Sturgis advertiser. (Sturgis, Dakota [S.D.]) 1887-1???, 1890-12-25
THE INDIANS.
Two Hundred Hostiles Surrender. Are Fed,
Then Allowed to Escape.

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TWO Hundred Hostiles Surrender. Are Fed,
Then Allowed to Escape.
Green, raw Sturgis militia troops could
have accomplished what one OF the field
commanders is credited with having
done the past week, viz: Spread feast
before few hostile chiefs, allow them to
eat it and depart with their warriors to
the wilds OF the bad lands unmolested.
Yes, the ADVERTISER believes the Sturgis
militia could have at least scared an In
dian.
The truth of the matter is, the present
troubles are no nearer a solution than
when they began several weeks ago, and
the only thing accomplished to date, SO
far as is known, is that the Indian police
killed Sitting Bull and that the state
militia and ranchmen have killed eight
or ten Indians along the Cheyenne in
Custer county. The military authorities
were prompt in surrounding the reserva-
| ton, but no decisive movements have as
yet been made to bring in the rebellious
tribes that are pleasantly sojourning in
the romantic breaks of the bad lands de-
flying the soldiers; and until an effectual
blow is dealt In the midst Of the seven or
eight hundred warriors congregated in
the bad lands settlers along the border
will have more or less anxiety about the
welfare of their families and stock.
General Miles received official infor-
nation Sun day from Col. Sumner, to the
effect that Big Foot and Hump had sur
rendered near the mouth of Cherry
creek, and accordingly Miles congratu-
lated Sumner upon his his success in taking taking
about $50 of Sitting Bulls hostiles with
out an engagement. While this cores
pondence was going on, which was by
courier via Ft. Meade, Col. Sumner, it
appears, allowed his prisoners the free
dom of the range without even night
herder, and when he received orders to
march the reds to Ft. Meade he could MT
find one, and at last accounts the en-
tire band was at large. Sumner had
neither food nor shelter at his camp, con-
sequently he could do nothing but let
Big Foot get Hump" on himself and
browse ON sage brush, cactus and-set-
tiers cattle if they were SO inclined. 1t
is also reported that General Miles took
scalp-metaphorically speaking-when
he heard that the Indians had got away,
by putting Col. Merriam in command at
that camp.
The report was yesterday that Hump
and Big Foot had been found but they
were entrenched ready for business. and
the troops did not attempt to dislodge
them as the artillery was too light to ac-
complish the task. A courier, therefore.
was sent to Ft. Meade with orders for
heavy guns, which were started out this
morning. With these she'll will be
poured into the hostile fortifcation until
the Indians are routed or surrender.
This movement looks like business,
and it is the desire of western people
that the military authorities speedily
push the campaign and bring it to a
successful termination-disarm every
hostile, and hang the leaders if necessary.
srURGIs MILITIA.
A mass meeting was held at the city
hall Thursday night last, which was
largely attended by the citizens of Stur-
gis and surrounding country, the object
being to consider the propriety of organ
izing company of home guards or state
militia, with view to protecting settlers
should an emergency arise. After full
discussion of the subject committee of
three was appointed to secure signatures
to the roster and report at an adjourned
meeting to be held the following evening.
Friday night the committee reported 105
names, sufficient number to organize
two companies, which was done by di-
viding up the men and electing officers
for both companies and otherwise COM
pleting the organizations SO far as could
be done in preliminary way. The gov
ernor was notified Of the action OF the
citizens and a requisition made for arms
and ammunition.
There are a few business men In Stur-
gis who ridicule this movement, and pos
sibly there is no occasion for taking such
steps, but it is better to be prepared than
wait until some serious depreciation has
been committed. The men who dis
courage this movement do not afford the
settlers any protection or even consola-
tion. These same parties may find q
| fight on their hands one of these days to
save TT. Meade. lit will not be Indians
that attempt to 'sscale the walls'' and
take the garrison. There is band Of
enterprising white men not far remote
that always have their eye on the main
chance, and have made every move count
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