Omaha daily bee., 1889-06-19
UNWAR RANTABLE DESTRUCTION

The Sioux commissioners have en-
countered unexpected opposition at Pine
Ridge. Before going there it was
thought probable that very little diff
Guilty would be found in securing the re-
quired number of signatures to the
treaty. 1t was reported that General
Crook had had a long interview with Red
Cloud, and although he gave no intima-
ton us to the nature of it, the conclu-
sion was that it was favorable to the
government. If the Indian chief gave
any such assurance to General Crook
he has proved treacherous, for at the
council on Monday he is reported
to have been one of the most
vehement in denouncing the
treaty. Such u course would be
quite characteristic of Red Cloud, but
there is reason to believe that he has
been influenced by outside parties since
he talked with General Crook.
Our dispatches ascribe this influence
to DR.. Bland, president of the Indian
Defense association, and it is quite
probable this is correct. This ot1icious
intermeddler is entirely capable OF OBJ
structipg the work of the commission by
advising the Indians against the treaty,
and he would he the more likely to do
SO since Secretary Noble refused to per-
nit him to dictate to the department
regarding an Interpretation of one clause
of the treaty. 1t will be remembered
that Bland, with one or two others of
the association, called on the secretary
of the interior with the inquiry whether
the treaty provided for the payment, by
the government, of school moneys, and
demanded decision from the secretary,
accompanying it with u threat that if
such provision was not made the associ-
alton would advise the Indians not to
accept the treaty, The secretary very
properly informed the visitors that their
proposed interference with the business
of the government was warrantable,
and dismissed them with the statement
that any further communication with
him must be in writing.
Immediately after this interview DIR.
Bland, in the name of the defense asso-
citation, sent letter to the chiefs of
the tribes in the Sioux reservation
warning them that there was danger of
the government despoiling them of
their school moneys, claimed to be due
them, and advising them not to sign
the treaty until they were plainly as
sured by the commission, with the APP
proval of the president, that they
should receive such moneys. A paper
has also been circulated among the In
dians supposed to contain similar ad-
vice. This appears to have had de-
cided effect at Pine Ridge, and our
dispatches say that If the treaty
fails there DR.. Bland may be ac-
counted largely responsible. il this
shall be found to be the case the offici-
Gus president of the defense associa-
tion ought to receive such attention
from the government if there be any
way Of reaching him, as will effectu-
ally end his obstructive tactics. 1t is
outrageous that the interests of the
whole people, which the government at
large outlay is striving to secure. and
as well as the real welfare of the Indians,
should be defeated by one individual, act
ing under the pretense of a philanthropic
concern for the Indians, but it is reason
ably believed, from utterly selfish mo-
tives. 1t is apparent that very care
full and skillful policy will be necessary
to success at Pine Ridge.