President:   Grover Cleveland (March 4, 1885 – March 4, 1889)

Commissioners of Indian Affairs in 1888: 

    John D. C. Atkins (March 21, 1885 – June 13, 1888)       

    John H. Oberly (Oct. 10, 1888 – [June 9? 1889]

March 8, 1888:  Evening Star:  [Cherokee]

            Among the President’s Callers To-day were Senator Berry, with Col. Boudinot, Col. Bell, Mr. Sanders, and Mr. Gray, of the Cherokee delegation and Representatives Rockwell, Caruth, and Ryan.

Oct. 4, 1888:  Evening Star:  [Dakota, Cheyenne]

            The Sioux Commission.

            What They Say About the Status of the Treaty.

            Confident of Ultimate Success with Concessions—Why The Indians Object to Signing—The Delegation of Chiefs Coming.

            The members of the Sioux Commission, Captain Pratt, of the Carlisle Indian School; Judge John V. Wright, of the Interior Department, and Rev. Mr. Cleveland, who arrived here yesterday, expressed themselves to-day as confident of ultimate success in obtaining the acceptance of the treaty.

[long section in re the treaty, negotiations in the field, Indian objections, etc., edited out]

            …The delegation of seventy-two chiefs coming to confer with the President will probably arrive here a week from next Friday or Saturday.  The members of the delegation will be selected by the agents at the several agencies.  Among them will be Sitting Bull, Mad Bear, John Grass, Big Head, White Swan, Charger, Little Ghost, medicine Bow, Iron Nation, Big Mane, Swift Bear, Two Strike, American Horse, Captain Sword, Wezee, and probably Red Cloud.

Oct. 8, 1888:  Critic Record:  [Dakota]

            The Sioux chiefs who have been grunting and growling so long over the pending treaty have got what they wanted at last—permission the [sic] come on to Washington for a talk with the Great Father and a good time generally.  There will be seventy-two of them in the delegation-quite enough to paint the town red if they are so disposed—and the chances are that they will all be ready to sign by the time they get ready to go home.

OCT. 11, 1888:  Evening Star:  [Dakota]

SIOUX CHIEFS COMING.  There are Seventy-two of Them on the Path.  MR. OBERLEY, THE NEW INDIAN COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS, TAKES CHARGE TO-DAY, AND WILL HAVE A CONFERENCE WITH THE VISITING RED MEN SATURDAY.

Mr. John H. Oberley, of Illinois, formerly of the Civil Service Commission, who was recently confirmed by the Senate as Commissioner of Indian Affairs, has assumed his new duties. The Assistant Commissioner, Gen. Upshur, will take a leave of absence for a month, having been Acting Commissioner since the resignation of Mr. Atkins last summer.

Capt. Pratt and Rev. Mr. Cleveland, members of the Sioux commission, had a conference to-day with the new Commissioner.  The delegation from the Sioux tribes, consisting of seventy-two chiefs, will arrive in this city to-morrow night.  They will be quartered at the Belvedere House.  It is arranged that they will have interviews with the President and the Secretary of the Interior on Saturday.  The object of their visit to the city at this time is to have a talk with the President relative to the treaty which the commission is now negotiating with them.  The members of the commission expect to return to the Sioux country as soon as the visit of the Indians here is completed.

THE LARGEST AND MOST IMPROTANT INDIAN DELEGATION.

This will be the largest delegation of Indians that ever visited this city and the most important since the war.  They represent a population of over 25,000 Indians, composing the different tribes of the Sioux.  The Sioux are the largest tribe in the United States, and are regarded as the most powerful.  Nearly all the members of the delegation will appear in civilized dress.  The importance of the questions at issue induced the Government to consent to the visit of the Indians to this city, the expense of which is borne by the Government.  The delegation is composed of representatives from five different agencies, and each will be accompanied by the respective agents and one or more interpreters.  The object of the law which the Indians are asked to consent to is the relinquishment of their right of occupancy to about 11,000,000 of the great Sioux reservation in Southern Dakota, and the division of the remainder into six separate reservations for their occupancy.  The Government has offered them 50 cents per acre for all land which may hereafter be taken up by actual homesteaders. The Indians ask $1.25 per acre for the surrendered portion, but it is believed that they will accept 50 cents per acre for the entire quantity of land, providing the entire sum is placed to their credit and draws interest.  In case the proposition is accepted the President will ask Congress to modify the law accordingly.

Oct. 12, 1888:  Evening Star:  [Dakota]

            The Delegation of Sioux Chief.

            To Have a Conference with the Secretary of the Interior To-Morrow.

            The delegation of the Sioux Indian chiefs, who will arrive in this city this evening, will be given a hearing by the Secretary of the interior to-morrow morning, beginning at 10 o’clock.  The conference will be held in the room of the Assistant Attorney-General, and owing to the limited room no outsiders will be admitted except the accredited representatives of the press.  The members of the Sioux commission and the Commissioner of Indian Affairs will take part with the Secretary in the conference.  It is expected that the conference will be continued on Monday.  After the Indians have finished their pow-wow with the Interior Department officials arrangements will be made for them to call upon the President.

OCT. 13, 1888:  Evening Star:  [Dakota] 

THE SIOUX CHIEFS.  A Conference with Secretary Vilas Today.  A STRIKING SCENE AT THE INTERIOR DEPARTMENT--THE SECRETARY'S TALK TO THE INDIANS--REMARKS OF THE RED MEN--THEY ASK A POSTPONMENT OF THE POW-WOW, WHICH IS GRANTED.

Sixty-one chiefs and sub-chiefs of the Sioux tribes of Indians arrived in the city last night.  This morning they all went to the Interior Department, where they were introduced to Secretary Vilas.  Unlike most Indian delegations that come to this city, these Indians were dressed in American style, at least as far as the principal part of their attire was concerned.  With but few exceptions they all wore entire suits of store clothes, black appearing to the favorite color.  Some of them had “biled shirts" [sic] and all of them wore gaily-colored handkerchiefs knotted about their necks. The moccasin was generally worn, and many of the Indians had leg coverings embroidered with beads.  Their long hair was tied with long cotton streamers or colored pieces of cloth.  While the costumes of the Indians might not suit a very critical taste their faces afford an interesting study of Indian character.  After shaking hands with the Secretary, which ceremony they accompanied with many expressive "ughs" and smiles, they were marched into the room of the Assistant Attorney-General, where chairs had been arranged in rows.  The Indians observed an order of precedence in taking the seats.  The first row was assigned to the delegation for Crow Creek and Lower Brule Agency, because that is the largest and most important of the five agencies.

THE BIG CHIEFS.

By this arrangement Sitting Bull, a man powerful in war and in council in his day, and now retaining considerable influence, was assigned to the third row.  As everybody wanted to see the famous Sitting Bull, it was difficult to point him out in the midst of the other Indians.  His face is not unknown in this city, and, with the exception of the addition of wrinkles on his great massive features, and gray hairs in the luxuriant mass of straight black hair that crowns his head, Sitting Bull has undergone but few changes.

Near him was Chief Gall, who commanded the Indians in the Custer massacre.  He is a short, stout man, with a large, intelligent face.  He is one of the influential men in the delegation.

In the row in front sat John Grasse (sic), another great leader among the Indians.  He has a taller and slimmer figure than the two last mentioned.  His face is long and slim, but his eye is bright and piercing.  A young man in his prime he has the ears of the Indians in council.  It is hardly worthwhile to name individuals because of their prominence and influence.  The agents who accompanied the Indians say that these Indians are the picked men of the great Sioux tribe of Indians, which is the largest tribe in the United States.  They are regarded as the most powerful of the Indians, and judging from the present delegation they are a people of fine physical development.  All these Indians were tall and straight and good specimens of physical manhood.  Their faces are broad as a rule and strongly marked.

READY FOR THE CONFERENCE.

After the red men had entered the room and taken their seats, Secretary Vilas came in and took a chair at the head of the room.  On his right were seated the members of the Sioux commission and on his left Indian Commissioner Oberly.  As interested spectators, were (sic) Assistant Secretary Muldrow, R. V. Belt, the chief of the Indian division; Secretary committee; Mr. Gifford, delegate from Dakota.  Along the sides of the room were crowded employes (sic) of the Department and ladies and gentlemen from the city.

OPENED WITH PRAYER.

The proceedings were begun with prayer, offered by Rev. Mr. Cleveland, a member of the Sioux commission, in the Sioux language, while all in the room arose to their feet and remained standing.  He prayed briefly that the Great Spirit would be present in the meeting and would guide and direct to a proper and righteous conclusion.

ADDRESS OF SECERTARY VILAS.

Secretary Vilas then addressed the Indians, each sentence, and sometimes a portion of a sentence, being interpreted as uttered by the French half-breed interpreter, Louis Primean (sic), who came on with the Indians.  The Secretary said:  "You have traveled a long distance.  I am glad to see you, and glad to see you come in white man's dress.  I hope you will have a pleasant visit here, and that your coming will be a good thing for you and your people in the reservation.  (A chorus of "Ughs" from the Indians, indicating approval.)  The Congress that makes the laws which govern the whole country from the ocean on the east to the ocean on the west, and you in your long journey did not travel half the way--Congress, which makes the laws for this country, has made this law.  Congress saw that the time had come for the Sioux Indians to take sure steps toward civilization and that the waste and unused lands on your reservations might be settled on and made homes of.  It therefore passed this law, and directed me, as the Secretary of the Interior, to present this law to the Indians on the reservation.  I wanted your people to understand it just as it is.  I caused to be printed copies of the laws, with a map attached, and in sufficient number to furnish every male Indian over eighteen years (sic) of age with a copy, if he wants it, so that every man might understand it by getting someone to read it to him if he doubted the official interpreter.  I appointed a commission of three good men Capt. Pratt, of the Tenth Cav. Reg., U.S.A., who has had much to do with the Indian people, who has been in charge of a school for Indian children for a great many years; Rev. Mr. Cleveland, who has been a missionary among you for a number of years, and who understands your language, and Judge Wright, a lawyer in this Department, who could explain the law.  I directed the commissioners to make this law plain to every one of you and your people.  Before I sent them out there I directed the agents to make lists of the Indians on the reservation above eighteen years of age entitled to vote on this law.  The lists were made by the agents and sent to me before the commissioners left Washington.  Congress required that three-fourths of all the adult Indians should sign their consent before this law could go into effect.  So that there should be no opportunity for deception I directed to be prepared two documents or instruments.  One assenting to the act and accepting, the other dissenting from it and disagreeing and one was printed in black and the other in red, so that every Sioux Indian who came to the table to sign if he could not read English could see which he was signing.  I told the commissioners, after they made this act plain to all, that they should require every male Indian above eighteen years or age to sign one or the other.  I told them to bring back those two papers with the names signed to them and I would lay them before the President so that he could see what was the judgment of each Indian on that reservation.  The commissioners had reported to me what has been done.  I have learned that, except among our good friends at the Lower Brule agency and a few at Standing Rock, you have refused to sign the paper.  I have learned that your people wished you to come to Washington and to tell me--to be laid before the President--what your objections or wishes were before you signed either of the papers.  I shall be glad to hear them and to hear whatever you wish to say.  When I have heard it I shall consider it, and when I have decided upon an answer I shall call you together and inform you what the Government decides.  After we have finished the business I will take you to the President and present you to him so that you may see him.  To-day you will have an opportunity to say all you wish and what you wish.  I do not wish to have you (sic) shortened in time, but I have much to do and I would like you to be brief as possible.  I will now hear you."

The Secretary then took his seat.

WHITE GHOST WANTS THE TALK POSTPONED.       

