The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1874-06-19
NUMBER 10.
Result of A Great Pow-WOw.

In the year 1853 our regiment was sta
toned at Fort Sill, one of the outposts
Of the Indian Territory. General
Grearson commanded the post. Great
preparations had been made by the Peace
Commission for grand courcil with
the various tribes of Indians occupying
that section of the country, who sent
their most eloquent orators and fearless
brsyes to urge their grievances upon
the attention of the great father at
Washington through his wise agents.
William E. Dodge, the president Of
the Peace Commission, accepted seat
in the centre Of the assembly, and on
either side Of him were his associates,
all sedate and wise-looking men. On
the right of the circle were the army
officers and number of ladies; on the
left, chiefs of various tribes in full war
costume, with a sprinkling Of squaws
who had accompanied them. Behind
the officers stood armed soldiers with a
number of citizens, drawn thither by
curiousity. In the rear of the chiefs
were a number of painted braves, and a
mixed crowed of all sorts and sizes. The
tribes represented at this gathering were
the Kiowas, Comanches, Arrap&hoes,
and Apaches, each Of which had Its
Interpreter for the Comanches, a white
man, being general interpreter for the
others. The euphoneous name of the
orator, a Comanche chief, was Asa-hab-
ct, man Of great proportions and stern
features.
Commissioner Dodge made the open
ing address. He spoke to the red man
in strain of kindness-urged them to
cultivate peaceful habits, TO encourage
agricultural pursuits, to live on friendly
terms with the white man, cast aside
their implements of war, and live in
peace and harmony with all mankind.
He also assured them that the great
father at Washington would be their
friend and protector as long a. they be-
haved themselves, but If they violated
their treaties and committed depreda-
tions on the whites he would give them
proof Of his great power. In conclu-
sion, he spoke Of the beauties Of the
Christian religion, and urged them to
turn to Jesus, who was Lord over all.
This speech consumed more than two
hours, whereas il might have lasted only
about half ain hour had it been addressed
to an audience who understood the Eng
lish language. Every sentence had to
be translated by the Interpreter, and
given to the special interpreter of each
tribe, being received by the chiefs with
an expressive "ughp The white hairs Of
the commissioner seemed to strike the
Indians with awe; they listened with at
tention, but also displayed in their
swarthy features an expression of doubt
as to his meaning. When he came to
that part of his discourse which alluded
to the Saviour as being lord of all, Asa
hab-et made a sign that he would speak.
He then arose from his seat, walked up
TO the commissioners, shook them by the
hands, did the same to the military Off
GERS, but passed the ladies, exclaiming,
"Eh, squawl no brave"
He then took his stand in the middle
of the circle, stood perfectly erect, fold
ed his arms across his broad chest, and
said:
"Who is this man Jesus? Is he
mightier than the great father in Wash
ington?"
"He is" replied Mr.. Dodge, somewhat
dumfounded.
"If he is greater he must be the great
fathers father" said the chief
"Yes," answered the commissioner,
somewhat perplexed.
Ought will the white head say that he
has more power2"
"He has more power" replied Mr..
] Dodge.
"Ugh! good" continued Asa-hab-et.
"Then tell him the red man will like
him better If he will make his contrAc-
tors put more fat on their beef"