Press and daily Dakotaian. (Yankton, Dakota Territory [S.D.]) 1880-1889, 1888-08-02
BY THE GREAT SPIRIT,

The Standing Rock sieux Swear Fhey
Will not Sign the White Mans
Paper.
Standing Rock Agency, Dak., July 80.
Sitting Bull returned to the agency
last night, and if his influence has been
used ct all it has been iu the direction
OF engendering still stronger opposition
to the proposed treaty. In the private
council last night all the Indians now at
the agency participated. Speeches were
made by John Grass, Long Dog, Mad
Bear and Others, all against she measure.
The feeling was more intense than ever,
and not only was vote taken whioh
was unanimous against signing either
paper, the red or black, but the most
solemn oath known to the Sioux was
taken. Each arose and swore by the
Great Spirit that he would never sign
the papers. 1t is evident that the conn
mission, when it met the Indians in
council this morning, did not know OF
this part OF ths proceedings last night,
for it was more hopeful, and Chairman
Pratt was confident that after the dsy's
council the Indians would sign:
Gov. Church, who arrived from Bis
marck last night, was introduced 20 the
Indians as being next to the great father.
and he spoke for about half ON hour,
| urging the Indians to reconsider their
action of Friday and sign the treaty. He
assured them OF the friendliness OF the
great father and that the measure under
discussion was in their interest; that
they ought to accept is. Mej McLau7h-
liz also talked. He told them that, as
he had their confidence, he would not
advise anything thai was not for their
best iesa:est. He advised them to sign. !.
Jndgc light slso made calm and con.
vincing argument. the best that has yet
been made, but, SO far as could be OBJ
served, not The least impression was
made upon the Indians.
| John Grass said he could not under
stand why the whites were so anxious to
get portion of their lands, when there
was so much vacant land on the other
side of the river. He said he would no,
sign, end that ell the Indians
had decided not to eign either
paper. HIS declaration discouraged the
commission somewhat bat they con-
tinued TO argue. Mad Bear also
spoke against the measure. Sitting
Bull did not say anything, but he talks
1 iGC'y W tuo luulhuS l1QIVlOu9llY.
Gall has not said much thus far, bui
what he has said has been emphatic
Running Antelope, who he's always been
friendly to the whites, and because Of
frieNdliness heretofore has had but little
influence With the braves, ia also opposed
to the measure and does not hesitate tc
tell the commission Of his opposition
Sitting Bull and Rsin-in -the-Face
would not even sit In the council, but
remained outside. Another council will
be held to morrow, but SO far as can BIZ
learned it will result in no change O,
sentiment. Sitting Bull refuses tx
state where he has been during the pas,
ten days, but it is supposed he has
held conferences with emissaries frou
Red CLOUD and other chiefs in the lowel
agencies, who ere also opposed TO the
measure. The Indians are anxious &c
have the coanoils end as some OF then
say they have crops up the Cannon Bal
20 look after, and that il will do no goot
to'keep them longer. They remain
however, as they put IL, because they
do not want to shame their agent, whom
they love.