The Indians sat in silence, their impassive faces giving no indication of the effect of what the Secretary had said.  Presently from the front row on the right an Indian of medium weight arose, and stepping forward with a conciliatory smile, shook hands with the Secretary.  This was White Ghost, of the Crow Creek agency, who is opposed to the law.  He wore around his neck one of those silver medals which the Government awards to Indians for some service to the whites.  It bore the medallion head of Gen. Jackson.

Through an interpreter White Ghost said that they had traveled a long distance, were tired, and had had no opportunity to rest.  They therefore asked that the talk be postponed until some other day.  Secretary Vilas replied that arrangements had been made to have the conference to-day and to continue on Monday, when he expected that it would be ended.  He had not time for delays, and he hoped that the Indians would be willing to say what they had to say to-day.

This speech caused quite a buzz of conversation among the Indians.  Grasse, who sat in the middle, turned in his chair and talked with Sitting Bull and Gall.  As a result of this confab    SWIFT BIRD, OF THE CHEYENNE AGENCY, (sic) arose and came forward.  He diplomatically prefaced his speech by shaking hands with the Secretary, the members of the commission and all the spectators who happened to occupy the front seats, and on this account appeared to be people of influence.  Then he began to speak.  He said that while the skins of the Indians were red yet he knew that all men, white and red, were equal, and that they had all come together as friends.  The same Creator was the father of all.  Then he said the Indians had come a long way in the cars, that they were tired and it would be agreeable to them to be excused.

OTHER CHIEFS FAVOR POSTPONMENT.

All this was interpreted as the Indians spoke.  Then, to show that this sentiment in favor of adjournment was held generally by all the Indians, others came forward.  Swift Bear, of the Pine Ridge agency, a tall man, with a slim, lithe figure, and long iron-gray hair, said:  "I am an old man, and the wagon I came in has almost killed me.  I am tired, and want to rest.  We came here to tell you our objections to the law, but we cannot do it to-day.  Our bodies move with the motion of the train."  The speaker illustrated this by rolling his hands back and forward as an example of the way the train pitched about.

Little Wounded, of the same agency, also graphically described their condition after being on the train for so many days.

THE FURTHER HEARING POSTPONED TO MONDAY MORNING.

When all had finished speaking the Secretary said that he appreciated their condition after their long journey, and would consent to the adjournment until 10 o'clock Monday morning.  He made on condition, that they would select certain men as spokesmen and that all their objections would be ready to be presented at Monday's session.  The Indians agreed to this and the conference adjourned.  Many of them as they passed out stopped to shake hands with the Indians.

The law which the Indians are asked to consent to is the relinquishment of their right to occupancy to about 11,000,000 acres of the great Sioux Reservation in Southern Dakota, and the division of the remainder into six separate reservations for their occupancy.  The Government had offered them 50 cents per acre for all lands which may hereafter be taken up by actual homesteaders.  The Indians ask $1.25 per acre for the surrendered portion, but it is believed that they will accept 50 cents per acre.

OCT. 13, 1888:  Washington Post:  [Dakota]

A BIG INDIAN POW--WOW.  Sixty Sioux Chiefs are Here in Picturesque Attire.  SITTING BULL IN THE DELEGATION.  Chief Gall, the Great Warrior, John Grasse, White Ghost and Other Famous Indians--The Object of Their Visit.

The lobby of the Belvidere House presented an unusually picturesque appearance last night, just before 12 o'clock.  Sixty Indian chiefs, representatives of the Sioux Nation, sat in a row, baggage in hand, waiting to be shown to their rooms.  The baggage consisted of a blanket, a stick and a tin cup.  Nearly all of the delegation wore white beavers, more than a dozen of which were ornamented with white feathers.  Blue badges showing the agency from which they came were pinned on the left lapel of their coats.  and (sic) moccasins made of beads encased their feet.  With these exceptions their dress was American-like.  The train on which the delegation arrived was nearly two hours late, and when the engine rolled into the Baltimore & Potomac depot at 11:40 last night it was a tired and dirty looking crowd that alighted.  The Indians occupied two special coaches and were accompanied by seven interpreters and five representatives of the agencies which compose their reservations.  The party came over the Chesapeake & Ohio road from Chicago, and the majority of the party had been traveling since Monday.

The Commissioners appointed by the Government to treat with the Indians in regard to the matter under consideration, consisting of Capt. R. H. Pratt, Rev. W. G. Cleveland and Judge John V. Wright, met the Indians at the depot and accompanied them to the hotel.  The Belvidere House 'bus (sic) not being large enough to accommodate the crowd, the entire party walked to the hotel.  On the strets their picturesque attire attracted considerable attention.  None of the Indians speak English and several of them have not long abandoned their tribal relations and nomadic life.  They are all peaceable and quiet enough now, but a few years ago many of them figured prominently in several bloody massacres.

The object of the visit of the Indians is to confer with the President and the Secretary of the Interior in regard to the disposition of a part of their reservation.  They now hold possession of about 22,000,000 acres of land in southwest Dakota, the greater part of which they have no use for.  The Government, therefore, has taken steps to dispose of about 11,000,000 acres, or half of the tract, to settlers at fifty cents per acre.  This proposition was submitted to the Sioux Nation some time ago by the Commissions of the Government, but the leaders of the Nation are desirous of getting more for the land, and the chiefs come to Washington principally for that purpose.  

Just how long the party will remain and how the time of its members will be spent while here is not definitely known.  To-day, however, they will probably call on Secretary Vilas and lay their wishes before him through their interpreters, and on Monday, or on some other day to be agreed upon, they will visit the White House and confer with the President.  A day or two after that will probably also be spent in visiting the Capitol and taking a look at the city.

Among the most distinguished chiefs in the party is Chief Gall, who commanded the Indians in the great Custer Massacre about ten years ago, and Sitting Bull, the great medicine man who planned the attack.  Gall is a fine looking specimen of Indian manhood, but Sitting Bull shows signs of approaching old age and a decline of physical power.  The finest looking specimen in the entire lot physically is Chief John Grasse.  He has a massive frame and a large, intellectual head.  He is said to be the greatest statesman in the nation and is regarded by the other chiefs as something of a leader.  Big Mane is another prominent chief and one of the most progressive in the Sioux nation.  He favors the side of the Government and thinks the Indians ought to devote themselves to agriculture and civilized life instead of living in a camp and moving about from place to place.  Opposed to Big Mane stands White Ghost, who maintains that the Indians ought to cling to the manners and customs of their forefathers.

The Commissioners already referred to have been in the city about a week.  Rev. Mr. Cleveland is a second cousin of the President, and has been engaged as a missionary in Dakota for the last sixteen years. He is a tall, middle-aged man, with black hair and mutton chop whiskers.  He wears a pair of gold-rimmed spectacles, and dresses in the usual clerical attire.  Speaking about the Sioux Nation last night he said:

"These sixty chiefs represent six different agencies in Southwestern Dakota, the number from each agency being regulated by the size of the Indian population.  In the entire Sioux Nation there are probably 23,000 people.  They hold at present about 22,000,000 acres of land--all in the Southwest Dakota, on the west side of the Missouri.  The Government proposes to dispose of half of this, 11,000,000 acres, to homesteaders at fifty cents per acre.  The Indians want more, and to get this have come to Washington.  If this land is disposed of as is proposed, the Sioux Nation will then have about 11,000,000 acres remaining, or more than 500 acres for every man, woman and child in their number.  Even this will be more than they can ever use.  How do they live at present?  A part of them are being civilized: have houses, cultivate patches of ground, wear citizen's clothes, and send their children to school, while another part equally as large, if not larger, still stick to their wild life, about which there seems to be much fascination."

The following are the Indians, interpreters and agents in the party:

Indians--Chief Gall, John Grasse, Bullhead, Mad Bear, Sitting Bull, Hairy Chin, White Ghost, Iron Nation, Bowed Head, American Horse, Little No Heart, Swift Bird, Fire Thunder, William Carpenter, Captain Sword, Captain Police,(sic) Big Man, Standing Cloud, Medicine Bill (sic), Surrounded, Bull Head, High Bear, Drifting Goose, Yellow Hair, Swift Bear, Two Strike, Quick Bear, Good Voice, Rain Thunder, Ugly Wild Horse, Red Fish, He Dog, Thunder Hawk, Fire Heat, Bear Rib, Gray Eagle, Walking Eagle, High Eagle, Eagle Horse, Gray Eagle Tail, Pretty Eagle and Black Wolf.

Interpreters--William Lanabee (sic), Louis Priman (sic), Alex. Rencountre, Thos. Flood, Mark Wells, Phillys Wells, Ben Rowland.

Agents--Maj. McLaughlin, Standing Rock; Maj. B. F. Spencer, Rosebud; Maj. Callagher, Pine Ridge; Maj. McChesney, Cheyenne River; W.W. Anderson, Crow Creek and Lower Brule.

OCT. 14, 1888:  Washington Post:  [Dakota]

AN INDIAN POW WOW.  The Sioux Chiefs Visit the Secretary of the Interior.  MR. VILAS MAKES THEM A SPEECH.  They Plead Fatigue and a Postponement Until Monday is Granted--Sketches of the Principal Chiefs.

The Sioux chiefs at the Belvedere were up bright and early yesterday morning, notwithstanding the late hour at which they retired on the preceding night.  They came slowly and softly down the steps into the main office and sat around in the lobby for an hour or two, waiting for breakfast.  At 7:30 breakfast was served for the Indians in a dining room separated from that occupied by the other guests.  The chiefs have been living on a reservation for a number of years, and are consequently accustomed to a certain extent to plates, knives and forks, and that sort of thing, but they are not much on waiters.  When they wanted anything particular to eat, they stood up, reached over and took possession of it.  After breakfast they called on Secretary Vilas.

A POW WOW AT THE DEPARTMENT.

The sixty-one chiefs and sub-chiefs from the great Sioux reservation in Dakota, composing the entire delegations, were escorted to the Interior Department at 10 o'clock by their respective agents.  A conference with the Secretary had been arranged for that hour, and after being introduced to the Secretary one by one the Indians filed into the office of the Assistant Attorney General and took their seats.  All the chiefs, as well as the interpreters, wore civilized dress, with the exception of moccasins, but each wore conspicuously earrings, ornaments or trinkets of some kind peculiar to their race.  Rarely has so notable a delegation of Indians appeared in Washington.

Assistant Secretary Muldrow, the members of the Sioux Commission, Indian Commissioner Oberly, R. V. Belt, chief of the Indian division of the Secretary's office; Mr. Peel, chairman of the House Indian Committee, and Delegate Gifford, of Dakota, occupied seats near the Secretary.  When all had been seated Rev. Mr. Cleveland, a member of the Sioux Commission, offered a prayer in the Sioux language, asking for the presence and guidance of the Great Spirit in the council.  The Indians stood with bowed head during the prayer, and at its close Secretary Vilas addressed them.  He said:

My friends, you have traveled a long way to visit Washington, and I am glad to see you.  I am glad to see you come in the white man's dress.  I hope you will have a pleasant visit in Washington, and that your coming here will prove a good thing for you and your people left at home on the reservation.  The Congress which makes the laws which govern the whole country, from the ocean on the East to the ocean on the West, and you in your long journey have not traversed half the way--Congress, which makes the laws for this country, has made this law. (Taking in his hand the act for the purchase of the reservation.)  Congress saw that the time had come for the Sioux Indians to take sure steps toward civilization, and that the waste and unused lands of their reservation ought to be settled upon and made homes of."

