New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-07-25
THE TREATY UNWELCOME.
INDIANS WAITING FOR SITTING BULL
THEY DECLARE THAT ONE GREAT CHIEF RxI
MAINS TO BE coNsULTED-RED CLOUD OF.
POSED TO GIVING UP THE REsER
yATION-ONLY FEW ABB
sENTEES FROM THE

lBr<xLEsnArI TO THE rsrsuxa ]

Standing Rock Agency, Oak, July 24.-The
roll call at the agency this morning showed that
Of the !, 90 male adult Indians the reservation.
less than 90 absent, and in all probability
these Will be brought in tomorrow. The commits
sioners appointed to confer with the Indians In
regard TO the opening Of the reservation, have
shown their fitness for their positions by the
good impression they have made on the Indiana
In private council yesterday the Indians voted
unanimously against signing the treaty. The Largo
council-room at the agency has been crowded to-
day, the time being consumed in the calling OF
the roll to ascertain the number Of absentecs.
Notwithstanding the good impression created by
the commissioners, it is evident that the Indians
are opposed to the treaty and that tomorrow. IL
the proposition is submitted they will refuse to
sign unless they undergo a radical change to-
night. Chief Gall, who made an eloquent speech
to the Indians yesterday, was seen after to-day'a
adjournment and asked II he would sign the treaty.
lie replied that he would not, and every chief
who has been seen gives the same answer. Tho
Indians will be in private council all night, and
il is believed that attempt will be made 70
change the minds Of those who are inclined "a
sign.
Sitting Bull has not been brought back to tbs
reservation and 10 is reported by the Indians that
he will not arrive for several days, although
private advices to the agent indicate that he viii
be here tomorrow. II is believed By many OF
those in authority that Sitting Bull has lost all
his influence with his people, but in this they are
deceived AT to-day's proceedings what might be
considered test vote of the Indians was taken
number of circulars giving the text Of the pro-
posed treaty were laid on table near the door, and
the Indians were instructed to take them, II 50
desired Notwithstanding the statement OF tho
interpreter that they simply for the informa-
ton of the Indians and that their acceptance
would in way affect the treaty, they marched
by without even looking at them. They were
afraid that the taking of the circulars would oe
evidence of their willingness TO accept the treaty.
and few were carried from the hall After the
Indians were told to take the circulars one of
the chiefs rose and said
We are asked to take these papers while one
Of our great chiefs is not here. When he comes
back, If he tells us that these papers are right,
we will take them, but we will not take them
while he is away
There was no mistallins who was meant Sit
ting Bull is the only great chief not here and as
IL is well known that he bitterly opposed tn
the treaty the assurance that his consent will gain
the consent of the Indians is poor consolation
Another fact which will surprise those who have
believed that the Indians will consent 10 the
opening OF the reservation is that Red Cloud, tho
great chief of Pine Ridge Agency, is IN the oppo-
stion. Several letters from Red Cloud are now
in the possession of the Commission, showing that
he not only opposes the treaty in his own neghbor-
hood but that he has been endeavoring TO ina
crease the opposition among the Indians here.
The only ground Tor hope is that the strength OF
the Commission will overcome the prejudice of the
Indians The half breeds who arc here do noa
believe this impossible.
The conference has adjourned until tomorrow
at 0 o'clock. The Indians retired TO their camp
TO hold private council which will last all nigho
and in which some interesting speeches Will be
made If the reservation is opened for settlements
under the proposed treaty, the Commission viii
have accomplished great work and earned the
lasting gratitude of the people Of Dakota They
have a great work before them. 1t now looks
as though the 100000 acres will not bs
opened for settlement.