New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-08-03
INDIANS TALK OF CROPS.
HINTING ATA CLAIM FOR DAMAGES
THE COMMISSIONERS AT STANDING ROCK AGENCY
PLAINLY TOLD THAT THE SIOUX WILL SIGN
NO PAPERS CHIEF GALL DESIRES TO
KNOW VINO WILL PAY FOR HIS
rnr TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE. !

IBr TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE.
Standing Rock Agency, Aug. 1.-The Commits
sioners suffered another disappointment to-day
The Indians took the treaties of SOS and 1876 to
the camp last night and with the assurances given
by the influential half-breeds it was thought that
they would be ready to sign to-day. Owing to
last nights rain they were slow in returning this
morning. and not until IL o'clock were the Com
missioners enabled to call them to order. Chair
man Pratt reminded them that they had been
given the old treaties, with the understanding
that they were to render their final decision this
morning He repeated to them the history OF
the goodness of the Government and appealed 70
them for the good of themselves, well as for
the satisfaction OF their true friends among the
whites to accept the treaty. Yesterday they were
asked il they thought that the President or the
Secretary Of the Interior was lying to them, but
this the Indians refused to answer
Chief Gall spoke to-day for the frst time in the
conference He called tho attention Of the Com
missioners to the violation of treaties in the past
to the manner in which the Indians have been de-
ceved He opposed the proposition to open the
reservation to settlement and said that while the
Indians had an abundance Of land at present. they
must think OF coming generations. Their pos
uerity would need it all. AS for himself, he stood
there 10 say that he would never sign either paper
lie said he hoped that the learned Commission
ers would let the Indians go home to their crops
which are suffering. Gall was very impressive
and was applauded and admired by his people,
who Justly look upon him as the noblcst spec-
men Of their race. Before closing Gall said
How long are you going to keep us herel Our
crops are being ruined and would like to know
who 4, going 10 pay for them. We will stay here as
long as you want to, and we demand that whoever
comes ont alive shall get pay for our loss. VIII
never sign either paper
It will seem from this that a great game Of
freezeout7 is now being played at the agency
and that the Indians are getting the best OF IT,
They are feeding ut the Governments expense
They are well organized and remain as steadfast
as ar army Of disciplined soldiers, while the Com
mission is using every effort and device to break
their stubborn resolution. Call ended his speech
by shaking hands with each of the Commissioners
meaning that he desired to say goodbye.
When Gall had closed Sitting Bull spoke, but
not to the Commissioners. He turns his back
to the Commissioners and speaks to the Indians
He asked the oratorical chiefs why they didn't
tell the Commissioners what the Indians had said
and 20 home. He thought the matter ought to
be settled at once He was becoming weary and
was beginning to think that the chiefs were losing
their good sense. II the Indians had said they
would never sign and had taken oath TO the
Great Father, he could see no sense in further
delay
Chairman Pratt spoke plainly TO the Indians
and used his old tactics Of denouncing the policy OF
having one or two chiefs speak for the entire
tribe lie said Gall. JOHN Grass, Mad Bear and
the other chiefs would not be permitted TO prevent
any other Indian from signing Sitting Bull, in
one OF his speeches TO the Indians, advised them
to be calm and moderate, and not TO show anger
at anything the Commissioners might say. The
perfection with which the Indians are organized
and the manner in which their leaders are holding
the fore together are surprising: 1t Is evldent
that they have been discussing the question lOr
months and that they were well prepared TO meet
the Commissioners. They will answer no ques-
tions and refuse 20 have their own reporters, VINO
have been taking notes during the conference, READ
any mart of the proposed treaty before the Com
niiSsionors They have them read in their private
council when they can discuss the subject without
intcrruption. To-day one OF the reporters AT
fem mpted to read at the request Of the Commis-
sion. hut the Indians told hun TO sit down. he
will remain until the affirmative or negative paper
is signed and in reply to this Gall says that they
win be dead before that time
The delay at the agency IS having an amazing
effect on the Indians of other agencies on the
reservation as they were called IN some tlnle
ago and are waiting to receive commissioners
Rain-in-the-Face says the whites m st thlhK the
Indians are a lot of children who Will change
their minds in day. go -, -. oo.s
bnt to an observer the prospect is not bright
Many OF the Indians have gone from the agehSsy,
and were il not for the respect they nave LOT
their agent, Major McLauGhnn' tnere % WOni" oe
few left at the agency TO confer. The climax mas
not been reached. and will not be tomorrow un-
less the Indians decide in the council tonight 10
sign in the negative.