The Cheyenne daily leader. [volume] (Cheyenne, Wyo.) 1870-1884, 1881-08-16
SPOTTED TAILS DEATH. v
Some Further Details. susxestieas
- By the Agent.

some Further Details. susxestieas
- - BY the Agent.
Washington, Aug. 15.-The follow
ing report containing additional details
of the killing of Spotted Tail, together
with important suggestions of the pro-
prosed change of the local Indian gov
ernment, was received at the interior
department to-day, from the Rosebud
agency:
l stated in my letter of yesterday
that the murder of Spot ted Tail by
Crow Dog and an accomplice named
Black Crow, both head men of the Brule
Sioux, was the result of longlstanding
fued. While this is partially true, new
evidence has been developed which
throws different light upon its face.
1t seems to be an object of long and
well matured plan to rid themselves of
Spotted Tail. The conspirators were
few. but of desperate character, who
had fully made up their minds that if
the chief would not resign they would
kill him. The ring leader was Black
Crow, who now makes no secret Of his
intentions. 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 ascertaning
these facts, had Black Crow arrested
as accessory to the murder, and sent
him to bear Crow Dog company. With
their leader gone, the disaffected ele-
ment will soon disperse and no longer
exist as an organization. In connec-
tion with the subject of head chief
over these people, beg leave to offer
the following suggestions, which trust
will receive your early consideration.
The position of head chief is a hind
rance to civilization, as the main object
of this parsonage is to centralize all his
power in himself. To do this he must
strive to continue tribal relations; to
prevent his people from scattering over
the reservation for the pupose of taking
up allotments of land. He must gather
them in villages where they can keep
alive their barbarous dances, etc. In
short, to retain his hold as chief over
the nation, he must act on the opposi-
tion to measures adopted by the gov
ernment for ultimate civilization of the
Indians. Minor chiefs are already
squabbling for the office, but have in
formed them that the appointment and
recognition Of SO important a position
must come from the office of Indian af-
fairs. have, therefore, to recommend
that no successor to Spotted Tail be ap-
pointed; that his son young Spotted
Tail be recognized as the chief of his
own immediate band, and that at any
time representation of the tribe shall
be desired at Washington for conversing
upon the interest of these people, he
shall be ch osen with special reference
to his intelligence and loyalty to the
government. Of this, the agent should
be the best Judge. If the office Of In
dian affairs should direct this, it will
forever preclude the possibility Of such
an occurrence as yesterday.
1 have appointed White Thunder
chief of the Loafer sioux to take Spotted
Tails place in the delegation. He is a
man of rarely ordinary ability, but of
questioned loyalty, and was the only
available person to be found at the
time. trust my action in this matter
will meet your approval.
1 have to add that the prompt action
in arresting the murderer of Spotted
Tail, has had the most beneficial effect
upon the people at large. All excite
ment has abated and at present one
would not imagine that we had just
passed through crisis, during which
some rash Indian which might easily
have turned peaceful, ending in a
terrible tragedy. As it is, we. have
every reason to be thankful.
Next Monday orders will be given for
two hundred freighters to proceed with
landing supplies. deem it better
plan to keep the young men busily en-
gagged. thus preventing them from TAX
ing advantage Of the present situi-
tion and string up trouble.
lSigned. JOHN Cook.