New-York tribune., 1889-12-20
SIOUX CHIEFS At THE wHITE HOUSE.
ASKING THE GREAT FATHER TO GIVE THEN
SCHOOLS on THEIR REsERvAT1oN-THE
pPEsTDFNT'S KINDLY REPLY.

PRESIDENTS KINDLY REPLY.
Washington. Dec 10 (speciaD-The Sioux Indians
who are on visit of business and pleasure to the
National Capital were received by the President to-day
in the East Room. The reception was rather exclusive
as the White House had been closed to vlstors ana
there were not above dozen or so "paielaces
present. There were about fifty Sioux chiefs, many
of them splendid specimens OF Indian physique
Young men and middle aged-none, apparently above
sfv All were in the civilized dress, but each one
had nut on for the occasion some ornament or bright
handkerchief about his neck; one making mmseH
more gorgeous than the rest by wearing sht cross
fully eight inches long. The majority wore boots
highly polished, but those who held to the moccasn
had free natural step and the advantage over the
others. who showed plainly that the boots were far
from comfortable The chiefs formed half-circle in
the East Room, facing the portraits of George and
Martha Washington The President, with Ex-Governor
Foster and an interpreter stood in the open OF the
circle while little back, and TO the rlght, were
General Crook Major Warner, and General W. r.
Carlin.
Just before the speechmaking began Mrs. Harrison,
Mrs Mckee DR.. Scott and Private secretary Halford
came in quietly, and after were joined by Post
master General Wanamaker all forming all interest
ing group side Of the room. As a WHOLE the
scene was a picture. But what the Indians Thought
Of it it impossible 10 read in their faces The
most striking figure among them was Gall, the cher
He Is a broad -shouldcred, heavy-set Indian,
whose face shows no change of heart" but Is stlll
the face of a savage. There were speeches by John
Grass and American Horse, the former speaking to
the point and knowing when TO STOP ending MS
Indian language with the words in English, "and
that's all" American Horse. however, was long
windcd holding out until hint from the Interpreter
checked him. All are of one mind in regard 10
schools for their children. They urged the Great
Father to give them schools their reservation,
and not bring their children away from their homes
to educate them.
You educate our children at Carlisle, and then e-
turn them to us, and they die" said Chief Grass.
Give us schools at home our lands, for our
children and they will die" said American Horse
While a good deal OF the talk about selling their
lands their greater interest was in the schools for
their children The President then spoke to the
delegation through an interpreter as follows;
am glad many representatives. OF the Sioux
Nation. \ few years ago while member oi senate
Committee. visited your reservation, and saw you'
homes and farms want TO assure you have sincere
Interest OF your people Your true interest
in the direction OF legislation To settle each OF you on
Of his 1t is the policy OF the Government TO
give your children tho advantages OF schools, which
YOU have 1 will read with pleasure the report
OF the Commission It will give still greater pleas
aid them in securing from Congress those laws that
10 the suggestions made by the Com
nssloners. You remember that do not make laws
Congress does that. have no doubt, however, that
friends Congress will be disposed to do that which
liberal and just those people who have surrsdered
so much Of their land the Government.
The Presidents reply was received with at least
mucii outward satisfaction, and tire chiefs expressed
themselves highly gratifed with the Commission,
General Crook, Ex-Governor Foster and General War
her, saying these were best men ever sent out ~
see them. When they took leave each one shook
hands with the President and bowed. some OF them
with graceful dignity that would do credit to
"paleface.D That the chiefs are taking kindly TO
civilization, apparent for when once out OF the
White House they resumed the smoking Of the cigar
cites which they had laid aside when they went Ia 90
see the Great Father, General Carlln. who happens
10 be here on leave, recognized by the Standing
Rock Indians old friend he having been In com
mand Of Fort Yates for some years. When they met
him at the door of the White Heusc Chief Grass, Mad
Bear and others lifted their hats In truly paeface'
fashion, as If used to hats always But the truth is,
they laid aside blankets and feathers and put on their
present Clothes for this trip East and when they re
turn to their tcpees they will don blankets and feath
ers again. Chief Grass said with dry humor: We
can't afford TO these clothes at home"