The Secretary then explained in detail the methods which he had adopted to secure a faithful and honest and free expression of their wishes with respect to the law, whether they would accept it or reject it.  He explained that the Commission had been instructed to fully and with absolute faithfulness interpret to them the provisions of the act.  Every Indian over eighteen years of age had been furnished with a copy of the act, so that he might have it interpreted for himself if he doubted the official interpreter.  The Secretary said the chiefs before him had been selected to come to Washington and lay before him and the President their objections to the act.  He would gladly hear their objections and would give them every opportunity to explain fully their wishes in the matter.

As the Secretary took his seat White Ghost, from the Crow Creek Agency, arose, and, after shaking hands with nearly every one present except his comrades, said, through an interpreter, that he was happy to see his white brothers, and glad that "we all have a good heart."   He said that he and his friends were very tired and wished to rest until Monday, when they would come prepared to speak.  Swift Bird, from the Cheyenne Agency, arose as White Ghost took his seat.  He said:  "My friends, we are pleased to see you today.  God has made our skins red (looking at his hands), but we’re all friends and equal before God."  He urged a postponement of the council.

Swift Bear, from the pine Ridge Agency, an old man with long gray hair, was the next speaker.  He said he was an old man and the wagons which brought him here had almost killed him.  He said he could not even now rid himself of the rocking motion of the wagons.  He wanted a day's rest.

Little Wounded, from the Pine Ridge Agency, began his speech by saying that he was well pleased to see such a good looking lot of men before him.

All the speakers complained of being unwell from their long ride and requested a postponement of the council until Monday, which the Secretary granted.

THE PRINCIPAL CHIEFS.

At 12 o'clock they returned from the Interior Department and took lunch.  After lunch they sat around in the lobby and smoked, attracting considerable attention.  Sitting Bull, being better known than the others in the party, commanded most attention.  All of the chiefs are converts to the practice of smoking the seductive but deadly cigarette.  The way they indulge in the habit is somewhat amusing.  Nearly all of the chiefs, after lunch yesterday, provided themselves with packages of the "My Sweetheart" brand and spent an hour or two in smoking.

Some of them had fancy cigarette holders and nearly all of them inhaled the smoke.  Very few smoked cigars.  A secretary of a Texas Senator gave Sitting Bull a cigar, which he smoked with the greatest relish.  Sitting Bull is the best known Indian among the lot.  At Little Big Horn, where Custer and his men were so cunningly entrapped and mercilessly slaughtered, Sitting Bull was the leading spirit.  That was twelve years ago, however, and since then Sitting Bull has stopped hunting the buffalo and resisting the whites.

For eight years now he has been living on the Government reservation in southwest Dakota and is becoming quite fixed in his mode of life.  He has a house, plenty of land to cultivate and a fine bunch of cattle.  He has two wives and five children, all of whom attend the Indian schools on the reservation.  Sitting Bull is now fifty eight years old, and his broad face is covered with time-worn wrinkles.  Before going to the reservation, Sitting Bull spent one year as a prisoner at Fort Randall.  Three or four years ago Sitting Bull was in Washington with Buffalo Bill.

Chief Gall was the other great leader with Sitting Bull at the Custer massacre.  He is a big, stout, burly fellow and looks every inch a fighter.  He will weigh 250 pounds.  He is very well situated on the reservation and is becoming somewhat civilized.  The favorite among the agents, interpreters and members of the Sioux Commission is John Grasse.  He is regarded as the most sensible of all the Sioux (sic), and has never been engaged in fighting.  He was raised on the reservation and speaks a little English.  He is also the chief judge in the Indian court.

Mad Bear, another prominent Indian, several years ago rescued a party of whites from the Indians by trading a lot of ponies for their lives.

Walking Eagle is the name of a gray-haired old Indian in the party who has seen many snows and is likely soon to go to the happy hunting ground.

Two Bears is the name of one of the youngest Indians in the party.  By the death of his father a short time ago he became ruler over 1,350 of his people, who willingly even now obey his commands.

Swift Bear, of the Cheyenne Nation is one of the leaders from the Rosebud Agency.  He is sixty-six years old and has figured prominently in a great many battles with the Utes, Shoshones and Crows.  He has been on the Government reservation, however, for twelve years, and has about given up his old life.  On the death of the great chief Spotted Tail, Swift Bear became his successor.

Among the Indians the bear is regarded as the bravest of all the animals, and the name is given as an indication of great courage.  Yellow Hair, another Indian from the Rosebud Agency, was raised among the whites, and has never led much of a wild life.  He has always been very friendly to the white people, and on one occasion saved the life of Spotted Tail and Swift Bear, two famous Indian chiefs, from the attack of another Indian by the name of Big Mouth, whom Yellow Hair killed.  He also killed another Indian, Walk Under the Earth, who was attacking white men while under the influence of liquor.

OCT. 15, 1888:  Washington Post: [Dakota]

SPLIT IN TWO FACTIONS.  The Sioux Chiefs Reach a dead-Lock in True Civilized Style.  THEY ARE STILL UNDETERMINED.  One Party Wants More Money for the Reservation Land and the Other Favors a Postponement of the Whole Matter.

The Sioux Indians spent the greater part of yesterday, except when at church in the morning, in holding pow-wows to decide on their course at the meeting with Secretary Vilas this morning at 10 o'clock. At midnight last night, however, they had reached no conclusion, and this morning they are likely to be as undecided in regard to what terms to offer as at the meeting on Saturday.  During yesterday the delegation divided itself into two factions, and separate pow-wows were held by each faction at night.  One of the factions, headed by Swift Bear and American Horse, from the Rosebud and Pine Ridge agencies, respectively met at their boarding house, 223 Third Street.  The other faction, which includes the Standing Rock agency, led by John Grasse and Sitting Bull, met over the cigar store at 237 Pennsylvania avenue northwest.  The pow-wow at each place began at 7 o'clock.  The calumet was first smoked and then the speechmaking began.  Sitting Bull's pow-wow was in a big room on the second floor and, through the three windows that look out over the Botanical Gardens, a little knot of people standing on the other side of the avenue looked in and watched the Indians as they in turn arose and talked.  The room was lighted by an inefficient kerosene lamp, and on a round table in the center of the room was a white earthenware pitcher of water that was but little used.  There were two beds in the room, and in one corner, by a window, was a pile of mattresses.

Sitting Bull made the opening speech, and every word of it was closely listened to by his hearers.  He spoke nearly two hours.  His style is, even to a person who cannot understand him, very impressive, and his gestures, through lavish, are graceful.  He wags his head as he talks in a solemn way, and his remarks often elicited approving grunts from his companions, who lounged about on the floor and beds, some with their hats and some with hardly anything on.  Most of them smoked incessantly either cigars or cigarettes, the latter seeming to be a favorite.  One long-haired old Indian, whose face was mostly cheek bones, smoked cigarettes with a rapidity that was astonishing.  He would finish a cigarette in three or four minutes, and he smoked uninterrupted, sitting motionless in the cloud of smoke save when he lighted a fresh cigarette from the stump of an old one.

Sitting Bull favors accepting the terms of the Government with an amendment so as to increase the price of the land relinquished to the amount paid by the settlers.  The other members of his faction, for the most part, think the same way; but the Rosebud and Pine Ridge chiefs are opposed to doing anything at all.  Swift Bear in his speech before the Third street faction said that the terms of the bill making the relinquishment of the land had never been fully explained to his people directly; that the members of the Sioux Commission had never visited his agency, and that accordingly he was opposed to doing anything at all just now.  This is what one of the interpreters said that Swift Bear was saying and his speech was received with evident approval.  American Horse said about the same thing for the Pine Ridge agency.  It seemed quite generally agreed that no action should be taken, but everybody wanted to make a speech, and the pow-wow was still in session at midnight.  Prior to that time visitng committees were sent from each of the factions to see what the other was doing, but in both cases were refused admission.  Nearly all the Indians seem to be suffering from severe colds contracted while traveling, and one of the interpreters said they were totally unfit at present to transact any business.  The probability is that they will return home without having accomplished anything unless a great change of sentiment takes place in the mean time.

AT CHURCH.

A remarkable congregation assembled in St. Matthew's at the 11 o'clock mass yesterday morning.  The larger portion of course was white, but in the galleries colored people were well represented.  In the body of the church were several Chinese and a large delegation of the visiting Sioux chiefs.  Thus the four great divisions of the human race were represented.  The Indians were well schooled in the ceremonies of the church by the Benedictine fathers, who have a mission at Standing Rock Agency, and the gravity and accuracy with which they followed the services was particularly edifying.  All of Sitting Bull's children are members of the Catholic church, and he has been very particular that their religious duties should be scrupulously fulfilled.  He himself is a devout believer in the teachings of the church, but cannot become a member, owing to the unfortunate circumstance of his having a plurality of wives.  He is meekly waiting until a dispensation of Providence shall have cleared the way for his entering the church.  After the services the Indians were invited by Father Mackin to the parsonage.

Several of the Indians also went to Dr. Sunderland's church on Four-and-a-half street with an idea, perhaps, that they might get a glimpse at the Great Father, the President, but they were disappointed.  Quite a party of them also attended services at St. John's church in the afternoon.

CHIEF GALL AT DINNER.

Capt. E. S. Godfrey, 7th U.S. Cavalry, who was with that part of his regiment commanded by Maj. Marcus A. Reno, at the battle of the Little Big Horn or Custer massacre, where Gall commanded, last evening entertained the big Sioux Chief Gall at diner at Peterson's on Fifteenth street.  The other guests were Maj. McLaughlin, the Indian agent at Standing Rock, and Maj. John McElroy, of the National Tribune, of this city.  The big Sioux mogul took to oysters in the shell like a Norfolk oysterman, and his soup he placed deftly in his mouth by inserting his spoon endways.  He did eat with his knife, however, but did it as successfully as knife-eaters generally do.  He ate slowly, deliberately and enjoyed every mouthful.  He worked a palm leaf fan every once in a while, as he was not accustomed to the close atmosphere of a dining-room.  In facial expression he is not unlike Bishop Newman, and physically he is a remarkably fine specimen of a man.  While he is known as an educated Indian, he does not speak English.

Oct. 15, 1888:  Critic Record:  [Dakota]

            Why The Sioux Object.

            The Indians State Their Opposition to the Treaty.

            The Pow-Wow in Sec’y Vilas’ Room.

            The Red Men Claim that the Government Has Broken Its Promises.

            There is a diversion of sentiment among the visiting Sioux chiefs and they have divided into two factions.  One faction, headed by Swift Bear and American Horse, from the Rosebud and Pine ridge agencies, met last night at their boarding house, 224 Third street.  The other faction, the Standing Rock Sioux, headed by John Grasse and Sitting Bull met at 237 Pennsylvania avenue.  Sitting Bull made a long address which seemed to be favorably received.  He favors accepting the terms of the Government with an amendment so as to increase the price of the land relinquished to the amount paid by the settlers.  The other members of his faction, for the most part, think the same way; but the Rosebud and Pine Ridge chiefs are opposed to doing anything at all.  Swift Bear in his speech before the Third street faction said that the terms of the bill making the relinquishment of the land had never been fully explained to his people directly; that the members of the Sioux Commission had never visited his agency, and that accordingly he was opposed to doing anything at all just now.  His speech was received with evident approval.  American Horse said about the same thing for the Pine Ridge agency.

            All the visiting Indians attended church yesterday.  A large delegation from the Standing Rock Agency, where there is a mission of Benedictine fathers, attended St. Matthew’s Church at the 11 o’clock mass and followed the services of the church.  Others went to Dr. Sunderland’s where they expected to see the President, but were disappointed.

