The Princeton union., 1879-11-19

The Hostile Ute Indians on the Witness
stand-They Know Nothing About the
Recent Massacres-As Ignorant of Facts
as Any Resident of Louisiana-A Plot to
Kill Commissioner Adams.
lE' THE COUNCIL
Los PNos AGENCY, Col, Nov. IL, 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
mony when called upon. The Indians, who
testify before the commissions, 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,
by the heavens above, by the earth that will
receive me- by the Great Spirit that looks
down upon me, dare not speak anything but
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 Thornburgh. He
found old Mrs. Meeker running around loose,
and took her to his house and t.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. A
the time the killing of the employees COM
menced lie was in the warehouse, and does not
know who began the attack. He says his feel
ings overcame him, and it made him CRY
to think into what condition his friends had
fallen. Meeker told him that in two days
en1H HSoro ou11 =
would be better to have the officers come to
the agency and have a council and try to settle
the existing difficulties. as the Indians were
afraid of the soldiers. Meeker promised to 20
out with Douglas in the morning and meet the
officers, but while they were talking the fight
Douglas nor Meeker we're aware of it at the
time.
Ouray has all the necessary preparations for
the rrotection 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
tempted. Secretary Schurz and Gen. Sherman
are to be congratulated on their selection of
members of the commission. Three more COM
petent men could not be found 70 perform the
important duties assigned them. -
I. LATER-Johnson has been on tho stand all
AO1enOoh, ous Knows Ae6S tnAn OOu8l1Ss. 10
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
far 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. l5.-The following was
received to-day: .sa4-sr.4z e...t .., ..
Los PNos, COL, Nov. 14.-Hon. Carl Schurz:
The commission is now organised and Chiefs
Douglas, johnson and Sawawich are in at
tendance to give testimony. All going on
smoothly. & (Signed) c. ADAMS, rs q.
3.-. g. "a fstE.H,s sssiaE Special Agent
e -.z-. .s:fE,E fs ADAMS FOOLED. ..r 81 -
Los PNos, Nov. l5.-1t is gradually becom-