1899 Delegations
President:
William McKinley (3/1897-9/1901)
Commissioner of Indian Affairs:
William Arthur Jones (1897-1904)
Jan. 2, 1899: Aberdeen Daily News: [Chippewa]
Trip For Red Men.
Eighteen Minnesota Indians to Visit the Great Father.
Washington, Jan. 2.—Indian commissioner Jones has directed Agent Sutherland at White Earth to have five Indians each from White Earth, leech Lake, the Red Lake bands, and three Mille Lacs Indians prepare for a trip to Washington. The secretary will undoubtedly grant the necessary authority and the delegation should start some time next week. It is said that the principal object of the Indians in coming here at this time is to urge a change in the law requiring the estimation of their timber before it is sold.
Jan. 10, 1899: Minneapolis Journal: [Chippewa]
The Leech Lake Indian delegation called on Commissioner Jones yesterday. They simply shook hands and asked that each be given a suit of clothes, saying the children in the streets were making fun of them. They will be fitted out.
Jan. 24, 1899: Minneapolis Journal: [Chippewa]
Chippewa Commissioner Hall was notified to-day that the rest of the Chippewa Indian delegation numbering twenty-four, will reach Washington, Thursday. The Bear Islanders here have not done anything beyond presenting a petition for the suspension of estimates to the senate Indian committee. They will join the other delegates when they arrive.
Jan. 26, 1899: Minneapolis Journal: [Chippewa]
Braves en Route
Another Big Chippewa Delegation going to Washington.
The leech lake Indians’ delegation in Washington will be reinforced in a day or two. Flatmouth, chief of the Pillagers, and twenty-four braves, representing all Minnesota Chippewas, some of them warriors of the Sugar Point fight, and some of them just out of jail, passed through Minneapolis yesterday en route to the home of the Great Father. The Indians will take three weeks for the trip, which will cost $1,000 and be paid for by the government. Flatmouth says there will be no more trouble. Some of the Indians enjoyed the big council in session in the capitol in St. Paul.
The reservations were represented as follows: White Earth, J. A. Morrison, interpreter; Chiefs May-Zhuck-e-Ke-Ge-Shig, Waun-Ze-Mah-Dub and Mah-Ge-Ge-Shjog, Pine Point and Twin Lakes—Sturgeon Man, May-Zhak-Ke-Ah-Wung, May-Dway-Go-Nind, Peen-De-Gay. Mille Lacs—Wah-We-Way-Cum-Ig, Am-Dus-O-Ge-Shig and Goo-See. Leech Lake—Flatmouth, May-Dway-Way-We-Nind, William Bonga, Rev. Charles Wright and Kay-Me-Waum-Aush. Cass Lake—James Fisher. Red Lake—Moose-Dung, Shah-Wun-Oh-Cum-Ig-Ish-Kung, Ah-Nah-Me-Ay-Ke-Shig. Kay-Bay-No-Din, Alexio Gurneau and Peter Graves, interpreter.
Feb. 1, 1899: Minneapolis Journal: [Chippewa]
The Chippewa Again.
The Chippewa Indian delegation appeared before the senate committee on Indian affairs to-day. They were aparently [sic] not decided as to their plans and did not present their grievances in any specific form. Owing to this Senator Pettigrew, Chairman of the committee, abruptly terminated the hearing. He told them to decide among themselves just what they want to present for consideration and to appear before the committee again on Friday morning.
Feb. 2, 1899: Minneapolis Journal: [Chippewa]
The Chippewa Complaints.
The Chippewa Indian delegation appeared before the house committee on Indian affairs to-day and presented their grievances and request. Rev. Charles Wright spoke for the delegation, and Rev. J. A. Gilfillan interpreted it for the committee.
The first matter touched on was the expense of maintaining Chippewa Commissioner Dar S. Hall. They want the office abolished and his work placed in the hands of the Indian inspector or of some department employee already provided for in the executive appropriation bill. Under the present system the expense of $13 a day is incurred, all of which is being taken from the Chippewa funds.
