New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-08-08
PRICE THREE CENTS.
THE INDIANS START HOME.
QUITTING THE CONFERENCE AT STANDING
ROCK.
SHOWING THEIR RESENTMENT TOWARD THE CON-
MIssIoNERs-ANGRY BECAUSE OF THE RE-
BUKg ADMrNrsrEREpi TO THEIR CHIEFS.
IpY TELEGRAPH TO THE TaIBUsEJ


Standing Rock Aug. 7--At last the persistent
and hopeful Commissioners realize that defeas
in the matter OF opening the Sioux Reservation
stares them in the face. The language OF Chair
man Pratt to the naughty chiefs Of the tribes IN
tensied the opposition of tie Indians, and instead
Of making break in the ranks Of the braves,
solidifed the opposition and cemented the friend
ship of the factions Tho matter was virtually
settled to-day. when John Grass arose in the con-
ference and informed the Commissioners that the
Indians would sign neither paper and that they
would nov return their farms regardless Of what
the Commissioners might say. Grass made
pointed speech. which met with the applause OF
the Indians. and as soon as he closed the circle was
broken and the Indians started for home.
All the efforts of Chairman Pratt to control tho
Indians futile, but Agent Mclaughlin sue
ceeded in restoring quiet and having the confer
ence adjourned with semblance Of order 1t WAS
a most Illuminating The representatives Of
the Government of the United States sent to
fer with the Indians were left standing helpless
and hopeless while the Indians who have re-
peatedly rendered their decision not to sign, left
the conference with contempt depicted upon their
countenances.
Two Of the Commissioners Judge Wright, OF
Tennessee and the Rev. Mr.. Cleveland, Of Da-
kota have been inclined 10 fair and decent
policy, which, if adopted, might have secured
the consent of the Indians but unfortunately the
man selected as chairman has attempted to pur-
sue the same tactics with warriors that he en-
ploys in ruling few weak-minded Indian children
at Carlisle, Penn. For days it has been ap-
parent that the Indians were growing more bitter
in their opposition to the treaty daily, but
Chairman Pratt has been slow To believe that
he knows absolutely nothing Of the true Indian
character At last the conference has been
closed not by the Commissioners but by the
Indians The conference was virtually M closed
last night In the private council OF the Indians,
when they decided that to-day they would leave
the agency.
The reports which have been brought by Indian
couriers from the lower agencies have been as
dscOura ging as those sent from this point, and
the opening OF the reservation under the present
act is now considered among the lmposslbilltles.
Red Cloud sent word that the Indians at Pine
Ridge would not sign, and that If the Standing Rock
Indians signed, their act would have no effect
upon his people. II is fact, however that many
of the doubling Indians at some OF the lower agen.
cies have been awaiting the action Of Gall. Mad
Bear John Grass and Sitting Bull. and that the
failure at this point virtually settles the matter
beyond all hope of change. Sitting Bulls SOCIAL
call upon the Commissioners gave Chairman Pratt
renewed hope but the cunning old CHIEF was sIulpy
giving him an exhibition of his diplomacy and OF
the good training he received while on
his Eastern t9r Call ae ned t9das action t on
the part of the Indians left no doubt OF his power
and influence. In council, whenever ne SPOKE OF
the attempt Of the Commission TO divest him or
the authority 10 speak for the Indians his followers
would give vent to their indignation in the most
startling manner.
John Grass in a brief speech called for vote on
the treaty. When he called on those willing to
sign No" not an Indian arose. When he called
for those who would sign Yes every man re-
maned motioness the ground. But when he
requested those who would sign neither paper 10
rise, very man arose with cheers and whoops and
r-alls