            The Rev. Dr. Cleveland, one of the Sioux Commissioners and a minister of the Episcopal Church, brought a number of the Sioux chiefs to St. John’s Episcopal Church at the evening service.  Dr. Leonard, the rector, preached a short sermon, which was translated to the Sioux in their language by Dr. Cleveland.  Afterward they repeated the creed and the Lord’s prayer in their own language.

            At night several pow-wows were held by the Sioux to discuss what attitude they should assume in their interview with the Secretary of the Interior to-day.

            About six members of the delegation assembled in General Montgomery’s room in the Interior Department about 10:30 to-day to have a pow-wow with Secretary Vilas.  The Standing Rock delegation, including Sitting Bull, John Grasse, Chief Fall, Mad Bear and other chiefs were given seats in front.  John Grasse is the most intelligent looking of the party.  He is the counselor of the tribe, the attorney-general as it were.  Chief Gall is the General Grant of the Sioux Nation.  It was he who led the forces of the Indians in the Custer massacre and he conducted the whole campaign of that fatal war.  He is, however, the least ferocious-looking of the whole crew and is said not to be a savage or cruel ma.  Sitting Bull is fat and has rather a besotted look.  He is contemptuously called by some of the tribe as “Old Miss Lazy-Bear.”

            Secretary Vilas came in about 10:30, accompanied by Indian Commissioner Oberly, Judge Montgomery and the members of the Sioux Commission—Captain Pratt, Judge Wright and Rev. Dr. Cleveland.

            Secretary Vilas said:  “My friends, I am glad to see you this morning and see that you look well.  I have arranged so that you can state today what you wish to say to me in regard to this land, and will now hear you.”

            This was translated by the interpreter.

            Sitting Bull then said:  “I [illeg.] wish to make a lengthy speech, but have a few words I wish to say.  I say my friends, now, for the reason I am one of the people and belong to the Government.  As I have come to a conclusion of my own, I will speak to both you and the Indians.  I wish you and my tribe to speak as man to man, calmly and dignified.”

            John Grasse then shook hands all around and spoke as follows:  “My friends, the people of the United States, to-day I have the opportunity of seeing you.  To-day is the time to talk upon the bill which has been presented to us.  All my friends know I never intended to object to that bill on the whole.  I considered the bill when it was presented to me carefully and intelligently and explained it to the people.  The first thing I want to mention is the treaty of 1868.  We pray that the provisions of this treaty may be carried out.  I also wish to call attention to the Black Hills treaty of ’76, and the boundary lines.  The commissioners of that treaty mentioned the boundary lines by reservation.   My ears are not stopped up; what I hear I remember.  Why are the promises in those treaties delayed?”

            He then described the boundary lines of the reservations according to the treaties, and produced a map, and said that the true boundaries of their lands should extend further than was laid out on the map.  He demanded in a solemn manner to know who had changed the boundaries; by whose authority was it done?”  Here Grasse paused in his address and held a low conversation with White Swan, of the Cheyenne Agency.

            “These 11,000,000 of acres of our land, he continued, “which you propose to open to your people, the majority of your people do not wish.  Furthermore, the price proposed—50 cents an acres—is not enough.  The land is worth $1.25 per acre, the price which the Government sells its land for.

            “Our fathers were blind they knew not the worth of their lands.  You cheated them.  We are now poor when we should not be, and because you robbed us.  You promised us twenty years ago to give us twenty years’ of schooling.  The time has expired, but we have only had ten years’ of schooling for our children.”

            Referring to the allotment of land in severalty to them, he spoke of one injustice in the plan, which was the allotment of the same portion of land to an old man and a boy.  The boy should get more land than the old man.  He thought the Standing Rock Agency was eighty miles square, but now he is told it is only eighty miles the longest way, which makes the area much smaller.  He wished the Government would consider carefully the question of opening the reservation; “put in its pocket for awhile the key which will open it,” as he expressed it.

            He then shook hands again all around and resumed his seat.  He spoke eloquently, with enthusiasm and made a good impression on his hearers.

            Mad Bear then spoke.  He said, “We are redskins, but we were created by the same God and intended to live.  You should pity us and help us.  In regard to the treaty of ’68 we were told that whatever was given us should last for thirty years.  You have failed in the promise to give us twenty years of schooling.”

            He said the Government had failed to fulfil its obligations and still they come and want to make further negotiations.  “No!  Fulfil the previous treaties before you propose others.  It looks as though the Government was taking the money now due us and unpaid and offering to buy more land with it.”

            “The reason we are backward about signing the treaty is this:  When we had plenty of land we sold without thought; now we are reduced to our last and must think well before parting with it.  Do not be in a hurry to open the reservation.”

            White Swan of the Cheyenne River agency was the next speaker.  He said his people were more interested than any of the other tribes in the opening of the reservation, but they were not able to take their land in severalty.  Their children, however, who were growing up and being educated, could do this and farm the lands.  His speech was very short.

            The pow-wow continued all the afternoon and several chiefs expressed their views to the Secretary upon the question.

OCT. 15, 1888:   Evening Star:  [Dakota]

THE VISITING BRAVES.  How the Sioux Spent Sunday--A Visit to the Theater.

The big Sioux braves made the Belvedere Hotel a center of attraction all day yesterday.  The Indian passed a quiet Sunday, most of them attending religious services.  Agent McLaughlin took his delegation, from Standing Rock, to St. Matthew's church, and after the services the party were invited into the rectory, where they were given a lunch.  The others went about where they pleased, some to Trinity, a large number to Dr. Sunderland's where Mrs. Cleveland held as much of their attention as the service.  The President did not attend.  Others went to the New York avenue church, and quite a party to St. Augustine's.  After church they had dinner at the hotel, and then either set out on sight-seeing forays or hovered about the hotel lobby, where they were objects of great curiosity to the swarming crowds.  Solemn-faced Sioux sat stolidly without moving while scores of eyes would be steadily, impertinently examining every feature and every article of clothing about them.  Occasionally when three or four sat near each other they would chat together, surprising some of the onlookers by their changes of countenance.  Many of them carried their pipes and tobacco pouches, which were the object of great curiosity.  Some of the bystanders were brave enough to handle these articles and ask pantomimic questions about their construction.

THEIR HEADGEAR

One delegation wear wide-brimmed white sombreros, cowboy hats they are called.  Another portion of the visitors cover their long black locks with a black slouch hat, which looks very much civilized. But the crowning achievement in this line is the tile worn by a number of the Indians; it is an ordinary white beaver decorated with a black band.  These hats were given the Sioux by some of their democratic friends in the wild west who had been holding a political meeting.  A party of the sombreroed braves sauntered up to the Capitol in the afternoon and back again to the hotel, escorted by a large number of small boys.  Many inquiries were made in the hotel lobby for sitting Bull, the great chief, but to the disappointment of everybody he did not appear in the afternoon, being kept in his room, one of the agents said, by a headache.  The curiosity of the crowd, however, was satisfied by the sight of Gall, one of Sitting Bull's right-hand men.  He is a short, rather corpulent aborigine, with classic Indian features and the regulation long, swathed hair.  He is about the best looking Indian in the delegation and is, besides, better dressed.  Gall was a big Indian in the Custer fight, having command of some of the forces that annihilated the yellow-haired chief and his band of soldiers.  He bears the scar of a bayonet that was thrust through his breast some time prior to this fight and has many another token of his wars.  He is now regarded, however, as one of the best Indians in Dakota.  Agent McLaughlin yesterday took him to dine with Capt. Godfrey, of the Seventy Cavalry, at the latter's invitation.  This officer was connected with the Custer fight, but has long been a great friend of Gall, whom he admires for his bravery and honesty.

UGLY WILD HORSE is the charming name of one of the Sioux braves whom Agent Spencer treated to a seat at the National Theater on Saturday night.  The Indian, who cannot understand or speak a word of English, seemed to enjoy the play as much as the audience around him.  The two were seated in the orchestra circle near the stage, opposite a large mirror on the side of one of the private boxes.  As the actors left the stage by the exit on that side Ugly Wild Horse would watch them until they disappeared and would then try to follow them by looking in the mirror.  He was very much astonished when he saw his own face, and spent the rest of the evening trying to solve the mystery.  He has told the rest of the delegation about the charms of the theater, and now Agent Spencer has a large job on his hands, for every Indian wants to go.  While in Chicago some of the Indians were taken to the cyclorama of the battle of Gettysburg by Agent Anderson, who says that he found it impossible to make the braves believe that the painted hills were not miles away and that the action of the scene was but a pantomime.

ORIGIN OF A NAME.

The hotel register furnishes considerable amusement in its long list of Indian names, which have been given to the braves on account of some incident in their career.  Apropos of this peculiar fashion a good story is told by Agent Anderson of an Indian trader on the reservation to whom letters come addressed "D.K. Howe."  For a long time it was supposed that this name had been picked up by the Indian as a civilized appurtenance, but upon inquiry it was discovered that a long time ago this man, then a young brave, had attempted to do something and had failed.  For this he was thenceforth known as "The-man-who-don't-know-how."  This in time came to be abbreviated into "Don't-know-how," and the wheel of civilization has transformed the name into Mr. D. K. Howe.

Last night the Indians held two pow-wows on the subject of the proposed agreement with the Government.  One faction, led by Sitting Bull and John Grasse, favored signing, with an amendment increasing the price to be paid for the land.  Swift Bear and American Horse led the other faction, composed of the delegations from Pine Ridge and Rosebud agencies.  They are in favor of doing nothing.

OCT. 16, 1881:  Washington Post:  [Dakota]

LISTENING TO THE SIOUX.  The Chiefs Plead to Be Allowed to Retain Their Lands.  WHY THEY DO NOT WANT TO SELL.  Secretary Vilas Will Submit the Matter to the President and a Final Answer to Be Given To-Morrow Morning.

The Sioux chiefs with their interpreters, appeared at the Interior Department yesterday and were shown to seats in the office of the Assistant Attorney General.  After a prayer by Commissioner Cleveland, Secretary Vilas assured the Indians that he was glad to see them, and requested that they at once proceed to state their objections to the new Sioux Reservation act.  As the Secretary took his seat Sitting Bull stepped forward, and, after shaking hands with the Secretary, the commissioners and others, said:

"My friends, I do not wish to make a long speech.  I have but few words to say.  I call you my friends because I am one of your people.  I belong to the Government of the United States.  As we have our own views of this new law we wish to speak to you as man to man.  I hope everything will be done in a quiet manner.  This is all I have to say."

John Grasse, who is sometimes spoken of as the premier of the Sioux nation, was the next speaker.  He said that he did not object to the law as a whole, but to some of its clauses.  He asked, however, that the United States meet the obligation of the treaty of 1868, and pay the Indians what was rightfully due them.  He complained that the western boundary line of the reservation had been brought to the East without their knowledge and consent, and instead of their being but 11,000,000 in the part which the Government proposed to buy, there should be much more.  He asked that they be paid $1.25 per acre.  He said that the treaty of 1868 promised schools and teachers for twenty years, but they have been furnished only ten years.  He pointed out that but a small part of the reservation is fit for farming purposes.  He asked that all the lands of the reservation be classed as grazing lands, thus enabling those entitled to 160 acres to get 320 acres.  He said that instead of heads of families getting double the amount of land given to the women and children, the latter should have fully as much or more than their fathers.  The old men, he argued, would soon die, and therefore did not need so much land; but the young ones had their way to make, and would need all they could get, and then he wanted it distinctly understood that when young people married the woman should not lose her land.

"Think of our fathers and grandfathers," he said, waving his hand majestically.  "They used to own all of these lands which the white man now lives upon.  They were ours once, but we have been driven away from them.  We are a poor and ignorant people, and you are the cause of our being poor.  Looking back, I say to you that whatever we ask should have due consideration.  Put the key which opens our reservation in your pockets for a while.  Do not be in a hurry; wait until these matters are well considered.  Ascertain first whether, after our lands are gone, we will have enough left to do us."

