River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1889-02-21
AN INDIANS LOVE.
Pathetic Story OF -the-Facs
and His Child.

Pathetic Story OF Rain-iu-the-Face
and His Child.
Il sometimes seems that love and
tenderness are strangers TO the fierce
and warIike characters Of the world
who have acquired their fame through
most bloody aal hcartless deeds. To
one whOss mind turns from war and
slaughter with the impression that all
concerning il is terrible. brutal and in
human. the assertion that the warrior
especially if he be a dusky saw
ago-has a heart which is touched by
The subtle influences Of affection.
sounds like the driveling of a senti-
nentalist
Yet those who have studied the lives
Of these grim and savage warriors
who have stripped the better being OF
Its coarse and hardened exterior-have
found the fires of affection warm aglow.
In every human being is an instinct
which. although dormant. alas, too
much Of the time. is admirable and
noble when aroused.
] have never known more touching
career than that OF Rain-in-the-Faee
one of the most notorious of the Sioux
chiefs. whose record during the late
Indian wars excited horror among the
whites and envy among his savage
rivals. Rain-in-thc-Ea ace is to-day the
most famous Of the Sioux, with the
exceptions 81 Sitting Ball and Gall.
Il was he who. while under arrest at
Fort Lincoln for a crime which would
have insured his death on conviction,
broke from the guard-hoUse and es-
raped. although the guards were keep
ing careful watch about the building
Tall. handsome. fierce and daring. he
was the pride Of his followers. He
knew no fear and recognized no dan
ger Always ready for the war-path,
he was looked upon by the Indians as
an ideal chief; and by his vigorous
prosecution Of tho war which ended so
disastroUsly 10 the immortal Custer.
ne gained a worldwide reputation.
But to turn from war to the story OF
his domestic lifs With the admird-
tiOr of the chiefs warriors came the
love 81 maiden-oue Of the most
beautiful Of another. but friendly,
tribe Administrations returned the
love. and accepted the object of his
affection for his bride. The marriage
was an event II great Importance
among the Indians. aud many were the
gifts bestowed upon the enyied pair.
With his fame as a warrior and his
loving bride. the daring chief seemed
10 have r,aped the full reward of an
active and Gin the Indian mind) noble
career.
Life was filed with happiness TO,
Rain-in-the-Face. The sun never kissed
a happier pair. Without the cares and
burdens Of society with no exactiug
rules Of etiquette, with only the whis-
pering wind for m Isic and the starry
heaven for roof, The Indian bride
aud groo0 could drink the full and
lavish sweetness Of their love.
But wherever found. whether in the
palace Of the King or tbs wigwam OF
the savage. love is incouStaut- After
ii period Of true devotion 10 his wife,
a sudden change came over Raiu-in-
the-Facc. He learned that the maiden
whom ne had taken unto himself was
not the object upon which his love
could ceuier lie still regarded her
with kindness. bat his affections were
transferred 70 auother-uot another
maiden. hat 20 tbe chubby boy who had
come to crown his life with pride and
glory.
Tho babe was vet a bit Of tawny.
exprassjoulesS flesh, when he saw in
his minds eve pictures Of greatness for
the infant warrior From this time
Raiu-in-the-Face was changed. His
thoughts returned 10 the chase and the
war-path. He aimed % lead such a
life that the boy. emulatiug his exam
pie. might grow up the leader Of his
race. What r-'>y pictures he painted
for his son. o en- at the evening
campfire. when rec0uutiHg his battles
and victories. would he speak with
pride OF Kossa tthe name given the
boy. and meaning youth for whom
he predicted "a briilian; and glorious
career With true Indian superstition.
he had watched the signs, and with
the inevitable deductions Of "a father.
he knew that they all meant greatness
and renowu for KosSa-
So ran the proud days for Rsiu-in-
the-Face until civilization began its
work Of contracting the Indian field In
every field il enters, civilization Is an
iconoclast. but nowhere Is its destruc-
ton OF idols and hopes 80 relentless
and 80 complete as among the Indians
When the Sioux nation was placed
upon the immense reservation west Of
the Missouri river. the tribes were
separated. Il so happened that the
tribe - which Raiu-iE-lhe-Face be-
longod vas stationed ~ Standing