The next complaint made was against the estimators. The speaker said a large corps was not employed in this work, each member drawing $5 a day. They want the estimating stopped and the Menominie (sic) system of disposing of timber adopted. This was represented to be the principal object of the Indians’ visit to Washington, and the statement was made to the committee that payment for this work is a waste of money and has not resulted in any material benefit to the Indians.
The dead and down timber operations were not discussed
Complaint was also made against the deputy marshals. They want Christian men sent to the reservations in this capacity and ask that the committee report some measure that will bring this about.
On behalf of the Leech Lake Indians, the spokesman said that they were opposed to having army officers for agents. They want Captain Mercer relieved and a civilian appointed in his place. They are also opposed to a change in the location of the agency, saying it is now at the best place for a majority of the Indians on the reservation.
Another request was that legislation be enacted to provide that white men who have married, or may marry, Indian women, shall not be entitled to a share of the annuity. It was represented that the man is the head of the family, and no white man should share in the tribal funds or interest therein.
Chairman Sherman suggested that the Indians lay all these matters before the secretary of the interior for his information, as he will have to report on any legislation proposed
The delegation will appear before the senate committee to-morrow and before the house committee again on Saturday.
--J. S. Van Antwerp.
Feb. 4, 1899: Minneapolis Journal: [Chippewa]
Opposed to the Indian Requests.
Rev. J. A. Gilfillan appeared before the Indian committee of the house and argued for the legislation asked for by the Indian delegation at their hearing Thursday. A member of the committee, in discussing the possibility of legislation to amend the Nelson act, said to-day:
“I do not think the committee will act favorably on any matter presented by the delegation. The Indians want legislation that will complicate matters and it will be dangerous to attempt it now. Any amendment will have the effect of abrogating the treaty which will result in restoring the lands to the Indians. As a large portion of the ceded reservation has already been disposed of, it will be a question whether such lands belong to the Indians or to the purchasers, and a new treaty will be necessary in order to fix the status of this land. A bill will probably be introduced by some friends of the Indians, but favorable action by our committee is not probable.”
Feb. 16, 1899: Minneapolis Journal: [Chippewa]
The conference between Senator Pettigrew and the Turtle Mountain and Devils Lake Indian delegation, that was set for this afternoon, was postponed. Mr. Pettigrew had other matters to attend to.
The Chippewa Indian delegation called on Senator Davis at the capitol to-day and presented their grievances to him. They have been fully covered in these dispatches. Senator Davis listened patiently to all that was said and then promised to look into all matters presented. He hoped that none of the delegation had participated in the Bear Island fight and that rumors of an uprising next spring were untrue. Such outbreaks, he said, were bad for both Indians and whites. He said, further, that the civilization and education of the Indians was a matter of time and he hoped the Chippewas would earnestly strive for both.
The senate committee on Indian affairs to-day agreed on a favorable report on the house bill granting railroads right of way over Indian reservations and allotted lands.
--J. S. Van Antwerp.
March 10, 1899: Minneapolis Journal: [Chippewa]
Indians Coming Home.
Indian Commissioner Jones has directed the entire Chippewa Indian delegation to appear before him at the beginning of the official day to-morrow. He expects to send a portion of the delegation home on the morning train and others on the evening train. The commissioner has decided to allow each band sufficient money to purchase seed for spring planting. Other requests will be referred to Agents Sutherland and Meren for such action as they think proper. The commissioner said to-day that he thought the delegation’s visit had resulted in some good in that it had interested some members of congress; beyond that practically nothing had been accomplished.
May 8, 1899: Minneapolis Journal: [Seneca]
The Seneca Indian delegation from Iowa called on Acting Commissioner of Indian Affairs Tourner [sic; Tanner?] to-day and he immediately gave them transportation for home. He told them to arrange all their business through the agent hereafter, and not to leave the reservation without permission from the secretary. The delegation left Washington immediately after the interview.
June 9, 1899: Salt Lake Herald: [Cheyenne]
They Want Their Lands.
Cheyenne Indians Confer With Authorities at Washington.
(Special to The Herald.)