During his speech, which occupied nearly an hour, Grasse frequently stopped and consulted with the chiefs seated behind him.  During one of these delays he apologized, and said that as he was an ignorant man and could not keep notes he had to consult with his friends.

Mad Bear, from the Standing Rock Agency, was the next speaker.  He said that though the Indians had red skins, they were one people with the whites, and were all of one blood.  He asked that their requests be given due consideration.  He spoke of the failure of the Government to faithfully keep the treaties of 1868 and 1876 and asked how they could be expected to enter into still other agreements when the old ones had never been fulfilled.  "Does a man," he asked, "who sells a horse for money to be paid at a future date sell another horse to the same man if he refuses to pay for the first?"

White Swan followed.  He said he had been a farmer many years, but it did not pay.  He never made a dollar farming.  He did not want farming lands.  The Indians, he said, needed grazing lands, for cattle could be raised and sold for money.

Charger, from the Cheyenne River Agency, complained that the Government never gave the Indians a voice in the details of their treaties, but fixed everything to suit themselves, and then they asked the Indians to agree.  He objected to the Santees having any share in the proceeds of the proposed sale.  He complained that the lands which had been set apart for his people were not good lands.  Much of it, he declared, was dry, sandy and worthless.

Speeches were also made by Little Wounded, Little Chief, Standing Elk, Fast Thunder, all of the Pine Ridge; Swift Bird and Little No Heart, of the Cheyenne Agency; Big Mane, of Lower Brule, and others.

White Ghost and Drifting Goose, both of Crow Creek, made long speeches, in which they announced their opposition to the bill and stated that measures had been adopted to frighten the Indians into signing.  They said that the members of the Commission had used harsh language towards the Indians. They said that the Commissioners had seized the Indians and had dragged them forward to the table to sign the new law.  They said that they had refused to be coerced into signing.  They complained of the failure of the Government to fulfil former treaties and spoke of this failure as a reason for their caution in the present matter.

The Indians finished speaking at 2:30 o'clock, when the Secretary arose and said that all the speeches had been faithfully written down and would be laid before the President, who would give careful consideration to the matter.  Whatever decision was reached, the Secretary added, would be announced to them at 10 o'clock on Wednesday morning in the same room.  He hoped they would at that time be prepared to say whether they would approve or disapprove of the decision which would then be announced to them.  The conference then adjourned.

Rev. Mr. Cleveland, later, (sic) spoke of the statements of White Ghost and Drifting Goose as hyperbolic, and said that nothing of the kind had ever taken place.  Agent Anderson confirmed Mr. Cleveland's denial.

OCT. 16, 1888:  Evening Star:  [Dakota]

TALKING FOR THEIR LAND.  The Sioux Chiefs Hold a Council with Secretary Vilas.  MANY SPEECHES FROM THE BRAVES--SITTING BULL, GALL, SWIFT BEAR AND OTHERS TAKE PART--THE SECRETARY SAYS HE WILL CONFER WITH THE PRESIDENT.

The Sioux chiefs returned to the Interior Department this morning apparently refreshed with their Sunday's rest.  The fatigue from the "wagon ride," as they described the railroad journey, permited them from talking on Saturday.  It was 10:30 before they reached the Department.  The Standing Rock Indians took the first row of chairs in the conference-room, because, as one of the interpreters said, they were to do most of the talking.  Sitting Bull, Grasse and Gall were thus brought prominently to the front.  The members of the Commission and a number of ladies were interested spectators.

OPENED WITH PRAYER.

The conference was opened with prayer, delivered in the Sioux language, by Rev. Mr. Cleveland, the Indians arising to their feet and some of them repeating the Lord's prayer after the minister. Secretary Vilas then addressed the Indians, telling them that he was glad to see them rested and well.  He said that he would now hear what they had to say.

SITTING BULL'S SPEECH.

The Secretary had hardly taken his seat when Sitting Bull arose and came forward.  The Indians had selected those who were to represent them, and Sitting Bull spoke first.  He had a palm leaf fan, which he used while speaking.  He began by calling those he addressed as "My friends."  "The reason I say my friends," he added, "is because I am one of your people; I belong to the Government of the United States.  As I have come to my own conclusion I wish to speak to you both, Indians and whites."  He hoped that they would speak to each other as man to man.  He hoped it would be done in a quiet, calm manner.  He said that was his object in speaking at this time, and he would stop.  The Indians expressed their approval at Sitting Bull's address by the usual chorus of "Ughs."

GRASSE WANTS MORE MONEY.

John Grasse, the great speaker of the delegation, then came forward.  He shook hands all around, and with a conciliatory smile began his address.  He first expressed his pleasure at being in this city, and then entered promptly into the discussion of the bill.  He said that he had never opposed the bill as a whole.  He thoroughly studied the bill and pointed out to his friends objections to certain parts.  He then spoke of the treaty of 1868, and expressed the hope that the things due them by that treaty would be given to them.  In regard to the Black Hills treaty of 1876, fixing the boundaries of the reservation, they also wanted to know what was still due them under that treaty.  The Indians wanted to have their rights under both these treaties.  He said that the boundary lines under the latter treaty had been changed by some means unknown to the Indians and they wanted to know who was responsible for it.

THE BOUNDARIES.

He produced a small map, showing Dakota and the surrounding country.  He pointed out where the boundary lines were and where they ought to be, and said that when it had been proposed to buy half of the land in the reservation for fifty cents an acre, he said it was not enough.  He also had said that the land was greater in quantity than eleven million acres, as the boundary line was wrong.  He said that he had traveled through many great cities, and he had heard at those places and since his arrival here that the people of the country were not anxious to have the reservation thrown open to settlement.  Since hearing this he was not in favor of being in a hurry.  The other Indians were of the same mind.  They thought also that fifty cents an acre was not enough; they ought to get $1.25 per acre, the same as the Government received for their land.  He referred to the land held by his forefathers, and said that they were blind.  As a result the white people are rich and the Indians are poor.

HIS LIVING NOTE-BOOKS.

While Grasse was speaking of the boundary lines he stopped frequently and consulted with the Indians seated behind.  One of these consultations happened to be somewhat prolonged, and Grasse turned to the Secretary and said, with a smile, that he must excuse him, but he was an ignorant man and he could not take notes.  He then returned to his consultation with his living note-books, Secretary Vilas nodding his head in approval of this Indian style of oratory.

With these interruptions the orator proceeded, speaking rapidly, and at times with considerable oratorical power.

A QUESTION OF WOMAN'S RIGHT.

In continuing his criticism of the bill, Grasse said that as nearly all the land proposed to be reserved for the Indians was grazing land, the allotment to the Indians should therefore be as grazing land and not farming land.  In the former case each Indian above eighteen years of age would receive 320 acres of land instead of 160.  He also wanted it to be expressed that the Indian's wife should not deprive her of her share.

He referred to the appearance of the ladies in the room and the white men, and said that in comparison the Indians looked pitiful.  He said this was not right, as it was intended that they should all be equal.  He then took his seat after, in accordance with the usual custom, shaking hands all around.

HOW THE MONEY SHOULD BE USED.

Mad Bear, of the same agency, then came forward, but before he began to speak he had a whispered consultation with Grasse, who had in the meantime been consulting one of his living note-books.  The result was that Grasse once more took the floor to say something he had forgotten.  This was that the money paid to them for the land the Indians desired should be placed in the United States Treasury at interest to their credit.

MAD BEAR'S COMPLAINTS.

Mad Bear then began his speech, starting, as Grasse did, with the treaty of 1868, which he claimed the Government had not carried out.  He complained about the failure to give them schools as promised.  In regard to the faith which the Indians should have in the Government, he created a smile by saying that if a man borrowed money of another and had failed to pay him it was not likely that when he asked for an additional loan that it would be granted.  It looked to the Indians, he went on, as if the Government was offering them for this land a portion of the same money which under the treaty was already due to the Indians.  He said that naturally the Indians were slow about selling their land, because now it was the last they had.

WILL NOT GO TO WAR.

He denied the statements published, he said, in the newspapers, that the Indians intended going on the war path.  Why should they do this, he said, when they were dependent upon the Great Father?  He also argued, in speaking of the proposed law, that the women should be given the same quantity of land as the men.  He favored the selection of the land in different lots and not in one piece, so that the Indians might have grazing land, farming land, and land near the water.  In conclusion, he said the Indians thought that the opening of the reservation ought to be put off a little longer.

THE SECRETARY CUTS THINGS SHORT.

White Swan, of the Cheyenne Agency, presented himself as the next speaker.  Before he began Secretary Vilas told the interpreter to ask him not to repeat what had been said before, but to go on rapidly as possible, as he was anxious to get through.

When the interpreter told the Indians this there was a long pause, and White Swan resumed his seat.  While they were considering what to do an Indian wearing the uniform of the Indian police arose and said the Indian police wished to have a time set for a conference with the Secretary.

The Secretary replied that that had nothing to do with the present business.  He said he wanted the Indians to talk about the bill.

WHITE SWAN TALKS SITTING.

White Swan, after a further interval, began his speech.  He retained his seat, as he disliked standing.  Beginning as the previous speakers had with the former treaties and the failure of the Government to keep them, he argued that it was necessary for the Indians to be cautious in entering upon another agreement.  He said that none of the Indians present were able to enter the land in severalty, but their children probably would, as they would have education.  Many of the Indians here now had tried farming, but had not succeeded.  After speaking of a desired correction of the boundary lines of the reservation he gave way to Charger, of the Cheyenne agency.  The latter was an older man than the others and spoke with great deliberation.  He went over about the same ground as the other speakers.

Charger also objected to the Government arranging the business about the disposition of the land without consulting the Indians.  He thought also that the Santees ought not to be included in the arrangement.  He maintained that as they owned the land they were the ones to decide as to the boundaries.  The Indians, he said, were ignorant, and good white men had been sent out to teach them.  When they now having learned something, expressed opinions of matters about which they were familiar, then they were charged with being unfriendly with the Great Father. This was not the case.

CROW EAGLE TALKS.

Crow Eagle, of Cheyenne, a young brave, was the next speaker, and he protested in behalf of the Indians living along Bad Creek against any proposed removal.  He hoped that this portion would be reserved for the Indians.

Secretary Vilas asked him if he did not know that the bill allowed each Indian to retain his land as he now owned it.   

Crow Eagle replied that he understood that.

"Why, then, do you talk about the lands being reserved?" inquired the secretary.

"Because," was the reply, "I thought that I would have to pay taxes and other things that the white men do if our land became joined with theirs, and not within a reservation."

The discussion was not continued, and Crow Eagle took his seat.

NO FLESH TALKS.

Little Wounded, of Pine Ridge, then took the floor, but merely to say that he wished No Flesh to speak for him.  The latter is a younger man, and had a white handkerchief bound around his forehead on account of the headache as was explained.  He was tall, and rather gaunt, which may account for his name.  He was very brisk and simply said that he approved of what the other speakers had said in regard to the law.

Swift bear for the Rosebud agency then made an address.  He mentioned the address of Grasse as being the one which ....... his opinion.  He said the Government .............. to the other agencies, but none to theirs.  Therefore the ..............the law ............then they did.  He was satisfied to endorse what had been already said.

SWIFT BIRD.

The next speaker was Swift Bird of the Cheyenne agency.  He said that they had never objected heretofore to the Government taking their land, but now had so little that they wanted to bargain about it.  He said he had been waiting twenty years to get certain things promised, and hadn't received them yet.  He wondered whether he would live long enough to get the things promised them under the new law.

