The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-12-21

In view of the messiah craze now pre-
vailing and stories concerning various In
dian tribes, deem it apropos of the timel
to relate little incident concerning India1
character and treachery and the condition
of the country in northern Montana at thai
time.
In the summer of 1873 the work of erect
ing permanent monuments establishing the
boundary line between the United States
and British North America was begun
The work was under the joint supervision
of representatives of the two countries and
was the result of an amicable arrangement
between the two governments. This was
rendered necessary in order to put a stop to
the smuggling going on across the border
and to suppress and destroy the lawless
traffic prevailing upon either side of the
line.
The trade in a villainous compound called
whisky, and which was manufactured from
high wine, tobacco and other noxious in
gradients, was simply universal. The
Indians impoverished themselves to secure
this vile stuff. Their furs, robes and po-
MES were battered away and their numbers
greatly decimated through brawls and
fights brought about by the use of whisky.
Life was held very cheap both among the
traders and the Indians. To illustrate the
indifference of the average trader I quote
from a letter received in Helena in 1873.
The man in question had established him
self at wellknown trading post called
Whoop- Up, and varied his occupation by
endeavoring to raise small garden. He
wrote as follows to q friend in Helena in
June, 1875.
DEAR BoB:-I am enjoying good health.
The winters trade WAS quite brisk, and for
want of more exciting scenes am now en-
gagged in the peaceful occupation Of raising
garden. My partner, Bill Akorn, got to
putting on airs and shot him and he is
dead. My potatoes are looking we'll. Yours
truly. SANDY.
But those lawless days arc passed and
gone and now comparative peace and quiet
prevails on the border.
The above is somewhat of q depression
from the story intend relating. With the
exception of the few white traders and nd
venturers the. country to the south and
north of Fl. Mcleod was inhabited by In
dams and half-breeds and the popula ton
is little different now. Their PRINCIPAL oc-
cupation was stealing and hunting the buff
falo. 1t was considered among these tribes
the greatest attainment to be able to make
q successful raid upon the herd of neigh
boring band. and if a few scalps were Sc
cured so much the better. Usually these
forages resulted in few casualties, but one
was attempted in 1872 with disastrous con-
sequences.
, In the fall of 1872 a thieving band of
eros Ventres Indians went mp toward the
British line for the purpose of stealing
horses. II was what 10 termed war party
and the members went decked out in
nalnS and fQafhQrR Enhk1v ~
weather and circumstances would permit.
They went on foot and carried nothing but
their guns and ammunition, lariat each.
and a little pemmican to eat. They ex-
pected to strike half breed camp in the
vicinity of the Sweet Grass hills. This
other tribes beyond the British line. They
had come into the territory Of the United
States for the purpose Of hunting buffalo,