Washington, D. C., June 8.—The Cheyenne Indian delegation from Wyoming had a conference with Acting Commissioner Tonnor [sic; Tanner?] today. Although the wants of the tribe were not fully developed, it was shown that they do not want to part with their lands. They are willing to take allotments, but want the balance reserved for grazing purposes, such lands as are not being used for this purpose to be leased to sheep and cattle owners. This will give the Indians the annuities they will lose by expiration of treaties next year.
The Indians also asked if the government had complied with the terms of their treaties, some of which go back many years. Answers to all their queries will be given in writing before they leave Washington. Another conference will be held Saturday.
June 10, 1899: Evening Star: [Arapaho, Shoshoni]
At The White House
Indians, Guided by William Shakespeare, See the President
Noted Red Men In The Party
A delegation of Arapahoe and Shoshone Indians, who are in the city to arrange for leasing their lands in northern Wyoming, called on the president this morning. There are four Arapahoes, Chiefs Sharp Nose, Tallow and Plenty Bears, with William Shakespeare as interpreter. There are five Shoshones, Dick Washakie, Judge Bishop, Wahwanabiddy, Moyavoo, and Charles Myers, interpreter. Chief Sharp Nose is the great fighting chief of the Arapahoes. He was in the Custer massacre, and is the hero of many encounters with the pale face. He was wounded in the Custer fight and was crippled for life.
These Indians live in the mountain regions of northern Wyoming, where they are in sight of perpetual snow on the mountain tops. The hot weather here has not agreed with them at all and they have all complained they suffered. Wahwanabiddy has complained the most. He is a big fat red man, whose chief occupation at his home is lying under shade trees to keep cool. He apprehended warm weather in the east and brought with him a long alpaca coat, which he secured from some itinerant missionary. The coat nearly reaches the ground. Even this thin garment has been a burden to fat Wahwanabiddy. Notwithstanding the cool weather today, he still imagined that perspiration was playing a hard game with him and mopped his dark brow with new red bandana handkerchiefs he had bought in local shops.
June 24, 1899: Denver Rocky Mountain News: [Arapaho]
Nine Shoshone Indians at National Capital With Captain Nickerson to negotiate for Sale of Reservation Lands and a New Treaty.
Captain Nickerson, agent for the Shoshone Indians of Wyoming, is in Washington with a delegation of nine members of the tribe. They will see the acting commissioner of Indian affairs to-morrow. Treaties now existing between the tribe and the government are to expire and the delegation will ask that a commissioner or special agent be sent to the reservation to negotiate a new treaty, which will provide for the cession of a portion of the reservation. The tribe is self-supporting and there is a disposition among the Indians to sell 1,000,000 or 1,500,000 acres of their 5,000,000 acres of land within the reservation. The proceeds of such sale will be deposited in the treasury to the credit of the tribe and will give each member an annuity to help out his yearly earnings which are not enough to support him. The delegation also wants to talk to the commissioner about various treaty regulations relating to the tribe. It is probably that the delegation will be here a week or ten days.
June 25, 1899: Salt Lake Herald: [Shoshoni]
The affairs of the Shoshones of Wyoming will be disposed of at an early date, and the result will be nearly as desired by the agent and delegation recently visiting Washington. The report that the delegation had returned to the city is incorrect, and is due to confounding them with an Indian delegation from the northwest. Assistant Commissioner Tanner says that he was very well pleased with the visit of Chief Sharpnose of the Shoshones, whom he regards as an uncommonly bright Indian, and he attaches much confidence to this statements.
Oct. 12, 1899: Dallas Morning News: [Creek]
Creek Indian Delegation.
South Mcalester, I. T., Oct. 11.—A delegation of Creek Indians consisting of Hi-tul-kee-hee, La-toah Me-ko, Chel-to-ho Yo-ho and Sandy Johnson, interpreters are in Washington city for the purpose of trying to induce the president to have the treaty made with the Creek chief, Ho-poth-lo Yo-ho-lo, in 1825, lived up to. The delegation succeeded in having an audience with the president, who referred them to the secretary of the interior, for his consideration. An appointment was made for Friday of this week when the matter will be taken up and passed upon.
The Creeks say that they simply want the government to live up to the old treaty signed with Hoath-lo Ya-ho-la years and years ago; that treaty they charge has been ruthlessly violated and the Creek nation is fast becoming only second within their own territory to the white man and the negro.
