Morris tribune., 1883-08-01
Indians Joined i'm Celebrating.
ID. l.. KIEHLE,
Secty. H. S. Board

some Ol Tile TtSlutlltS VI A>oAIh De'ro'"
spent the same day, and accordingly
I communicate the following.
"The morning was fair, and prom
ised day
Fit for the moving and curing
of hay.n
But we wisely concluded to defer
the making of hay until later and in
stead, went to Lake TIE Waukon-l
twelve miles distant-to celebrate the
glorious Fourth with the ''brave sons
of the forest" Every one was happy
with anticipations for the day of
pleasure. We were delighted with
the scene which greeted our vision
when we arrived at the lake. Its
silvery waters shown brilliantly be-
meath the suns early rays. The sur
face was serene and placid, there be-
ing scarcely ripple on its peaceful
breast.
The lake derived it's name from the
head chief of the Sioux tribe OF
Indians on this reservation. 1t is
situated near the northern boundary
of the Sisseton Indian reservation, and
is sheet of water five miles long,
with an average width of about one
mile.
Its shores are beautiful to behold,
due to the growth of trees which al
most entirely surround it, and the
steep gravelly banks which meet the
water on every side, Looking west
ward, a short, distance, the famous
Coteaus are plainly visible, the lake
being near the foot of the Little
Coteaus, as they are called. The larger
hills are four or five miles from the
lake and when among the Little
Coteaus every feature in the larger
ones can be distinctly marked. Not
a living being ora sign of habitation
is seen. Nothing but the lonely hills
and scattered forests are presented to
the eye. Between the mountains,
are the deep and shady groves, where
the SLY fox and fleet hare hide their
timid selves when even a slight dis
turbance upon the prairie frightens
them away to their abiding places.
Combining these several features of
natural beauty, we have most
picturesque scene; sufficient to excite
the francies of any capable artist.
On this particular day the chief at
fractions were the numerous Indian
tepees pitched along the shores of the
of the lake, together with the looks
and manners of the curious occupants.
We passed forty or fifty tents, discover
ing in or around each one something
new which called our attention. Thus
we amused ourselves until the cere-
monies of the day commenced. The
usual speeches were made interspersed
with music, appropriate for the oc-
caslon.
Among the speakers, was Two Stars,
the second chief of the tribes of Sioux
that reside on the Sisseton reservation.
He is fine looking man of about fifty
years of age. His face and head in
dicate will and character, while his
countenance expresses intelligence.
He spoke in the Sioux language and
was accompanied by an Interpreter.
He commenced his speech by saying
that he and his people had just begun
to understand why the whites celebra-
ted the Fourth of July and that they
were ready to assist and rejoice with
them on that day. That they felt a
greater interest in the real progress of
civilization and education than ever
before and they always wished to be
friendly with the whites, and learn
their ways. The schools on the
reservation are doing good work in
training the rising generation and the
people will, no doubt, eventually prove
to be an enlightened and industrious
race.
The remarks of the chief were very
sensible and appropriate and everyone
seemed to be pleased with him and
his address.
Immediately following this part OF
the programme, was the Indian war
dance, which lasted an hour and was
witnessed by all who were present.
1t was indeed, all interesting perform
ance. About twenty Indians soon ap-
peared, advanced toward the platform,
erected for dancing purposes, and be-
gan their peculiar movements. All
were dressed in fantastic costumes
and ornamented with their war paints.
One was CONSPICUOUS OIL account OF his
garments being completely covered
with beads, formed into many beauti-
full designs. Some of them wore skins
and furs about their necks /; others
used them as part of their clothing.
We were greatly amused at seeing one
of the dancers adorned with long
braid of fur, representing hair, at
tached to the back of his head and at
the end of the braid were fastened
several sewing thimbles. The
musicians were as great curiosities as
the dancers. Eight men were seated
around large drum, each pounding
vigorously on the instrument, with a
wooden stick, covered with cloth or
fur at the end which came in contact
with the drum. Some of them had
symbals, also, which added greatly to
| the music. Those beating the drum,
sang monotonous song intending it