Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1886-04-29
Our Indian Pets.

From the st. 4 ugllStiRe (Fid.) WeekBy.
Speculation concerning the precise dis
position to be made of the Red Skins now
in Fort Marion, has been rife upon our
streets and in private and public circles
during the week. Strict orders have been
issued from headquarters to allow no one
to enter the fort, and it Is asserted here
and there that this rule Will be rigidly en-
forced so long as the Indians remain in
confinement here. This If true, will be a
great disappointment to the many visitors
who come here during the summer to en-
Joy the antiquities of the old city, among
which the Spanish fortress ranks fore
most.
We were In error last week in stating
that the Indians would be quartered in
tents on the northern ramparts, lust out
side the massive walls. 1t is understood
now that the tents will be pitched on the
parade on top of the fort, where the pris-
oners will have the benefit OF the ocean
breezes and at the same time be Kept in
close confinement. With this arrange
meht, we can see no reason why the pub
lie should be excluded from the most in
tefesting portions ofthe old bastile, which
includes the capacious court below and
its surrounding Classmates and secret dun
geons.
The prisoners are still in charge of
to this city, and upon whom rests the re-
sponsibility of security. His familiarity
with the hendish instincts Of the captives
will enable him to adopt such measures,
in due time, as will be likely to CRAFTY the
curiosity Of visitors, ana at the same time
keep the Gagged sayages under subjuga-
ton.
1t must be remembered that the hands Of
these painted fends are still red with the
blood OF defenseless white men, of helpless
women and innocent babes, and that it is
for such crimes without number, that they
are now iucarcerated here. So unaccus-
toned are they to the ways of civilization
and so totally ignorant of their present
surroundings, it is ass erted that the
"braVes among them would improve the
slightest opportunity for escape, and the
taking of human life would be no inpedi-
ment to their plans. While in charge of
Lieut.. Richards that opportunity will not
beialowed them, and our timid readers, if
such there be, may pillow their heads in
absolute security; nor fear the twining of
tlusky fingers in their waving locks, while
the scalping knife performs its bloody
work in the primitive style of surgery.
A strong guard is kept over the captives
by night and by day, and their present
chances for escape are by no means en-
cOuraging, the contemplation Of which at
times, renders the painted devils uneasy
and restless as untamed beasts.
That grave apprehensions have pre-
vailed among the officers in charge OF Sc
rious trouble among the caphves, has
been an open secret for some days, and
for this reason alone, no doubt, the heavy
doors of the old fort have been sealed to
all would-be visitors. We trust this con-
dition will not last long. however, and
that the city's most favored resOrt-the
Old Spanish fort--will soon be reopened to
the public and to the visiting strangers
within our gates, Meanwhile we admon-
ish outside ''tender-feet," to keep close
grip upon the cuticIe covering under hats
and bonnets, lest they lose the same at a
moment when least expected.