… [discussion of situation, no more on delegation itself]
July 28, 1886: Evening Star: [Apache: Chiricahua]
Apaches at the White House.
Their Conference with the “Great Father.”
The delegation of apaches who are in the city visited the President at noon to-day, in charge of Captains Bourke and Dorsey. As they ascended the main stairway the creaking of their heavy new shoes sounded as if the White house was invaded by a regiment. While waiting in the cabinet room for the President, their attention was attracted by the beautiful view from the south windows, and they expressed their admiration by deep gutturals, meaning “it is good,” “it is beautiful,” &c. They were soon ushered into the library, and were introduced by Captain Bourke to the President, who shook hands with each one. The President said that all that had been said and agreed upon with Secretary Lamar and Secretary Endicott had been written down, and would be submitted to him. “And tell them,” said he to Capt. Bourke, “that I will give the matter very careful attention.” The words of the “Great Father” were translated into Spanish by Capt. Bourke, and were as fast turned into the Apache language by Mickey Free, the Mexican-Apache. Mickey was adorned with the conventional “Galway sluggers,” [a grizzled beard under the chin but not near the lips] which added materially to this Celtic appearance. The Apaches testified their approval of the president’s remarks with deep grunts and wagging of heads. Then, after shaking hands all round again with the President, took their departure. Chief Chato was a very prominent figure among the visitors, and he was readily distinguished by a large flaming red necktie. The three squaws who accompanied the bucks had nothing to say, but they evidently saw a great deal.
July 29, 1886: New Mexican [Santa Fe, NM]: [Apache: Chiricahua]
The delegation of Apache Indians, including Chief Chico, who have been in the city for several days, in charge of Capts. Burke and Morsey, and with the halfbreed, Mickey Free, as interpreter, had an audience with the president yesterday. The president told them that what secretaries Lamar and Endicott had agreed to do for them had been written down and would be presented to him for his approval. He promised to give their wishes thorough consideration. The Indians were very much pleased with the president’s words as interpreted to them by Mickey Free, and uttered frequent grunts of satisfaction.
Aug. 25, 1886: Evening Star: [Apache: Chiricahua]
[Long article on removal of the Apaches and discussions, includes the following reference:] What is to become of Chief Chato and the other Apaches who recently visited Washington?
Sept. 18, 1886: Evening Star: [Apache]
[this isn’t about a delegation, but it is about Indian photography at the Smithsonian]
Geronimo in Effigy.
A Figure Which is to Adorn the National Museum.
How Indian Types and Costumes Are Represented There—A Head of the Apache Modeled from a Photograph—Catching colors from Visiting Indians, etc.
Geronimo, or a counterfeit presentment of the nimble Apache chief, adorns a table at the door of Prof. Goode’s room at the National Museum. it is a head and bust of plaster modeled in clay by Mrs. Heldeman [or Heideman] and cast by Mr. Palmer of the National Museum. The face and bust have been colored a good copper hue. The head is perfectly bald now, but it will in time be covered with a good growth of hair. Eyeballs, too, will be set in the holes now left for them. The remainder of the trunk and legs and arms will be added. The figure will be dressed in Apache blanket, shirt, leggings, boots or moccasins and sombrero, and a life-like representation will be given in the Museum of a typical Apache, so life-like that it will be likely to frighten any Arizona ranchman who may straggle into the National museum. “We do not of course,” said Prof. Goode, purpose to exhibit portraits. Our idea is to show types.”
The Head of Geronimo,
As shown in the bust, is rather a fine Indian head, reminding one in its general outlines of the bust of Black Hawk, at the Capitol. The chin and lower jaw are firm, the mouth rather large and well cut, the nose large and aquiline and the cheek bones high. About the cheeks the lines of the face are drawn tightly and the forehead is deeply wrinkled. “That is a typical Indian nose,” said Prof. Otis Mason, curator of the department of ethnology. “Kingsborough, Adair, and the old ethnologists, believed that the American Indians were the lost tribes of Israel, because their noses were of the aquiline mold. It was supposed that the lost tribes would be identified, when found, by their noses. How did we get the bust? Well, it was made from a photograph we had—a photograph taken, I think, by some of the expeditions of the geological survey. This photograph represented Geronimo sitting, in half-savage, half-civilized costume, wearing an old hat set back upon his head, a calico shirt he had got from a trader, a sort of half-Apache, half-Greaser, half-cowboy costume. The tobacco juice was running down from the corners of his mouth. From that photograph Mrs. Heideman [or Heldeman] modeled the head.”
Taking Indian Photographs.
The photograph mentioned by Prof. Mason was taken some years ago, and represents Geronimo in peaceful repose, before he began his merciless warfare and filled the War department dispatches and the newspapers with records of his captures and escapes. “Powell, Hayden, Wheeler and others of our great collectors,” observed Prof. Mason, “have made it a point to secure photographs whenever possible of Indians. The result is we have a most valuable collection here. But, of course, photographs do not show color. We have supplemented the photographer’s work. Mr. Shindler, the artist of the museum, has done excellent work in this direction. Whenever a delegation of Indians come here he goes about with them, taking opportunities here and there to catch their colors. Of course, they do not know what he is doing. He has succeeded in recording perfectly the colors—the hue of the skin—and his work has a great value to the ethnologist. When the series of Indian figures was prepared for the Centennial Exposition the heads were all taken from one mask. The same face served for men and women and Indians of different tribes. The gentleman who arranged them did the best he could by painting the faces differently, which gave them some variety, and softening the features of women a little. He had lived among the Indians and knew exactly how to costume the figures, and, of course, in this respect the exhibition was perfect. These figures, however, look a little stiff, all alike. We then had some heads of famous Indians made by Achille Colin, of the office of the supervising Architect of the Treasury. They were life-like works of art, and showed at once what might be done in the way of representing types of Indians. Now this head of Geronimo will be interesting as a type and interesting also as the head of so famous a chief. The figure when completed will be dressed in a costume which will be a reproduction of Geronimo’s. All we need have modeled in addition to the head will be the hands. The remainder of the body being concealed by the clothing will be a mere dummy to fill out the clothing.
The Apache [sic]
wears leggings, which he pulls on like a boot leg, instead of wrapping about his limbs as the Zuni leggin is wrapped. He is apt now to wear a calico shirt bought from a trader, and the sleeve of the arm, thrust out from under his blanket, is exposed; but before the day of traders he wore a buckskin shirt. He wears a boot or foot covering, having a long toe turned up, with which he beats down the prickly cactus as he walks. The apaches came from Alaska, or are of the same stock as the Alaska Indians. They are identified by their language and their arts. They are divided up into many small tribes or bands, and Geronimo is only [illeg.] of a band. It is a singular thing that the Navajoes, who inhabit one side of the same plain as the Apaches, came early under the influence of missionaries and learned to domesticate animals for their own use, while the Apaches never did. The Navajo became a great sheep raiser. He is just as bloodthirsty and warlike as the Apache, but his sheep keeps him at home and in peace. He knows that if he goes to war he will lose his sheep. The Apache has no stock to care for except his horse, and he has nothing to lose but his life.”