Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1881-08-16
The killing OF Spotted Tail.


The following additional report of the killing
of Spotted Tail was received at the indian
bureau to-day from Agent Cock:
ROSEBUD, August G.
SIR Yesterday notified YOU of the death Of
Chief Spotted Tail. To-day I have the honor To
inform you OF the capture of his murderer
Crow Dog ard an accomplce named Black
Crow. both head men of the Brule Sioux For
safety they have been sent under guard of police
TO Fort AiobraIa. some 3D. miles distant. where
they will be kept closely confined until deputy
u. s. marshal arrives from Deadwood when
they will be formally transferred To the civil au-
thcrities of this territory TO answer TO the
charges against them. / stated i'm my letter of
yesterday that the murder was the result of a
long standing feud. While this is part ially true
new evidence has been developed which
throws different light upon the affair
1t seems to have been the object of a long and
well matured plan to rid themselves OF Spotted
Tail. The conspirators were few, but Of desper-
ate character. who had fully made up their
minds that if the chief would not resign they
would Kill him. The rngleadeF was BLACK
Crow, who now makes no secret of his inten-
tions. His ambition was TO hold Spotted Tails
position, and if it could not be accomplished by
fair means they did not scruple to use the most
foul and cowardly means. Upon ascertaining
these facts L had BLACK Crow" arrested
as an accessory TO the murder and
sent him to bear ''Crow Dog" company.
With their leader gone the disaffected ele-
exist as an organization. In connection with
the subject Of head chief over the entire peo-
pie. beg leave to offer the following sugges-
tions. which trust will receive your early con-
Sideration. The position of head chief Is a him
drance to civilization. The main object of this
parsonage is to centralize all power i'm himself
To do this he must strive TO continue tribal re-
ati0ns; TO prevent his people scattering overthe
reservation for the purpose of taking up aot-
ments of land. He must gather them In viii
10 hara oil ffaair I.a,l
customs. dances etc. In short. to retain his
hold chief over the nation he n.5tst act i'm op-
position to the measures adopted by the govern
ment for the ultimate civilization Of Indians
The minor chiefs are already squabblng for the
office, but l have informed them that the ap-
p0intment and recognition of SO important po-
stion must come from the Office of Indian affairs
l have, therefore. to recommend that no success
sor to Spotted Tail be appointed that his son,
young Spotted Tail. be recognized as chief of his
own immediate band. and that at any time
representative of the tribe shall be desired at
Washington for comforting upon the interests Of
this people. he shall be chosen with special ref
erence to his intelligence and loyalty to the gov
ernment. OF this, the agent would be the best
judge.
If the office of Indian affairs should direct this,
it will forever preclude the possibility of such an
occurrence as that of yesterday Being Of
the opinion that this is necessary, it
should be represented at the coming con-
ference with the Hon. Secretary of the
Interior. appointed White Thunder" chief OF
the Loafer Sioux to take Spotted Tails place i'm
the delegation. He is a man of barely ordinary
ability. but of unquestioned loyalty. and was the
only available person to be found at the time.
| trust nv action in the matter Will receive your
approval. have to add that the prompt action
in arrestng the murderer Of Spotted Tail has had
the most soothing effect upon the people at
large. All excitement is allayed. and at present
one would not imagine we had just passed
through crisis during which some rash Indian
or white might easily have turned the peaceful
ending into terrible tragedy. As il is we have
every reason to be thankful. On Monday orders
will be given 200 freighters TO proceed to the
landing for supplies, as / deem ii the better
plan to keep the young men busy engaged.
thus preventing them from taking advantage a
the present situation and stirring up trouble
(oighed) JOHN Cook, Agent.