Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1882-06-23


sion, calledMission of our Lady of Sew
en- Dolors, is in charge of seven sisters
of charity, under the direction of Sis
ter Clopin. mother superior. There
are about eighty scholars in attendance
at present, ranging from FIVE to eleven
years of age, and about the same num-
ber of boys as girls. The are all well
fed and comfortably clothed. Sister
Chepin informed he Herald represen-
tative that they were easily managed,
diligent in their studies, amiable and
affectionste. The girls do their own
sewing, besides considerable fancy
work, which is sol to the citizens and
soldiers at the fort, and the boys do
outside work. In the time after the
arrival of Gov. Ordway and party the
children were assembled in the school
room where very pleasant hour was
spent in Witnessing interesting exercises
by the children. Songs and recitations
were rendered in both the Sioux and
English languages, after which Gov.
Ordway addressed the children express
ing his great surprise at their rapid and
substantial advancement, and offering
words Of encouragement. After this
q thorough inspection of the building
followed, which added more to the
surprise and admiration of the visiting
party. Every room was found plainly
but neatly and comfortably furnished
and everything betokened peace, hap
piness and prosperity.
TALK WITH IRON HEART.
The Herald reporter gives the results
of an interview with Chief Iron Heart,
Mrs. Major Cramsie acting as intcrpre-
ter. In answer to questions relative to
the title Of the Chippewas to the Turtle
mountfiin country. Iron Heart said
he thought it was valid, and that SIM
pie Justice demanded that they be paid
for it. He said that the Sioux never
claimed the country north of Devils
lake and west to Dogs Den, on the
tie Mountain Indians had never
ceded that territory to the government,
and should be paid for it before settlers
overrun it. He said considerable
about former treaties with the Sioux.
upon which subject he appeared to be
well posted. In answer to question
whether he had ever visited Washing
ton in the interest of his people, ne said
he had not; that he supposed he knew
too much to be of service to the men
in whose interests Indians were gener
ally taken to Washington. Questioned
further as to what he meant, he cast
some reflections on the intelligence Of
the chiefs who were taken to see the
Great Father, conveying the idea that
they were mere tools of designing per-
sons, who didn't know enough to stand
up for their rights. They would prom
ise and cede about anything that was
asked. He wasn't that sort of an In
dian. He stated that, with one excep-
ton, he was happy and contented with
his lot. He would not "feel strong"
in the possession of his home un-
til the government decided him
and the other Indians on the reserva-
ton q tract of 160 acres, the same as
it did to white men. He was uncertain
about the permanency of his home and
feared that he might be removed some
time and be obliged TO do much of his
hard work over again. He desired to
live on his farm, and when he died to
to leave It to his children. This uncer-
tainty was all that troubled him When
he had a paper from the Great Father
granting him his home, he should be
fully satisfied. 81 have been fat ever
since have lived on the reservation"
he stated, and was not at all disposed
to leave it. He spoke in the highest
terms of the post trader, Maj Cramsie,
and of the officials at the fort. He was
not altogether displeased at immigra-
ton and the prosp ct of having neigh
bors, as that would bring him prosper
ity. Iron Hearts house was comfortably
furnished, and the interior presented a
neat appearance. Several pictures from
illustrat, d papers adorned the walls, al d
a few books and papers were observed
resting on the shelves.