The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1875-09-29

Ctht~tBail upoH MS uoTSe. hes wore NHgc
war-bonnet. decorated With long eagle fca.
TIERS. aud bore in his band the banner Of the
Omahas-a long medicine stick" rringed
also with feathers. His body was nearly
naked and painted duh yellow. On the opro-
site side OF The circle yeas small inner ring.
formed by the musicians sitting around the
drum. Outside the circle, at this point, sat
three orfouryeung squaws, whosung treble in
some Of the refraEs. On the left wss stationed
the head warrior, sitting stolidy upon q
parti colored pony. He wore war.bonnet
siml lar to that of the medicine.man, and
carried In bis hand bright and cleaning
sword. Mcc-pea-lusah (Red CLOUDY sat on
the left OF the circle OF musicians. During
all the ceremony, except when be joined in
part Of the dance, be sat with bis head on
his hand, his l,ng. heavy hsir dropping over
his cheeks, and his face peculiarly sad. He
wore none Of the decorations Of the Order.
Two little boys. brightly dressed, sat next to
Red Cloud. They danced with the dancers.
THE CEREMONY.
1t would be but q repetition Of terms to
attempt full description Of the ceremony
At first the eXertions Of the braves were very
moderate, and they seemed very slowly TO
imblbe the necessary enthusiasm ard frenzy,
but gradually their movements became live.
lier. An assistant Of the medicine man. who
was apparently master of ceremonies, walked
around the circle, uttcring lamentations or re-
citing deeds in loud. metll voice. Then
one by one the braves rose from the circle and
began slow dance to the stroke Of the big
drum and the chsn,ipg of chorus by all
those seated. Parts were rendered quite
beautiful by the sudden accession Of the fe-
mate voices. The deep. CULTURAL bass also
produced melody, impressive as 1t WIS dis
similar from that Of the cultured order.
The corners Of the open space in the stock.
AIDE were crowded with Indian spectators
mounted aud on foot. During the Dauses
in the dauce some of the toothless old wo-
men, crouching in groups in the shade of
the building. would set up quireripg re.
fran too piercing and unearthly to be agree.
able.
ANOTHER DELEGATES HER BOY.
A tall Indian mother, of shapely form and
regular features, appeared at the opening OF
the ring. hearing in her arms her infant.
Sle had wrapped about her and covering
her head long crimson shawl, and on her
feet were blue moccasins. small and
of pretty workmanship. The master
Of ceremonies conversed with her few
minutes in an uDdertone, and then, lending
her into the circle, made short spef CD. The
drum was loudly beat. and melody was
chauted of more cheerful import than those
preceding it. Then the braves arose and
danced again. The <qnaws withdrew. and
a borse was brought forward to be dedicated
TO the use Of the infant Agatha, who bad
just been adopted from its mothers arms
into the society of the Omahas. The medi-
bo OF tx,ith
he was led away. More dancing and inton-
ing ensued. The chief warrior was led into
the arena by the master of ceremonies, and
recited long list OF bis achievements, in
which be bad shown his bravery and cruelty
10 bis enemies. Dancing followed and con.
tinued until the spectacle began TO grow mo-
notonous.
The most misunderstanding Of the painted
braves was the clown. His body was dark
yellow. ard the lower balf of bis face deep
green. Behind he wore tail Of huge fea.
Tiers, which were spread out nshaped,
and some OF them decorated with blue and
red ribbons. This portion of his emb'llIsh'
ment looked as if it should properly belong
to the American bird of freedom. His nude
legs were grosesquely covered with figures
Of new moons, eagle beaks and talons. lie
exaggerated the gestures Of the dancers with
q degree Of humor unlocked for in an In
dian. He was Il liyrg caricature.
When the commissioners were wearied OF
the spectacle they presented to the medicine.
man an order upon the trader for presents,
and the Ora departed. They aiterward
visited the traders store and several white
mems lodges, and marched home TO their
village at dusk TO The sound Of the drum.
This evening there is considerable festive
excitement in the tepees near the agency,
and songs and the sound of the drum are
heard internationally.