Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1879-11-16
THE LOUISIANA STYLE.
The Hostile Ute Indians on the Witness
Stand-They Know Nothing About tho
Recent Msssacres-As Ignorant of Facts
as Any Resident OF LcuisiaDa-A Plot to
Kill Commissioner Adams

hll1 Commissioner ADAMS
THE COUNCIL.
Los PINos AGENCY, COL, Nov. II, IL A. NJ.
via LAKE CRY, COL, Nov. 15.-Ouray carried
his point at the Indian council on the night of
the 18th inst. and the principal chiefs of the
White River Utes, except Jack, were present
at the agency yesterday, ready to give testi-
mony when called upon. The Indians, who
testify before the commission, are sworn by
chief Ouray, according to the custom of the
Ute nation. Douglass was the first witness
called. At the order of Ouray he arose from
his seat, and standing erect with arm raised,
he administered oath to himself as follows:
by the heavens above, by the earth that will
receive me, by the Great Spirit that looks
the truth This was said with much force
and appropriate gesture. The oath,
like all Indian testimony, was translated into
Spanish by Ouray and then into English by the
Interpreter Townsend. At first he was some
what nervous and very pale. but towards the
close of the testimony had regained his wonted
cOmposure. He saw nothing, heard nothing.
and took no part in the killing of Meeker and
employees and the fight with Thornbnrgh. He
found old Mrs. Meeker running around loose.
and took her to his house and ok care Of her.
His time was SO much occupied with the care
of his wounded boy that he did not know any,
thing in relation to what was going wrong. At
menced he was in the warehouse, and does not
know who began the attack. He says his feel
lngs Overcame him, and it made him crv
to think into what a condition his friends had
fallen. Meeker told him that in two days
soldiers would come. Douglas replied it
would be better to have the officers come to
the agency and have council and try to settle
the existing difficulties. as the Indians were
afraid Of the soldiers. Meeker promised to 90
out with Douglas in the morning and meet the
officers, but while they were talking the fight
with Thornburgh was going on, though neither
Douglas nor Meeker were aware Of it at the
time.
Ouray has all the necessary preparations for
the protection of the commission, and if the
White River Utes should make any
attempt toward an outbreak, fifty
picked men who are now encamped within
rifle shot Of the commission would be on hand
the instant anything of that kind were at
are to be congratulated on their selection of
members of the commission. Three more COM
perent men could not be found to perform the
important duties assigned them.
LATER-Johnson has been on the stand all
forenoon, but knows less than Douglass. To
the question: Do you know whether there has
been any fight at White River, he answered
mo- None of his relatives were in the fight so
Tar as he knew, and he could not give the name
OF single Indian engaged in the killing Of
Meeker and employees nor the troops.
WASHINGTON, Nov. 15.-The following was
received today:
Los P1Nos, COL, Nov. 14.-Hon. Carl Schurz:
The commission is now organized and Chiefs
Douglas, johnson and Sawawich are in at
tendance to give testimony. All going on
smoothly. (Signed) G. ADAMS,
Special Agent.
ADAMS FOOLED.
Los P1Nos, Nov. 15.-It is gradually becom-
ing known that the hostile Utes, during the
recent council, determined at first to kill Com
missioner Adams, but that they finally decided
on the course they have pursued. This part of
their proceedings was not translated 10 Adams,
and he is only now finding it out through
Ouray and other Indians. '~a4