Wichita eagle., 1888-08-08
THE SIOUX COUNCIL.
Indications That the Indians VIII not Give
up Their Reservation.

STANDING Rock, Oak, Aug. From
development Sunday it was believed that
the conference between the commissioners
and the Indians would be closed yesterday,
but the commissioners averted defeat by
refusing to confer before Wednesday. In
the meantime, Agent Mclaughlin. who
has wonderful influence with the Indians,
VIII work night and day in camp and at
the agency to convert the reds. He has
the confidence of the Indians, and they be-
lieye what he says. He has suffered but
one defeat since the conference opened.
The Indians have remained at the agency
for fifteen DAYS out OF respect for him.
They have behaved remarka bly, well, and
come every day as he requested but when
he told them they should take the text of
the treaty printed IN their language to
read in their camps they refused. AT Sun
day nights private Indian council Chief
Gall and others spoke, stating their oft re
peated objections 10 tie treaty. Cali adj
vised his camp to listen respectfully TO
what the commissioners mad to say and to
then render the final decision and return
to their farms He tod the representa-
tives Of the Indians on the upper camps
who have been reported favorable TO the
cause, to have carriers announce through
out the camp their intention TO attend and
to have them all present.
The most sensational news that has been
received in the camp was brought III by
the four Indians swho We're sent to the
lower agencies to ascertain the feeling
among the reds there and to report their
desires. The Indians all gathered in coun-
ell to hear the report. which was to the eff
feet that the Indians OF the lower agencies
have decided TO sign neither the atlirma-
tive nor the negative papers. The rumors
state that the lower braves say they will
not sign whether their Standing Rock
bretkren.d o Or not. 1t was this news
which getting to the ears of the commits
SIOners, caused them 10 postpone the con-
ference till Wednesday.
Runners have been sent back from the
lower agency with the reports from the
chiefs here that they will not sign. Sit
ting Bulls visit to the commissioners has
been the subject of much discussion among
the Indians who have listened to his advice
against signing. They have not much
cause for suspicion or doubt, however, as
since his social call he has stated emphat-
lcally that he is opposed to the treaty
Notwithstanding all these discouraging
facts there Is a hope that by Wednesday a
large number will be ready to accept the
treaty and that When the call for signatures
is made, q break in favor Of the opening Of
the reservation will be made.
No council has been held since Friday
until today. In the council this morning
there was no favorable change IN the
minds of the Indians Each of the com
misSioners. in well considered and earnest
addresses, warned the Indians of the bad
results likely to occur in event of their re-
fusal TO accept the governments offer.
Before the meeting of the council the COM
misSioners knew that it had been determ-
ined by the Indians to 90 home In the
open council John Grass reiterated the de-
termination of the Indians to refuse to
sign either paper Gall said he would 90
home today. They started to leave,
when Agent Mclaughlin rose
and ordered them TO remain.
which they did. The commissioners
finally adjourned the council and told the
Indians to go home and attend TO their
crops and the commissioners would pro
coed to other agencies. When the Stand
ing Rock people were wanted again notice
WOULD be given them. They then dis
persed quietly and set out for their homes.
Every possible argument has been used to
induce the Indians TO consent. II is cpr-
tain that they mad determined in their
coudciis long before the arrival of the com
miSsioners TO reject the offer REPORTS
from the lower agencies are conflicting.
The next agency visited will be the Chey-
enue river