The Fremont County record. [volume] (Canon City, Colo.) 1877-18??, 1881-05-07
A Probable Collision.


From the Denver Tribur,e-
The fears of q collision between
the settlers and the Utes in South
western Colorado which have been
expressed from different quarters for
the past six months have extended to
the military and interior departments
and have been SO far verified that the
necessity for prompt measures and
swift movements in protection of the
frontier has been thoroughly estab-
lished, and action. to this end been
set on foot. The desire has been to
keep the critical condition of affairs
as secret as possible, but whatever
reason may have existed for suppress
ing the facts cannot now exist, or if
it does cannot be respected.
Governor Pitkin. on Saturday last.
after an exchange of several letters
warding of full regiment OF cavalry
to the frontier, and the troops are
doubtless now en- route from Fort
Riley, as the department agreed that
such a movement was demanded.
These troops of the Fourtl, cavalry,
fully equipped and mounted, will be
distributed: 500 at Uncompahgre.
200 at White River, 200 at the south
ern agency, aud 100 special escort for
the commissioners from Washington.
Meacham is here and Mears will ar
rive here this morning. Russell Is
on his way and either F. c. Peck or
I. A. McMorris will probably be ap-
pointed to-day or tomorrow to fill
the vacancy caused by the resigna-
ton of Mr.. Maneypenny. Both of
these latter gentlemen are now in
Denver.
The infantry stationed in the south
is in very badly demoralized condi-
ton, and in any event would be of
but little availability in coping with
the Indians. Desertious are very
frequent, and it was but short time
ago that 29 men deserted in one
week. 1t is stated perhaps too broad
ly, however, that there are more Of
ficers than men at the cantonment.
Mr.. David Day, who is now in the
city on the Berry-Ute trial, brings
positive information concerning the
critical condition of affairs in the
southwest Mr.. Day says the settlers
have staked off all the available lands
which will be surrendered under the
treaty, by the Utcs, covering all the
territory on Dry creek. Cow creek,
NaturIia, Paradox, and Lower San
Miguel, the latter being placer claims
and all the other agricultural land
There have been already exhibitions
of hostility, and threats of trouble,
which, however, have not SO far re-
suited in bloodshcd. Mr.. Day SAWS
ON the other hand, that the whites,
far from seeking TO avoid a collision
with The Utes, are really anxious to
precipitate an uprising, in which
event they propose to wipe out the
reds without government aid. The
his na.,,s.Sa.. ,,s;i..s ags in the hest tJpossi-
are thoroughly organized and fully
armed. AT Ouray and the Park
alone there are as7 men enlisted.
armed with Winchester rifles and
needle guns. The governor has re-
Gently sent 5000 rounds of ammuui-
tiou TO 0uray, 1000 to Lake City and
1 600 10 La Plata county.
MIR. Day says the least event will
open the fight. The death of either a
white or a Ute would be the signal
for general assault all along the
border. The settlers Intend to re-
main ON the reservation and crowd
the Indians north of the Gunnison
and TO take possession of every inch
of ground south of The river eScent
Chipeta's ranch, which will not oe
disturbed. All the coal lands east of
the agency, on what is known as Cut
lcr's cutoff. have been staked and
are occupied. In fact, the whole
country is in, the possession of the
whites, who have built cabins aud
fences on their claims, and are p!ow-
ing and improving the land As fast as
possible, and in utter indifference to
the Utes or their mutteringS and
threats. Mr.. Day says the Utes may
take the war path at any moment
. k.n IA al