On May 14, 1842, there was a grand council of the Creek people, which met for the purpose of renewing their former friendship that was expressed when they lived towards the rising sun. [edited out – history of events]
They want the old treaty made effective. That treaty said that if anything molested them that they would be protected by [t]he soldiers.
Now is the time they contend that they need peace, for their land they charge is being taken from them that the half breeds, the whites and the colored man are taking possession of what they now have. The treaty was to stand forever, as long as the grass grew, the rivers ran and the sunset forth its rays. [more description edited out]
The chief of the delegation has a large medal of solid silver given to the chief of the Creeks when the treaty was signed by the president, John Quincy Adams. The president’s bust appears on one side while a pipe and tomahawk and clasped hands are on the other, with the words, “Peace and friendship forever.”
Nov. 17, 1899: Cleveland Leader: [Pueblo: Isleta]
Three Wise Men Of The Pueblos
Are In Washington With Three Other Members Of The Tribe.
Brought Canes That President Lincoln, “The Great White Father,” Gave to Them.
Special Dispatch to the Leader.
Washington, November 16.—Six ancient and queer Indian friends of the United States were permitted to shake hands with the President to-day. They were Pueblos, and live in a town of their own at Isleta, Mex.[sic] The governor of the town, Vicente Jirom [sic], headed the delegation.
Three of the visitors were wise men of the tribe and carried walking canes presented to them in 1863 by President Lincoln. The canes are never brought out except on state occasions and to frighten offenders. Even farther back than the sixties the Pueblos were good friends of Uncle Sam and aided in suppressing uprisings of other Indians. President Lincoln recognized this friendship by ordering three silver-headed canes to be made for distribution to the three leading Indians of the tribe. The canes were appropriately inscribed. They are held in awe and reverence by the Pueblos, who look upon them as gifts from the “Great White Father.” If a young Pueblo becomes vicious he is quickly curbed by the governor bringing out his cane.
Nov. 18, 1899: New Mexican: [Pueblo: Isleta, San Felipe, Sandia, Santa Ana]
After Pueblos’ Attorney
Washington, D.C., November 14, 1899.
--During the week there was a delegation of Pueblo Indians here, who, with Delegate Pedro Perea, called upon the secretary of the interior and the commissioner of Indian affairs. The delegation consisted of Vicente Jiron, governor of Isleta; Juan Montano, governor of Isleta; Juan Montano, governor of San Felipe; Mariano Carpentero, governor of Sandia; Jesus Moya and Eugenio Garcia, of Santa Ana.
These Indians stated that they represented the inhabitants of the pueblos of Isleta, San Felipe, Sandia and Santa Ana, and filed a protest against the construction of certain ditches and irrigation canals, now in course of construction by an irrigation company composed of citizens of Albuquerque, and which ditches and irrigation canals, the Indians claim will be very detrimental to them, and will, when completed, destroy the present supply of water for their pueblos. It seems that the right of way through the grants of these Indians, located on the Rio Grande, has been condemned in order that the company may construct its ditches through their lands, and the Indians desire that the United States interfere and stop the irrigation company from prosecuting this work until their cases, now pending in the supreme court of the territory, are reached and decided. The commissioner of Indian affairs has this matter now under consideration.
Nov. 25, 1899: Albuquerque Citizen: [Pueblo: Isleta, San Felipe, Sandia, Santa Ana]
Call On The president.
Delegates Perea and Pueblo Indian Governors Visit the White House.
Special to The Citizen.
Washington, Nov. 25.—Delegate Perea and the correspondent of The Citizen and the representatives of the pueblos on the Rio Grande, this week, paid their respects to the president. Of the party were Vicente Jiron, governor of Isleta, Juan Quontano, governor of San Felipe; Mariano Carpintero, governor of Sandia, Juan Antonio, governor of Santa Ana, and Higinio Garcia, interpreter. The president gave each a cordial greeting. Governor Jiron said that all their people sent their kindest regards to the president, and then the president requested each one to take his best regards to all the people of each of the pueblos.
The Indian delegation have returned to their homes.