Swift Bird said the Indians wanted mares and not oxen, as was proposed in the law.

Little Chief, of the Pine Ridge agency, was the next speaker.  He wore a large silver ornament on his breast, and quite a profusion of colors.  He said nothing about the law, but said that he wanted his people brought together on one reservation on the Tongue River.

HE HAD A BANDANA.

Standing Elk, of the Pine Ridge agency, followed.  There was hanging from his pocket a large bandana handkerchief, which caused the spectators to smile.  He, also, wanted his people united on one reservation, namely, the Tongue River.

TROUSERS VERSUS BLANKETS.

Big Mane, from the Lower Brule agency, one of the signers of the bill, then took the floor.  After acknowledging his dependence upon the Great Father, he said he had come to receive advice.  He did not suppose that the commissioners had been sent out to his people to fool them.  He had his own mind on this subject, and did not propose to be led off.  He thought a man of the latter kind needed a doctor.  The last time he was here he had a blanket on and his face was painted.  Now he had different clothes on and his mind was different.  He wanted to be treated as a man and to teach his people to be wise.

GALL TAKES THE FLOOR.

The great chief, Gall, of the Standing Rock agency, then spoke.  He is a short, heavy-set man, and spoke with a deal of force.  He said that he had heard what the others had said in regard to the bill.  He approved of what they said, and it was not necessary for him to say anything.  However, he wanted to say something about the agency physician, whom, he said, was not satisfactory.

White Ghost, of Crow Creek, when he began his address spoke of the failures in the past to keep treaties, and said that before he consented to this law he wanted to see the Great Father.  He said he told the agent before the commission came out that they would do as had always been attempted, and they would use harsh language and try to compel him to agree.  His words were verified, he said, and that the members of the commission tried to drag the Indians up to the table to sign.  He would not sign.  After speaking of the unsatisfactory character of the law he branched off on to other matters.

Drifting Goose, of Crow Creek, also in the cours [sic] of his speech said that the commissioners tried to force him to sign, grasping him by the hand and endeavoring to force him up to the table.  But he did not sign.

The agent in charge of the agency where both these Indians came from, who was sitting near a Star reporter said that they were not telling what was true.

Rev. Mr. Cleveland, a member of the commission, said the language was hyperbolic.  The Indians did not mean that force was used.  What they probably referred to was being spoken to by members of the commission in regard to signing.

Little No Heart, of the Cheyenne River agency, simply endorsed what the others had said.

Fast Thunder, of the Pine Ridge agency, also spoke in opposition to the law.

THE SECRETARY TOLD THE INDIANS that he had taken down all they had said, and would bring it to the attention of the President.  He had heard all their objections to the bill and all their wishes.  Some want one little thing and others want other things.  Some from the Pine Ridge and Rose Bud [sic] agencies spoke about your people not understanding this bill.  If any did not understand the bill he wanted to know it now.  After he returned from the President he would tell them what was decided upon this bill, as far as he had power to decide and as far as the President instructed him.  He said he wanted to know whether, when he came from the President with the decision, they would be prepared to give their decision.  He wanted them to decide just as they think, but he wished them to understand that each man could not pull his own way, but they must act together.  The President, he said, wants you to understand this bill and speak your mind upon it.

The Secretary told the Indians that on Wednesday morning, at 10 o'clock, he would meet them again in this room.  In the interval he would carefully consider what they had said.  He would bring them the instructions of the President.  After he received their answer he would accompany them to see the President.

INDIANS AT CHURCH.      

Yesterday afternoon a delegation of Sioux Indians, who are members of the Episcopal Church, attended the 4 o'clock service at St. John's accompanied by their missionary chaplain, Rev. Mr. Cleveland.  Dr. Leonard's address was translated into the Dakota language by Mr. Cleveland, after which Mr. Cleveland and the Indians recited together the Apostle's Creed and the Lord's prayer in the Dakota vernacular.

OCT. 17, 1888:  Washington Post:  [Dakota]

THE SIOUX SEE THE SIGHTS.  Interested in the Pictures of Indians in the Museum.

The Lobby of the Belvidere was crowded last night, the Sioux Indian Chiefs being the center of attraction.  There was a fearful din of voices, and the few interpreters present were run amost (sic) to death by the inquisitive people.  Near the counter seated at a table was a sketch artist. He was busily engaged in sketching the profiles of Swift Bear, Hairy Chin, White Ghost, Chief Gall and several others.  The Indians were highly amused at the pictures.

On the steps at the rear of the lobby leading to the parlor above Sitting Bull held quite a reception.  The ladies of the hotel seemed very much taken with the Indian warrior.  They shook hands with him and gazed fondly into his classic face, while he, in turn, told a lady that she looked like Mrs. Sitting Bull, only her hair wasn't red, and he asked for a lock of her hair.  The lady laughed, as did the few who heard it.

The principal topic of conversation among the Indians, according to the interpreters, was their visit to the National Museum and the "Zoo."  The Indians spent several hours at the Museum yesterday, and they seemed greatly interested in what they saw.  The Catlin collection of Indian pictures which adorn the walls of the lecture-room hall excited their admiration more than anything else they saw.  Some of them thought they recognized the features of their braves, and wanted to take some of the pictures away with them.  After they had satisfied their curiosity about the portraits the chiefs were called upon the platform and placed in appropriate groups and photographed.  When the camera was leveled at them one or two gave a grunt and moved uneasily.  They were under the impression that it was some sort of a gun.

Another thing that pleased them was the "Zoo."  Here they lingered long.  It reminded them of their far away homes and of the happy times they had spent hunting the buffalo and the bear.  Little No Heart was, however, disposed to criticize the bear.  He said it was not a bear at all, but an imitation.  Yellow Hair agreed with him.  It was plain, he said, that it was a fraud, because on some parts of the bear there was no hair.

They thought the buffalos very poor specimens.  They felt sorry for the poor creatures.  The panther, they said, was nothing more than a good-sized mountain wildcat.  They were tickled to death with the antics of the monkeys.  Gray Eagle asked the guide to give him one of the monkeys and offered to pay for it.  On the whole the Indians enjoyed themselves and were greatly pleased with their visit.

The Indians also spent some time in the Capitol, and created something of a sensation as they filed into the Senate gallery. The echo stones in the Statuary Hall were sources of wonder.  The chiefs were afterwards photographed on the plaza of the east front, with George Washington's statue for a background.  To-day they have been invited to attend the Asbury Musee. 

OCT. 17, 1888:  Evening Star:  [Dakota]

THE GREAT FATHER'S MESSAGE.  It is Delivered to the Sioux Chiefs by Secretary Vilas.  THE CHIEFS AT THE INTERIOR DEPARTMENT TO-DAY--MR. VILAS ADVISES THE CHIEFS TO RECONCILE THEMSELVES TO CHANGED CONDITIONS--SOME AMMENDMENTS TO THE LAW TO-BE RECOMMENDED TO CONGRESS.

It was twenty minutes to 12 to-day when the Indians of the several Sioux bands filed into the room of the Attorney-General of the Interior Department to hear what Secretary Vilas had to say as a result of the recent talk with him.  As early as 10 o'clock the corridor leading to the room was thronged with persons anxious to obtain admission to the pow-wow.  Among those in waiting were twenty or thirty ladies, but a barricade of desks forbade entrance to all except officials and employees and reporters.  When the Indians were seated the ladies were next admitted and then the men.  All the Indians wore Cleveland campaign badges.  After a prayer in the Sioux language by Rev. Mr. Cleveland, Secretary Vilas, who was surrounded by officers of the Department, arose, and through an interpreter said:

SECRETARY VILAS' REMARKS.

My friends, I have been very much pleased by the opportunity to see and talk with you about this business.  I think better of you from having seen you and talked with you. You have talked reasonably, like sensible men. And I have laid before the President what you have said, and what your wishes are.  I have consulted fully with the President about it, and I bring you this morning the answer which the President has directed me to give you after consultation.  This Government wants your rights and your real interests preserved and taken care of.  It wants you to have in this business what is best for you.  The Government spends many millions of dollars every year for the Indians; and it does this because it desires the Indians to improve.  The President knows that you are men, and he hears the appeal which you make to him as a man.  Bad men occasionally do wrong to the Indians.  Bad men are sometimes in the Indian service.  But bad men who do wrong do not represent the Government nor the President.  There are many men, also, who think they know more and can do better than the Government itself.  They would, perhaps, mislead you but what you hear from the Congress and from the President you can rely upon as the expression of the wishes and judgment of this Government and the country.  Big Mane said well the other day that he wanted no man to sit down beside him and lead him away.  I am going to make you a proposal to-day in respect to this act, and I want to say in the beginning that the Government wants your assent to the act or your rejection after you have heard what I have to say, according to your own judgment as to what is best for you.  I don't want you to be led to any decision for or against the proposal of the Government from fear r from misunderstanding.  If there be anything that is unjust to you in what has been proposed or what shall be proposed it is better that it sho7uld be changed now, and I want you to understand it just as it is, so that there shall be no mistake about it hereafter, and no man shall say he was told something different from what was put in the act.  I want to say a few words to you about the way in which the act is passed by Congress in our Government."

EXPLAINING THE LAW.

The Secretary then explained that Congress makes the laws for all the country, and had passed the law under consideration.  He said some of the Indians had declared truthfully that they were not properly consulted beforehand.  They were not, and the President had decided as to what he thought could and should be changed.  The Secretary then proceeded to say:  "The first and most important question for you to consider and for Congress to consider in your interest is in regard to opening the reservation.  What you have said shows you are willing to open the reservation if the terms and arrangements are satisfactory, and it seems to me that it is wise that it should be done.  It is probable that whatever might be done the opening of the reservation cannot long be postponed in any event.  I see you are men of understanding, and you know how the white people have increased in numbers and pressed around your reservation on every side.  Railroads have been built up to it, north of it and south of it, and they are building railroads west of it.  The country is being taken up by settlers and cultivated in every direction.  The buffalo is gone and all other game is pretty much gone, too.  You don't get much now from this reservation to help you to live. What you get from the reservation now is chiefly in the way of farming or raising cattle.  You have seen that the white people are able to get a great deal more from the land than you have been doing.  On the same number of acres that you occupy there would be hundreds of thousands of white people if they had time first to improve and cultivate the land. You see right here in this city ten times as many people as there are Indians on your whole reservation.  It is education and knowledge which enable white people to get so much more out of the land than you have been doing yourselves.  You have seen in this city these big buildings ere; you have seen the railroads on which your traveled; you have seen the houses in which white people live, and you now know that it is education which enables them to do what you have not done.  If you men had been educated from boyhood like the whites, you, too, would have big houses and live much more comfortably.  I have heard your speeches, and I am sure if you had been educated you could speak and do business with white men. It is plain to every thinking man that you must change your mode of life, because everything to which you have been accustomed has changed.  It seems plain that it is better you begin this change soon, for the sooner you begin this change the sooner will your people be brought up to the new life they must follow."

THE TERMS OF THE TRANSFER.

The Secretary continued in this strain, endeavoring to impress upon the Indians the great importance of training their children in civilized ways.  He thought the Indians could see that the time had come for opening their reservation and making it of the best possible use to their children.

