Daily press and Dakotaian. [volume] (Yankton, Dakota Territory [S.D.]) 1875-1880, 1878-08-24
A TALK WITH CROOK.
some Points Reg srtllng Indian Matters o,
the Plains.
Chicago Times, 22d.


Chicago Times, 22d.
Brig. Gen. George Crook, commanding in
the department Of the Platte, was in the
city on Wednesday, having arrived the
night previous. The general is on his way
36th Ohio, volunteer infantry regiment of
which he was the original commander. He
has endeavored for a number of years to
meet with his old comrades in arms, but has
been invariably prevented, owing 10 some
unloward event. In view Of the tranquil
state Of affairs in his department at the
pre- ent time, he now makes the journey for
the first time. Last year he had made his
preparations to attend, but the chase after
the Nez Perces and the trouble with Crazy
Horse demanded his personal attention, and
he was prevented.
A representative of The Times met the
old Indian fighter at the Grand Pacific hotel,
on yesterday afternoon, and made some in
quiries respecting the condition of affairs in
his department. Gen. Crook stated that
there was no trouble with the Indians at the
present time, or prospective, beyond that
caused by the wandering Bannocks. He
went on to state that about one hundred and
fifty warriors of this tribe had left their res
ervation at Fort Hall, and were supposed to
be on the war-path. They were accompa-
MED by their squaws and children, and
probably intended TO stay away perma-
nently.
'These Indians will not return to the
agency, in all probability" said the general
"unless they are driven back, as there is
nothing to induce them to return. Those
that are now at Fort Hall are in pitiable
condition. They do not have sufficient food
and there is but little game on their reserva-
tion. They manage to subsist on the few
fish they can catch, and upon the roots of
trees"
He went on to state that he hal informed
the interior department as to this condition
of affairs but in reply was told that the ap-
preparation had been expended and that
nothing could be done for the Indians,
with the settlers crowding in upon their
reservation it is not to be wondered" said
Gen. Crook, that they desert their reserva-
ton and fight" He also remarked that
there would probably be outbreaks of this
character so long as this condition of affairs
lasted, and made the suggestion that the
lighting this year would have been much
more serious if the savages had been prop
erly armed or been in the condition the Nez
Perces were when they took the field last
season.
The officer paid compliment to the
fighting qualities of the savages, and remark
ed that they were the finest fighters in the
world, and would be our best friends If they
we're only treated fairly"
The general anticipated no trouble from
the northern tribes this summer, and said
that no signs had been discoyerd Of Indians
at anv point between the Black Hills and
the Missouri river. He mentioned that
Lieut. Clark, of the ID cavalry, had recent
" ridden through from Fort Keogh, on the
Missouri river, to one Of the summer camps
north of the Black Hills, attended by only
two soldiers, and discovered no evidences
whatever of savages
Gen. Crook left for the eat LAST evening
and will be absent two or three weeks.