Los Angeles herald., 1890-12-16
SITTING BULLS CHARACTER.
The Last Visit of White Man to His
Camp.


CHICAGO, Dec. 15.-The story OF the
last visit paid by white man to Sitting
Bulls camp, prior to the tragic events
of today, is told in report received
this afternoon by Assistant Adjutant-
General Corbin. The narrative throws
flood of light on the willy old chiefs
character, and life in his isolated camp.
The document is addressed to Commits
sioner of Indian Affairs Morgan, by
United States Indian Agent Mclaughlin,
of Standing Rock agency, and is, in part,
as follows:
Learning that the ghost dance was in
progress in Sitting Bulls camp, and
that large number of Indians OF the
Grand river settlements were partici-
pating, Mclaughlin decided to take
them by surprise. Sunday morning he
left for that settlement, accompanied
by Louis Prineau, and got upon them
unexpectedly. He found the ghost
dance at its height. A majority OF the
boys and girls partici fating were until
a few days ago pupils ofthe day schools
at the Grand river settlements.
AN INTERVIEW WITH BULL.
Mclaughlin did not attempt to stop
the dance, but remained over night, and
next day had long talk with Sitting
Bull and number OF his followers. He
spoke very plainly, pointing out what
had been done by the government for
the Sioux people, and how this faction,
by their present conduct, were abusing
the confidence that had been reposed in
them by the government in It's magnan-
unity in granting them full amnesty for
all past offenses, when from destitution
and imminent starvation they were COM
PEELED to surrender as prisoners of war in
1880, and dwelt at length upon what had
been done by the government for their
own industrial advancement. He as
sured them of what this absurd craze
would lead to if these demoralizing
dances and disregard Of the department
orders were not soon discontinued.
A REMARKABLE PROPOSITION.
Sitting Bull, while very obstinate,
and at first inclined to assume the role
of "big Chief" finally admitted the
truths of McLaughlin's reasoning. He
had proposition to make, which, if
the Indian agent would agree to and
would carry out, would allay all further
excitement among the Sioux.
Sitting Bull then stated his PROPOSE
ton, which was that Mclaughlin
should accompany him on a journey to
trace from this agency TO each of the
other tribes of Indians through which the
story of the Indian Messiah had been
brought. and when he reached the last
tribe, or where it originated, if they
could not produce the man who started
the story, and did not find new Mes
siah as described, upon the earth,
together with dead Indians returning to
reinhabit this country, he would return
convinced that they (the Indians) had
been imposed upon, which report from
him would satisfy the Sioux, and all
practices of the ghost societies would
cease; but if found to be as professed by
the Indians, they would be permitted to
continue their medicine practices, and
organize as they are now endeavoring
to do.
Mclaughlin told him the proposition
was good one, but the attempts to
carry it out would be similar to an at
tempt to catch the wind that blew last
year, but wished him to come to his
house, where he would convince him of
the absurdity Of this foolish craze.
Sitting Bull would not fully promise
W COIle lHUO LHe agency, DuC Salu ne
would consider the talk, and decide af.
ter deiiberation.
THE CRAZE DYING OUT.
Mclaughlin found that the active
members in the dance were not half the
number of the earlier dancers, and that
the craze is losing ground among the In
dians. While there are many who are
half believers, he is fully satisfied that
he can keep the dance confined to the
Grand river district.
From close observation, he is con-
vinced that the dance can be broken up,
and after due reflection would respect
fully suggest, in case his visit TO Sitting
Bull fails to bring him in, as invited to
do, that all the Indians living on Grand
river be notified that those wishing to
be known as opposed to the ghost doc
trine, friendly to the government,
and desiring the support pro-
vided in the treaty, must report to the
agency and be required to camp near
the agency for few weeks;
and those selecting their medi-
rcONTINrrrn oN crvuNrrr pAcu1