In regards to the terms and agreement for opening the reservation Secretary Vilas said that Indians had been fairly reasonable in their requests.  He explained that a law of Congress could not be changed except by Congress; that the President and Secretary could recommend changes to Congress, but could not make them.  He added:  "We are ready to recommend some changes for your benefit if you are ready to accept the law when so changed."  He then explained the proposed changes, saying, in the first place in regard to the price, that was the most important thing.  "You ask," he continued, "$1.25 an acre, because the Government has been selling its land for that price. Now, there are many differences between you selling your land and the Government selling land, and I want to point them out.  The Indians," he said, "could not sell in small tracts, but must sell in large bodies, and could sell only to the Government.  The Indians could not go out and survey their land for sale in small tracts, as the Government did."  He also informed the Indians that in selling they sold a large tract good and bad alike all for the same price, but the Government permits purchasers to make their own selection of the lands.  Besides, he said, the Government no longer sells lands but gives them to the homesteaders.  Secretary Vilas said the proposition was that the Government would open the reservation and            give the Indians whatever it brought.  He said that a record of every land sale is kept, and that every dollar derived from sale of the reservation would be put in the National Treasury for the benefit of the Indians; that the latter would not incur any expense for surveying and selling, but would get the benefit of every dollar.  Some of the land is very bad and some very good, while other portions are but medium; that when the reservation is opened to market, the best land will be taken first by men who settle there; then the next best, and the poorest would naturally be left to the last.

THE PRESIDENT'S PLAN.

"Having this in view," he said, "the President has authorized me to say that if you will consent to it he will recommend to Congress to so change the act as to prescribe that all the land taken during the first three years shall be paid for at the rate of $1 per acre; all taken in the next two years after that small be paid for at the rate of 75 cents per acre, and the land taken after five years to be paid for at 50 cents per acre.  That would fix the price of the best to

be naturally sold first at $1, of the next best at 75 cents, and of the poorest at 50 cents per acre, all the proceeds to go to the Indians."

The Secretary reminded the Indians of how rapidly the Crow Creek reservation was taken up when opened in 1885, and he believed that all the best land of the Sioux reservation suitable for farming would be taken up within three years.  The two railroads to be constructed, he said, must be completed within three years, and that would cause the land to be settled very rapidly.  If the Indians undertook to sell their own lands at $1.25 per acre they could only get that for the best, and it would cost them more than 25 cents per acre to survey, sell it, and attend to the business, even if they knew how to do it.

OTHER PROPOSED CHANGES.    

The next point of change suggested is that instead of $1,000,000 to be set apart to the Indians' credit, not over $2,000,000 shall be thus set apart to their immediate credit, and out of that there shall be paid in cash within six months after the act goes into effect $20 to each man, woman and child of the Indians on the reservation.  That would take for the 23,000 people, or more, on the reservation between $460,000 and $600,000, the remainder, of about $1,500,000 to be put in the United States Treasury and kept there at interest at 5 per cent.  And besides this first payment, every man who takes his allotment of land would have the $20 proposed, besides the cows, seeds, &c., provided for in the severalty act, but if the Indians preferred to have the entire $2,000,000 kept in the Treasury at interest rather than to get $20 apiece, that could be arranged.  Then all the other moneys which shall come from the sale of the lands, except what would be expended in purchasing for the Indians, as prescribed in the act, would also be placed to the credit of the Indians, together with the $2,000,000 fund, the latter to be a fund advanced by the Government, the United States to be reimbursed out of the land sales.  But all save and except what might be legally disbursed for the Indians would go to their credit.  There was another thing the Indians could have if they wished it.  When the reservation is divided into six parts, as proposed, the money could be divided so that each of the six tribes or sections could have its share, according to population.  So that each band would have its proportionate part in a fund of its own. If the Indians wished the fund so divided they could have it.

THE SANTEE SIOUX.

The next point, the Secretary said, was the objection against the Santee Sioux having any share of the money from the sale of the reservation.  The President had considered that objection and believed it was just--that the Santee Sioux should not have any part of the fund--and the President would recommend that so much of the act as gives the Santees and the Flandreaus any share of the fund be repealed.

The Indians also asked that instead of a yoke of oxen with each allotment of land they be given a span of American mares.  This should be done.  If his proposals were accepted the Indians should have the mares instead of the oxen.

It is also proposed to change the bill so as to add to the Crow Creek reservation a small tract of land that had been omitted.

THE INDIANS' ALLOTMENTS.

The last point was connected with the suggestion of Crow Eagle and Swift Bird.  The act now provides that any Indian who lives or shall live on any land that is to be ceded shall have one year to take an allotment where he may want it.  This would provide so that the Indians could live and hold their possessions on the opened sections if they preferred, and the act would also amply protect the Indians in their holdings.  Crow Eagle had objected that lands outside the reservation--on the ceded portions--would be taxed; he did not want to pay taxes. It was proposed to amend the bill so that for twenty-five years no land of any Indian holding anywhere shall be taxed by national, state, territorial, county, or municipal authority.  The changes suggested were in answer to what the Indians had said, and to meet their wishes altogether, eight changes were proposed--very great changes.  The Indians could return and tell their people they had accomplished much by their visit to Washington, for the changes proposed were all in the lien of their wishes.  They could see that the President and Secretary of the Interior had carefully considered all the requests made.

The Indians had spoken of the school-house clause of the treaty of 1868.  That treaty provided for twenty years school houses should be built for the children.  The Indians say that for only ten years have school houses been built, and that the present act does not give them twenty years more, in addition to the twenty of 1868.  That was true.  It only gives twenty years from the time the act goes into effect.  Congress only proposed to give twenty more.

ASKED TO SIGN AN AGREEMENTS.

The secretary said the Indians present could make up their minds as to what they would do, and what they would advise their people to do.  If they decided to assent to the act with the changes proposed, he would prepare a paper giving consent of those present and those on the reservation, on condition that the changes mentioned are made.  He would write that paper so that it would consist only on condition Congress makes those changes, and so it will have no effect unless Congress shall make those changes.

Swift Bear, Little Wound and others said that they could not decide for their people; that they would take back the Secretary (sic) words, which were plain and would consult their people.  The Secretary preemptory refused to assent to the plan.  He said he didn't want the Indians here to agree to the measure or to sign anything, but they could surely express their opinion as to what should be done; they could signify their assent or dissent ["] Unless," he said, "you give your assent, as far as you are concerned, not to be binding on your people.  I shall declare the entire negotiation at an end, and so report to Congress."

As the party was dispersing several of the chiefs approached Secretary Vilas and urged the importance of their going back to their people to discuss the present phase of the matter, but he replied emphatically:  No, No; we must make some progress towards a settlement.  You must either signify your assent or we will end the whole negotiation.  We will have no boy's play.

OCT. 18, 1888:  Washington Post:  [Dakota]

AN OFFER TO THE SIOUX.  The President Submits Several Amendments to Them.  THE MATTER UNDER CONSIDERATION.  An Increase in the Price of the Land Granted and the Appropriation Increased from One to Two Millions.

The Sioux Chiefs appeared at the Interior department yesterday to hear the conclusions of the President and the Secretary of the Interior as to what modifications of the new law, if any, would be recommended to Congress.  After all had been stated Secretary Vilas addressed the Indians through an interpreter.  He said:

My friends, I have been very much pleased by the opportunity to see you and talk with you about this business.  I think better of you for having seen you and talked like sensible men, and I have brought you his answer.  This Government wants your real interests preserved and taken care of.  It wants you to have in this business what is best for you.  The President knows that you are men and he hears the appeal which you make to him as a man.  Bad men occasionally do wrong to the Indians; bad men are sometimes in the Indian service, but bad men do not represent the Government.

The Secretary then read the proposed amendments one by one, explaining with great care and clearness wherein they differed from the law which the Indians had been asked to approve.  The Secretary spoke about two and a half hours and as he took his seat he was assured that the Indians thoroughly understood every feature of the proposed changes.

The changes which the President will recommend to Congress in December, provided the required proportion of the Indians have at that time agreed to them, provide that the price paid for the reservation land by settlers shall be $1 per acre if entered within three years from the date the act shall take effect; within two years thereafter, seventy-five cents an acre, and at the expiration of these five years fifty cents an acre.  These prices do not include town lots.  After the expiration of five years, Congress may provide for any disposition of the lands remaining unsold, which shall be deemed proper, provided that not less than fifty cents an acre is placed to the credit of the funds derived therefrom for the benefit of the said Indians.

Instead of $1,000,000 mentioned in section 17 of the act, $2,000,000 shall be appropriated, out of which shall be paid, within six months after the said act and amendments shall take effect, $20 to each Indian, of whatever sex or age, under such rules and regulations as to the modes of payments as shall be prescribed by the Secretary of the Interior, and the remainder of said $2,000,000 shall be governed by the provisions now in said act; and this first payment of $20 to each Indian shall not affect the right of an Indian taking an allotment to the $20 now provided for in section 17.

Section 17 is also to be so amended as to provide that whenever any adult Indian shall take his allotment under the act he shall have a span of American mares with double harness for the same, instead of a yoke of oxen with a yoke and chain, if he shall so choose, besides the milch cows, agricultural implements, tools, seeds and money provided in said act.  The other amendments provide for the equal division of the funds resulting from the sale of the lands.

At the conclusion of the council the Indians took copies of the proposed amendments and returned to their hotel where conferences will be held.

It is expected that they will notify the Secretary to-day whether they will recommend to their tribe the adoption or the rejection of the act with the proposed amendments.

The Sioux held a short informal pow-wow upon their return to the hotel yesterday afternoon.  It was simply an interchange of views, and was more of a preliminary skirmish among the advocates and opponents of the proposed treaty, to gain adherents for their respective factions, for the council which will be held this morning.  It was stated last night that Sword, heretofore, a bitter antagonist to the treaty and who is one of the most influential of the chiefs, had declared in favor of signing.  From the present outlook it is apparent that the Indians are as far from reaching a conclusion in regard to what they will do as when they came here.

OCT. 18, 1888:  Evening Star:  [Dakota]

THEY WILL NOT ACCEPT.  The Sioux Chiefs Will Hold Out for More Money.

The Sioux Indians were unable to bring their untutored minds to bear upon Secretary Vilas' proposition yesterday afternoon, so their great council was postponed until this morning.  They met, and though the prominent paraphernalia of an Indian pow-wow, consisting of paint, feathers, tomahawks, &c., were absent, they had a pipe and made out to talk.  It was apparent from the first that serious differences of opinion prevailed.  Some of the chiefs thought it advisable to accept the offer made by Secretary Vilas, others opposed it in toto, and others insisted upon consulting their tribes before reaching any decision.  But they were informed that this was out of the question; that Secretary Vilas with that prompt decision of character for which he is noted, had laid down an ultimatum, and the chiefs here must express a positive opinion one way or the other in regard to the measures he proposed.

NO UNPARLIAMENTARY LANGUAGE.

The council proceeded with a quiet and order that would have surprised an observer of congressional proceedings.  The opposing chiefs were tenacious of their respective opinions, but not one of them called another's veracity into question or intimated that he would use his scalping-knife if not restrained by parliamentary usages.  After a while several of the chiefs who had announced their conclusions withdrew from the council without creating any disturbance.

NO BOLTERS AMONG THEM.

A Star reporter who was vigilantly watching for developments, inquired if they were bolters, but was assured that such a thing as bolting was unknown among the aborigines; that it was a custom among them after they had declared their position upon a disputed question to retire, considering the point settled so far as they were concerned and leave the others to arrive at some decision in the premises.

WAITING FOR THEIR BRETHREN.

The chiefs who retired from the council amused themselves as they saw fit while their brethren were debating the questions at issue.  Some of them strolled over to the Capitol, and others went to the Washington monument.

When the pending business shall have been decided, one way or the other, Secretary Vilas will take the Indians to see the President.

ANOTHER COUNCIL.

It is understood at the Interior Department that the Indians had decided to reject the proposition, but it was learned at a late hour this afternoon that the Indians were still undecided and would hold another council this evening.

