National Republican., 1875-05-27
purpose of ascsrtalnIng what impression the in

purpose of ascertaining what impression the in
tervieW produced upon their minds, as it was i'm
possible to surmise, in the absence Of any express
sion OF their eOuntenances in what spirit they re-
ceived the Presidents remarks. Mr.. William
Fielder, who by courtesy had been awarded the
position OF Interpreter at the interview said that
ne Let relieved after having stood In the presence
OF the President Of The United States, the Int
rior Department, and the Interpreters who were
part
Reporter. Do you tr'nk the Indians will &C.
CSpt the proposi ion, and go willingly 10 the H.
dian Territory?
the kindness of the Pre7ident toward them
and the trankness of his expression in ad-
mitttng the natus raj tendencies Of civilization
to settle upon or visit the Eerritory gained
Cognzant of the fact that they cannot subsst upon
the scanty supply Of game the country they now
occupy yields without the ass s.stance Of the Gov
erDnent, and are satisfied that the Territory the
President speaks of would be better for them, and
render their extstrnce more in accordance with
their original habits of independent life; but It
will be with reluctance that they leave the old
grounds of their fathers, and they will expect
some consideration for the vacation Of the grounds.
Reporter. VIII they not Vacate upon any other
terms2
Mr. F. They will make the exchange upon any
terms the Interior DEPARTING at meY offer. Folr-
ing that their supplies will be cut of iu case Of
refusal, they regard the matter as being without
an alternative; but they will be batter satisfied
of the necessity of the change and OF the fair
dealing of the white3 If they receive something
in addition. There would be some objection
among the more vehement If an even exchange
were forced, which might lead to disturbances
among themselves: but in ary eY~ ut the delega-
tiOn WILL use their influence TO have them accept
Peacably, because think 1t is the only wise
policy.
Reporter. Do the Indians Ike the Plssi
dent?
Mr.. F. have travelled among all the tribes OF
IDdiPns. Gm well known among them, and
never heard ore speak Unkindly OF the Pre7ident.
Tney think more OF n than OF any man who has
r he n lpha Of trihes
of him frequently in the'- ouncils. They have
set prayer which is as common among them as the
Lords prayer is among Christians. Shall re-
Peat it lor you?
Reporter. If you please.
Mr.. +. In their dialect 1t runs: " Wah cant,
hunka la umpatu Ike la ma TONGA Shella."
Reporter. And what is the substau"e Of that,
and what posture do they assume in prayer?
Mr.. 7. They rise to their feet, throw back their
heads and elevate their eyes to heaven, and turn
ing the backs Of their right hands towards the
face, raise them until they can see their finger
nails, when they commence to repeat it slowly.
1t means that they are thankful to the Great
Spirit for the kind manner in which the Great
Father has treated them.
Reporter. Don't thev feel grateful for the food
and provisions which Congress has donated them
during the two years which were not required By
the treaty Of 1868?
Mr.. +. The Indians do not admit that they are
Objects of charity. They do not recognize the
gratitude OF the Government, but look uDon 1t as
due them by sense of Justice, in view Of the con-
ccssi6Ls they have made during the past GEN.
turY.
Reporter. 1 was quite amused at Spotted Tail,
in his emphatic denial OF the report that he had
called the Secretary cheap big liar"
Mr. +. Yes: but the newspapers were right.
He did use those very words. Spotted Tail was
very much pleased at the President to-day for
promising him a copy Of "What that lady was
Writing" and duplicate will be made for him.