The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1879-10-04
THE INDIANS.
Additional Facts from the Late
Battle Field.
TROOPS RAPIDLY MOVING TO THE
RESCUE.

DENVER, Col, Oct. Ex-Governor Pitkin says
of the Ute Indian uprising, that trouble has
been brewing all summer. The Utes have
been burning the forests and grasses for over
300 miles, and lately several settlers houses.
Warrants were issued for the arrest OF two
but the sheriff and posse were unable TO md
the criminals on the reservation. General
Pope at Governor Pitkin's request sent COM
pany of cavalry to the sheriffs assistance.
Meanwhile Agent Meeker had trouble with
the home members of the tribe and General
Pope ordered Colonel Thornburgh to protect
him, and it was on this mission that Thorn
turgh met his death. The Utes have 1000
warriors of which 500 confronted Thornburgh,
all armed with Winchester rifles. This attack
had no provocation. Unless removed by the
government, these Indians will be extermina-
ted. The State would be willing to settle this
trouble at its own expense if the general gov
eminent would permit it.
Gov. Pitkin thinks the conclusion of this
affair will end depredations in Colorado
Secretary Schurz, while here a week ago, was
impressed with the necessity of something
to Washington giving his views. twill be
impossible for Indians and whites to live in
peace hereafter. This attack had no provoca-
ton, and the whites now understand that they
are liable to be attacked in any part of the
State at any time where the Indians happen to
be in sufficient force. my idea is that unless
removed by the Government, they must neces-
sarily be exterminated Should Government
grant permission, could raise $4,000 men to
protect the settlers in "a hours, but | don't
think the Government will allow State inter-
ference, as the outbreak took place on the res
ervation. The State would be willing to set
tie the Indian trouble at its own expense. The
advantages that would accrue from the throw
ing open of L., 000,0 900 acres of land to miners
and settlers would more than compensate for
all expenses incurred"
A Rawlins special says that it would be i'm
possible for General Merritt's advance to reach
Thornburgh before Sunday night or Monday
morning before which time the suffering
among the survivors will be very great, if
they are able to retain their position so long.
There is no grass along the route and it is nee
essary to transport forage for all the animals,
by wagon.
1t is generally believed that company of
the 9th cavalry at Denver sent to the Indian
country by General Pope have been massacred
just before the outbreak they were near the
scene of Thornburgh's battle, since which time
nothing has been heard from them. General
Tyner and Mr.. Hoyt are reported in North
Park.
RAwLINs, Oct. 3.-All the troops in this de-
partment have been ordered to hold themselves
in readiness at a moments notice to proceed to
and concentrate at this point. Merritts expe-
dition will be reinforced SO it will number
about 1900 men, There will also be 500 from
the department at Dakotah. Gen. Crook will
come on at once to take command.
AuOOuSI SIolOu vi UiiO 1Allc1il.
WASHINGTON, Oct. "A statement made
here today by Mr.. Riedell, an agent of ex-Sen-
ator Dorsey, in relation to the mail contracts
held by the latter, throws a new ray OF light
upon the possible causes of the outbreak in the
Ute country. The statement is substantially
as follows:
Ex-senator Dorsey has the contract for car
rying the mails from White river, Colorado, to
Rawlins, in Wyoming, the route passing
through the Ute country. Some time ago the
sub-contractor, named Perkins, threw up his
contract expecting to be able to renew it at
higher price. He was disappointed in this,
the contract being awarded to another man.
Perkins, however, declined to turn the route
over to the new contractor. Finally, the Post
Office Department was obliged to issue an
order for the postnaSters on the route not to
turn over the mails to anyone except the right
full contractor.
1t is said that Perkins went over the route,
burning the grass and forage for long dis
lance, and killing stock, in order to throw
every possible obstacle in the way Of the new
contractor. AS final act of villainy, it is said
that he instigated the Indians to commit
depredations. The trouble now existing in the
Ute country is attributed in part to the malev-
olence of this ex-contractor.
No Further Trouble Expected.
DENVER, Oct 3.-The southern Utes are
mostly peaceable.: The discontinued ones are
supposed to be with the band that attacked
Thornburgh. No trouble at the Southern
agencies is anticipated as there are troops
enough to protect the settlers. No aggressions
have been made on the reservations of North
ern Utes by miners. The North Park mines
are some distance from the reservation.
Fears Entertained for Captain Payne's
Command.
RAwLINs, Wy. T., Oct. 3.-No tidings from
Payne's command have yet been received.
Two companies of cavalry left for the front
this morning and six companies of infantry
will also leave tomorrow. Gen. Crook will
arrive tomorrow and proceed to the front to
take command. The silence from the front
indicates that the worst may be expected, and
fears are entertained for the safety of Payne's
command. Gen. Merritt's command is ex-
pected to arrive at the battle field Sunday
afternoon 1t is the opinion of many that the
Indians are now many miles away from the
battle field and that the troops will be COM
PEELED to follow them into the mountains.