Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1886-02-16
INDIANs PRoTEsTING.
a Delegation at Washington Oppose
Opening the Territory-Chisf Gray
sons Appeai.
From I1e Nelo YORK Her0ld.

Opening the Territory-Chtsf Gray
sons Appeal.
From tie Neeo York Her0ld.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 14.-''It was one Of
the most interesting events OF my life in
Washington" said ex-Gov. Curtin when
be had bowed out the delegation Of
twenty-five seminoles, Osages, Creeks
and Cnickasaws that called upon nan last
night. THAT chief Of the Creeks is a
born king OF men, and though be stood
before us in q blanket he spoke with au
earnestness that commanded the highest
respect.
The scene was Mr.. Curtin's residence,
at No. LOIS IS street, n. W. You CORE
spOndent had called to nave q ehat with
the famous war Governor, when two
large stagee containing the savage dele
cation drew up ln front OF the house.
Congressman ErmentrouD was present
and bowed 10 the gentle saYages as they
entered. When the twenty-five braves
Dad filed into the room all sat down.
There Was no tOrmality. W hen he chairs
were all filled there was no call for others.
The Iudians dropped. tailor fashion, on
the floor. John Jumper, chief Of
che SeminOles, was at the head OF
the delegation, and Black Dog,
Of the Osages, followed him. This
did specimens OF physical manhood | ever
saw. He stood at least six feet three
inches. and as he folded his heavy blan-
ket about him he looked stauuch as an
oak. As to beauty he was not resplen-
dent. The hideOusness OF his face added
10 the striking character OF his person
atty. He IL said to be very ricn, and
bore himself ike the head Of race Of
money Hugs rather than tribe OF painted
AZ 10 aa "a fr naU
been a mOnarch in Wal street had
his lines been cast in that wilderness
where so many good men are lost. The
brightest. most intelligent looking face
was that OF GraysOn, at the head OF the
Creek delegation.
AN APPEAL FOR JUSTICE.
At a signal from Jumper Grayson rose
and, addressing Gov. Curtin, said in Eng
lish
1--WE are here as the representatives Of
the Indian tribes of the Indian Territory,
aud we claim to speak also for the re-
naming aboriginal owners of this great
country. We deem it happy privilege
to meet YOU under YOUR own roof, and to
begin to know you personally. We are
not wholly ignorant Of the history of your
great nation, and especially Of the great
state Of Pennsylvania, which you repre-
sent. The policy OF dealing with the In
dams in the spirit Of true friendship was
inaugurated by the founder of your state
on the ground where Philadelphia now
stands, and whatever of good we have
gained from that policy we owe in
large measure to the example set
nave changed. Treaties have been
broken, war and bloodshed have resulted
until our faith In the promises of your
government is becoming impaired. We
believe, however, that we are misunder-
stood people; we believe that If the world
would stop and consider what we have
accomplished in the face Of adversely and
take into account what we are doing for
the improvement -four people, a friend
her spirit toward The people of the Terri
tory would prevail. We see with
much alarm a great number of bills
introduced in the council of your nation
proposing violations, direct and indirect,
of our treaties with the government of
the United States. A united effort APP
pears to be making against the people of
the Indian Territory, in violation of the
plghted faith OF the government. In our
extremity to whom can we turn with
more hope than to you. the honored rep
resentative OF the state OF William Penn? i,
MR.. CURTIN's REPLY.
Ex-Gov. Curtin was much impressed,
ana repleu Win an enthusiasm ana IGel-
ing that showed him at bis best. He
assured them that he met them with the
same respect and cordiality that be would
have welcomed any body of his country"
men. He pledged them his personal sup
port and influence. II will examine with
care the bills to which you REFER" hesaid
land If discover in them anything con-
fiicting with the good faith OF the United
states | promise to oppose them to the
best of my ability"
Short speeches were made by Jumper,
Black Dog and Congressman Ermentrout.
When the visitors had gone GOV. Curtin
said. enthusiastically: "rhere are three
great races of men that have always inter-
ested me-tbe Hebrews, the Gypsies and
the American abOriginees. The first two
have survived all kinds of prosecutions
Civilization does not dull the Gypsy,s
love OF nature. He is the same individ-
ual that he has always been. But eivili-
cation plays the devil with the American
Indian. Look at that Usage chief and tell
me if our alleged civilization can do any
thing for him. ] don't think so. He
would be good for nothing as savage or
as civilian"