Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1881-08-18
A Satisfactory Indian Conference.

A Satisfactory Indian Conference.
THE oNAHAs AND wINNErAeoEs WILL NOT PART
WITH THEIR LAND But THE SIOUX WILL GIVE
THE PoNcAs ALL THEY NEED.
At 10 O'Clock this morning the delegation Of
winnehago Indians now in the city appeared
before Secretary kirkwood and Indian Commits
sioner Price TO report their decision upon the
proposition that they should sell some OF their
lands for the use Of the Poncas under Standing
Bear. Through their interpreter they reported
that they had given the question due considera-
ton and had decided that they could not spare
any OF their lands. They had no objection to
living near the Poncas. but they have no more
land than they need. At IL o'clock the omahas
appeared and made substantially the same re-
port-they have no lands TO spare. Secretary
kirkwood assured both delegations that the de-
partment had no desire TO influence them at all,
nut wanted TO leave the matter entirely Ia them.
Next came the Sioux and White Thunder spoke
Tor them, his words being interpreted. He said
the sioux chiefs had thought over the Secretary's
proposition, and as the Sioux had plenty OF land
and to spare they were willinyCb give the Pom
cas- what they require without any charge for IT,
White Thunder referred to the remark made by
Secretary kirkwood yesterday. that the differ
ent Indian tribes ought TO have regard for each
other. and, In their efforts TO progress 10 helm
and sustain each other. White Thunder ap-
proved this sentiment, ard said the Sioux
would be glad TO give land TO the
Poncas. and To have them near them
IL was suggested that each Ponca family ought
10 have GAO acres Of land and to this the Sioux
assented The latter also agreed that the de-
partment might send commissioners to select
aud locate the land for the Poncas. II will be
selected in Northern Nebraska Secretary kirk-
wood and Commissioner Price feel very much
gratified at this prompt and satisfactory settle
ment OF the question. The whole matter was
left to the Indians without any effort TO in
nuence them IN the least. The Secretary and
Commissioner think the Winnehagoes and
Omahas did right. they really have no land
to spare. After this matter was settled Com
missioner Price had talk with the Omahas and
Winnebagoes IN regard 10 their taking lands in
severalty and building up farms They ex-
pressed themselves as favorable TO the plan. and
said that with some help they are satisfied each
Indian family can establish a good farm aud can
sustain themselves upon il.
White Thunder, who spoke for the Sioux. was
quite dramatic in his style OF delivery. He
spoke with forcibe gestures and with apparent
eloquence when he stated that the Sioux would
let the Poncas have land Secretary kirkwood
asked what compensation would be asked.
White Thunder drew himself up proudly and
replied: IL am an Indian: | do not want any
compensation. You asked me Yesterday to
have compassion upon my brothers. the Poncas
whom you said are paupers without land 1
give them all the land they want" Secretary
Hunt and wife and Senator Dawes were present
at the conference.
In the course of Commissioner Prices talk
with the Indians he admonshed them that
the time had arrived when they should abandon
their old customs and habits and learn the WAYS
of the white man. The chiefs replied that they
appreciated this and that they want their chill
dren educated but they said il would he better
TO take the Indian children away from their par
ents and their tribes and educate them among
the white people. IT. said the chiefs. they grow
up among the Indians they imbibe and cling 10
Indian customs. but if taken away and brought
up among white people they adopt the ways and
habits of the latter
THE PoNcAS GRATEFULLY ACCEPT THE OFFER
OF THE SIOUX.
AT half past one o'clock the Poncas with
their interpreter presented themselves to hear
tine conclusion of the other Indians about the
land The chiefs We're Standing Bear. Old
| Smoke, Buffalo Chips, Thunder Hawk Secrc-
| tary kirkwood and Commissioner Price resumed
their places at the table i'm the center of the
room, but few moments delay was caused by
the absence OF one Of the Interpreters. During
this wait party of ladies and gentlemen
entered the room among whom were several
dressed in Quaker habits. Ii was nearly two
O'Clock when the interpreter arrived.
Secretary kirkwood said he wanted the In
dams to thoroughly understand this matter-he
wanted no misunderstanding. The Secretary
! recounted the conferences with the Omahas,
Winnebagoes and Sioux. and had all that oc-
CURED explained to the Poncas. The Secretary
said he told the Sioux that the Poncas are dis
posed to engage i'm farming. 0he chiefs all
| nodded and grunted when this was nterpreted):
continuing, the Secretary said the Sioux
agreed that each head of Ponca
family should select $40 acres OF land
in the old Ponca reservation. and they
the Sioux would give them that land and
when they select that land the Commissioner
and myself will ask Congress to give to each
family a patent to that land. just such as the
white man gets so that they need never be trou-
bled in the future about their titles"
When asked if they were satisfied, Standing
Bear replied. VERY good; We are satisfied" II
was explained at the suggestion of Senator
Dawes that this land is given I'm addition to the
money appropriated by Congress last session;
that they will ret all the money and the land
The question of providing for any Poncas who
are without families was discussed. and il was
decided To get the Poncas and Sioux together
tomorrow and agree to all details. The Secre-
tary said TO the Poncas that the Sioux. their old
enemies have treated them kindly. and that
they the Poncasl must live good nelghbors
with them. A grunt of assent followed. The
Secretary directed that the Poncas and Sioux
meet at the department at 10 o'clock tomorrow
morning TO arrange details and draw up writ
ings.
Capt. Howgate's Case.
HEARING BEFORE COMMISSIONER BUNDY-BArL
FIXED AT $4,000.
Colonel William A. Cook has been desg-
mated by the Attorney General TO attend
to the prosecution in the case of Captain
Howgate. charged with embezzling the funds Of
the Signal corps. Arrangements were being
made this morning 10 have a preliminary
hearing before United States Commissioner
Bundy this afternoon. Among the papers
| that are held as evidence against Capt.
| Howgate are two vouchers which indi-
cate rather loose and liberal admins
tration of government funds. One Of these vou-
chers was for $3.50 paid TO Miss Nellie Burrll
| for services rendered. though the officials
| have been unable to discover for what service
she was paid this amount Of money. Miss Bur-
| rill is the young woman whose name was
unpeasantly associated with Capt. Howg i'm
| a recent scandal. The other account is one for
| $675 paid to Miss Massie" for services rem
dered," she being paid at the rate Of SIS per
month In this case also there IL some mystery
| as to the nature of the service performed.
THE HEARING THIS AFTERNOON.
This afternoon at 2 o'clock the case of Captain
| II. w. Howgate was called before United States
Commission CT c. S. Bundy The warrant was
| issued for embeZZlement and the arrest was
made, through Mr.. A. b. Newcombe. by Marshal
Matthews, of Michigan. The information on