OCT. 19, 1888:  Washington Post:  [Dakota]

REJECTED BY THE SIOUX.  They Will Not Agree to the President's Propositions.  A DAY SPENT IN DISCUSSION.  The Result to be Reported to Secretary Vilas To-Day--The Indians May be Given More Time or May be Sent Home.

The Sioux Indians spent yesterday in caucusing, much in the same manner as the delegates to a political convention, who are hopelessly deadlocked in their choice of a nominee.  They commenced with a pow-wow early yesterday morning, and after smoking the usual council pipe, which characterizes all their gatherings, the chiefs who were in favor of accepting the propositions of the Government, stated their reasons for the course they desired to take, and solemnly and staidly marched out of the conference, leaving those who were opposed to signing the treaty and those who were undecided to conduct the remainder of the business.

Then those who were antagonistic to the proposals of Secretary Vilas argued with the remainder in the vain hope of bringing them to their way of thinking, and withdrew themselves to the amusements that an aborigine seeks when on a visit to an Eastern city.  The council, by this entirely pro-American method of debate, left only those who were undecided and in favor of a compromise.  This faction talked over the matter without result.

The Indians who had withdrawn, returned from their sightseeing about 5 o'clock, and, after partaking of a hearty dinner, went to the council room.  The caucus then commenced where it left off in the afternoon.  For nearly four hours the guttural gibberage of the Sioux was wafted down the stairs and across the avenue, and the only break to the monotony was when an interpreter would go through the room, and, coming down stairs, announced to the interested multitude that it seemed to be an interminable deadlock.

About 9 o'clock the council adjourned, and the chiefs immediately sought their interpreters to tell them what had been decided.  To a Post reporter an interpreter stated that the Indians had finally decided to reject the proposition fo the Government.  The result will be communicated to Secretary Vilas today, and he will set a time when he will hear the reasons for their decision.

OCT. 19, 1888:  Washington Post:  [Dakota]

The Indians to see "Katti"

The entire delegation of Indians now on a visit to Washington will attend in a body the performance at Atbaugh's this evening.

OCT. 19, 1888:  Washington Post:  [Dakota]  ADVERTISEMENT:

Albaugh's Grand Opera House.  Every Evening.  Matinee Saturday at 2.  The Great Boston and New York Comedy Success.  Miss Marietta Nash.  IN her Inimitable Impersonation of -KATTI- THE FAMILY HELP.  Introducing her Sabot Dance, with German Songs, etc., and supported by accompany of superior talent.  Next Week--A Satire on Society, Fashions.  Seats now on sale. 

OCT. 19, 1888: Washington Post:  [Dakota]

No conclusion has yet been come to by the Sioux chiefs with reference to the amended negotiations.  The average Indian is never in any tearing hurry about business so long as he has the hospitalities of the National Capital at his command.

OCT. 19, 1888:  Evening Star:  [Dakota]

THE SIOUX NOT SUITED.  The Big Chiefs Holding Out for a Dollar and a Quarter.

The Sioux Indians have been in council nearly all day debating the proposition of Secretary Vilas.  At 1:30 this afternoon they were still smoking and talking, apparently farther removed from an acceptance of the Secretary's offer than on yesterday.  Most of the chiefs want one dollar and a quarter per acre all round for their land.  To-day one of them proposed to the council that they make an offer to sell at $1 per acre, and this proposition found considerable support.  It was this $1 suggestion that was engaging the attention of the council during the afternoon.

Capt. Pratt, one of the Commissioners, visited the Interior Department at noon and saw Secretary Vilas for a few moments.  He spoke hopefully of the outcome, saying they had made progress enough to get some of the chiefs to state in writing just what they would accept, but he was not prepared to say when they would be ready to meet the Secretary with something definite.  He hardly thought the Indians would be ready to meet the Secretary to-day.

A STAR reporter called at the council-room of the Indians and saw several of the interpreters.  One of them said:  "They may be ready to lay their decision before the Secretary this afternoon, though it doesn't look now as if anything would be decided to-day.  They might agree in fifteen minutes; you can't tell.  Yes; they are standing out for $1.25 per acre. They believe the land is worth all of that and that the Government ought to pay it."

Oct. 19, 1888:  Evening Star:  [Dakota]

            Indian Police Want More Pay.—In the Sioux delegation now in this city there are several members of the Indian police force employed by the Government on the reservations to protect property and preserve order.  To-day they called upon Indian Commissioner Oberly and had a talk with him in regard to increasing their pay.  They receive now only $10 per month, and are required to furnish two horses.  They think they ought to get more, and Mr. Oberly is inclined to agree with them.

OCT. 20, 1888:  Washington Post:  [Dakota]

THE SIOUX IN TWO FACTIONS.  Over Fifty of the Party Reject the Government's Proposals.

The Sioux Indians continued their council throughout the entire day yesterday and until nearly 9 o'clock last night.  Sitting Bull led the opposition to the Government and spoke until the Indians were tired with the long sitting.  Finally the interpreters were directed to prepare a protest, reciting seriatim the propositions of the Government and the objections thereto, and giving their ultimatum in regard to the treaty.  The protest was finished about 5 o'clock, and the three score and odd Indians filed back to the council room, and distributed themselves in position (sic), that were more comfortable than picturesque.  The letter was then read, and as each proposition of the Government was rejected, the braves echoed their approval.  The latter part of the letter stated the ultimatum of the Indians.  They demand $1.25 per acre, and the money to be paid immediately upon the signing of the treaty.  When the reading was concluded, the chiefs were invited to sign the document, and upwards of the fifty of the sixty-seven affixed their signatures.

Then they left and the small minority remained to draft another letter to Secretary Vilas, denouncing their companions for lack of consistency and urging the Government to stand firm.  The second letter, which was signed by all but two of the Lower Brule and Crow Creek tribes and several of the more intelligent from the Pine Ridge Agency, says the signers represent the more conservative portion of the Indians; that the Government has always treated them right, and they have no cause to complain. They charge the majority with having broken faith with them, in as much as it was agreed between them before coming to Washington that under no circumstances were they to ask more than $5,000,000 cash, whereas they now want $13,750,000 in cash.

When this letter was signed it was nearly 10 o'clock, and Capt. Pratt, one of the Commissioners, immediately took both communications to Secretary Vilas.  What the outcome of it will be is hard to predict.  The Indians have made up their minds that further parleying is useless, and unless it be the Secretary's desire that a further council be held, they will start for home to-night or to-morrow.

OCT. 20, 1888:  Evening Star:  [Dakota]

The  Indians’ Lament.  Chief Grasse Says His People Will Have Nowhere To Go.

The New York Sun yesterday published an interview with the Sioux Chief John Grasse, in which he says, in answer to a question of where the Indians will go if their reservation is taken away from them:  "We have nowhere on earth to go, and the Indians all realize it at last.  Our hope is to learn the secrets of greatness and success from the white men, and to gradually get the power which he has of getting great things out of the soil.  Indians and whites are beginning to intermarry, and it is plain to the thinking men of my race that if we educate our children and teach them to be good farmers and to intermarry among the whites we may again become powerful on the earth.  There are now very many cases of white men who have married Indian squaws, and the half-breeds springing from these marriages are clear-headed, industrious, and successful cattle breeders and farmers.  There are very few instances of full-blooded Indians marrying white women, however.  I know but one--a Presbyterian minister named Luke Walker, who is a full-blooded Santee Indians, who married a white woman, a teacher in a Nebraska school, named O'Neill.  They are now living at the Lower Brule Agency.  Miss Fellows, who married Sam Campbell, about which you say there was much talk in the papers, didn't get a full-blooded Indian for a husband.  Campbell is a half-breed.  But the marriages of white men to our squaws are very frequent, and the results are good, because," said the chief, sedately, "we have never allowed a bad white man to live upon the reservation.  If he's bad, he disappears.  The Indians are courageous, but their intelligence is different from that of white men.  An Indian cannot jump at a conclusion.  Each step must be argued before him and carefully explained.  His head can hold but one idea at a time.  This is because he lacks education.  I believe that there are no Indians but what can be civilized; and all of the Indians under thirty years of age in the Sioux reservation are now located on farms engaged in tilling the soil and raising cattle.  The older ones are the most troublesome. They cannot adopt the ideas of the white men readily.  They live in the past, when the Indian was a power in the land.

"The Indians," continued the chief, "have been fooled so much by the agents that they have grown to have a great fear of Government promises.  When the Northern Pacific Railroad was put through the reservation we were told that the company only wanted a strip of land wide enough for the track to pass through the country, and this was repeated, with many promises, until the Indians all believed it.  But after the track was laid, we found that the road had opened up the whole land east of the Missouri River, and that it was practically the property of the railroad.  The Indians are becoming interested in agriculture, but they need two things above all---grist mills and saw mills.  We have raised wheat for two years, but we have no grist mills to carry it to, and the roofs of our houses are made of mud.  Of our 22,000,000 acres of land there is an endless amount of timber, and if we had a good saw-mill we could build comfortable houses for our people.  If the Government would put up a good grist mill for us, and another mill for sawing the trees, our people would be much healthier and happier.  We also need more schools.  I have a good house and a good farm, and the life suits me as it does any Indian willing to work.  The land is rich and productive.  Indian wars are entirely a thing of the past.  The people now repose absolute confidence in their chiefs, and even if the leaders make an unsatisfactory agreement with the Great Father the people will stand by him rather than provoke a war.  If the Government will help the Indians, as it has so often promised in past treaties, and carry out the present one in a satisfactory way, the Indians will in ten years be self-supporting, and the children who are now being educated will be men and women of whom the nation will be proud."

OCT. 20, 1888:  Evening Star:  [Dakota]

PATTED ON THE BACK.  The Good Indians Who Were Willing to Accept the Terms Offered.

Secretary Vilas expressed a wish to see the members of the Sioux Indian delegation who stood out in favor of the government propositions, and so at 2 o'clock to-day 14 Indians in company with Commissioners Pratt and Cleveland and Agent Anderson called on the Secretary of the Interior Department.  The Secretary in a brief speech commended the course pursued by the Indians, and then bade them good bye.

THE CALL ON THE PRESIDENT.

The entire delegation were presented to the President at the White House at 2:30 o'clock this afternoon.  There was no speech making, the President merely shaking hands with the Indians.  The members of the Sioux commission will prepare a report of their work and will submit it to the Secretary of the Interior.

OCT. 20, 1888:  Evening Star:  [Dakota]

THE OFFER REJECTED.  The Sioux Chiefs Will Go Home--They Want Their Price of Their Lands.

The Sioux Indian chiefs at 10 o'clock last night ended their consultation upon the propositions submitted to them by Secretary Vilas.  The result of their deliberations was reduced to writing and sent to Secretary Vilas.  There was a majority and a minority report, the former being signed by the largest proportion of the Indians, while to the latter only the signatures of a few Indians were appended.  These few were from the Pine Ridge, Lower Brule and Crow Creek agencies, and did not number more than fourteen.  They accepted the proposition of the Secretary without any qualification.  The majority wanted $1.25 per acre for their lands instead of $1, as Secretary Vilas had proposed. They succeeded in holding together the largest number of the chiefs, and the result is that they stand firm for either the granting of their own terms or the rejection of the entire law.

WHAT MR. VILAS SAYS.

Secretary Vilas said this morning that the Sioux chiefs by a large majority had formally notified him that they had rejected the propositions made by the President through the Secretary last Wednesday.  They had submitted counter propositions agreeing to accept $1.25 per acre, the money to be paid at once. This proposition, the Secretary said, could not for a moment be entertained by the Government.  In his opinion, the price demanded was excessive and Congress would never give its consent.]

WILL SEE THE PRESIDENT AND GO HOME.