The united opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1881-1970, 1886-12-10


ture of the crime. MEDICINE BAG.
pays heavy fine and is reinstated. Should
any member divulge the secrets of the order
his life is forfeited in way that nome know
the instigator or perpetrator. They have
secrets, and, it is supposed, have signs by
which one may know another in tho dark as
well as in the day. During the initiation and
again just at aybreak something is whispered
to the candidate.
CIRCLING CROW DANCE
The Pa-gi-nu-hi-na- Xxi wa-ci-pi, or the cir
cling crow dance, is called by the Americans
straw Or grass dance Only members Of the
order participate in this dance, and its coun-
ellis are secret 1t is controlled by three men
select at the starting of the lodge from
among the more influential members of the
tribe, who at death Or upon resigning their
office select their own SUCCESSORS. The rega-
liza belonging to the three by virtue of their
office is peculiar, consisting of a kind of tunic
falling from the waist down behind, attached
to broad band around the waist, and COM
posed entirely of feathers of the eagle and
crow, with beadwork, porcupine quilts and
jngling bells. Exactly in the center and
resting in the hollow Of the back Fastened to
the belt projects slender piece of wood
pine quilts, to tho end of which eagle and
crow feathers and small bells are attached
with long strings every motion of the weartr
causing these sticks to vibrate and tho bells
to jingle. This is an emblem of rank, and
when invested with it one usually gives away
a horse. There are four drummers. Each
one is provided with stick about three feet
long, one end notched and wrapped around
with quilts and beads, the other end sharp
ened. These are stuck in the ground, and
drums with corresponding loops arc hung on
to them. The dancers seat themselves in
ring on the ground, wrapped in their blan-
kets, the drummcrs on one side chanting and
beating their drums. At a 81 nal all jump
up and, throwing their arms aloft, chant
with uncouth gestures and an occasional
whoop; dance for Il few moments, when all
but one seat themselves This one, standing in
the ring keeps on with gestures, wildly wav-
ing his tomahawk. or u sudden he will se,:t
himself, and il low, monotonous chant re
cite his exploits of war and chase. after
which all will jump up, dance and yell, and
the same performances are again conc
through with. This is kept up for several
days at time, or until all tho provisions
have been exhausted. During this dance. if
any member wishes divorce from his wife
he gets up and proclaims that she is no longer
his wife, or that he has been dcputizad by
some one not a member maming HIM to say
that he has thrown away" his wife An
outsider by payment can deputize member
to do this. In their own eyes this makes him
a bravo man and big chief.
The dance is arranged for in this way: A
steward is appointed to collect provisions,
and no one dares refuse him, After collect
ing sufficient to last several days he notifies
the leaders They call in the lodge and form
arrangements for the dance, and then the vii
la.gc crier goes around and proclains that the
dance will take place about such time. If any
questions are to be decided the head men dis
cuss it, after which it is put to vote One
goes to each member present and
asks him for lis decision, the result showing
whether the question is carried or lost. Then
the council is closed, outsiders are allowed to
enter and the dance begins. An old woman
invited the leader of the straw dance to dance