Helena weekly herald., 1873-08-28
BOHEMIAN, August 10Th, 1877:

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Per Associated Press dispatches you have
doubtless heard in general way of the im'
portant and significant treaty just concluded
with the nation of Grow Indians by the Gov
ernment, through the able and efficient
agency of Hon. Felix Brunot, President OF
the Peace Commission, Gen. E. Whittlesey,
Inspector of Indian Affairs, DR.. James
Wright, late Territorial Superintendent of In
dian Affairs, and present agent of the Crows,
and Thomas K. Cree, ESQ.,, Secretary of the
Peace Commission. l will now give you
hurriedly such additional facts as l have been
able to obtain.
The conference lasted six days, but, am
credibly informed, was marked by harmony
and good feeling. All had to be consulted
A great many chiefs, head men, and leading
braves had to be heard, and it took consider
able time to make all the necessary explana-
tions and arrange the various details. The
principal speeches of Blackfoot, their most
able and influential chief in council, are said
to have been particularly eloquent and for
chile, and to have deeply and tavorably im-
pressed the members of the Commission.
After the different treaty stipulations had
been thoroughly discussed, mutually agreed
upon, and the several signatures finally inter-
changeably attached, the Commissioners re-
turned to this place, leaving their red BROTH
ers, as they report, we'll satisfied and in good
humOr
By the terms of this treaty the Crows
agree to surrender to the Government the
whole Of their present large and valuable re-
servation, and accept in lieu thereof as reser-
vation abont one-third in area in what is
known as the Judith Basin, on the Missouri
river, together with such monied compensa-
ton as may be agreed upon and voted by
Congress. This sum, whatever it may be, is
to be held in trust perpetually for the use of
said Indians, and the interest annually eX-
pended for their benefit The boundary of
the new reservation is as follows: Com
mencing at the mouth of Shonkin river, be-
low Fort Benton; thence up said river to the
headwaters thereof; thence along the divide
to the headwaters of the Judith; thence
along the divide between the Judith and
thence to the headwaters of
Armel's creek; thence down said stream to
the Missouri; thence up the main channel of
the Missouri to the place of beginning.
There is one stipulation of the contract
that it would be well to call public attention
specially to. The articles of agreement are
to be ratified by Congress before they take
effect, which cannot be accomplished before |
some time during the coming winter session.
Until then the present reservation will re-
main intact, of course. And till the matter
is ultimately consummated, and to prevent
tresspass and save trouble meanwhile, it is |
stipulated that no persons save
hose lawfully authorized and on legitimate
business, shall be permitted to go or remain
lpon the present reservation for any pur-
poses whatever. And this contract, l am au-
horitatively informed, will be strictly en-
forced, and that the military forces at hand
AVE already been instructed to see that it is
effectively carried out. The Crows were
7ery much attached to their old reservation,
With all its present disadvantages, and were
naturally very 10th to surrender it upon any
erns. To induce them to do so at the pres
mt time, and in view of all the circumstan-
:es, it was considered difficult task, to say
he least, and BY many regarded as fruitless
Too much credit cannot be
;iven to the gentlemen of the Commission
or the exercise of that patience, prudence,
ourage and perseverance, by which they have
een enabled to accomplish such delicate and
aluable results. Besides it must not be for
often that the Crows really have been and
re to-day great source of protection to the
dvanced settlements of the Gallatin and up
er Yellowstone valleys. None will deny,
kept those whose prejudices against the In
ian race generally have run away with their
etter sense, that the Crows have been truly ,
riendly disposed towards the whites and have ,
ravely stood between us and the treacherous j
nd warlike Sioux, to whose depredations we
thewise would have been greatly exposed. I
is highly important. then, that those peace
I'll relations be continued, and especially till
lis treaty is approved by the law-making
over, and that meanwhile the above wise {
nd indispensable provision be observed in t
ood faith. 1t is now too late this season to
respect or explore that country to any great
xtent, were it even safe, and by next spring q
will be free to everybody, which will be
bout as soon as our people will be ready to
o in so as to accomplish anything. Then d
K and half million acres will be legally t
lrown open to the industry and enterprise e
all, comprising some of the best farming. d