Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1890-11-19
THE GREAT INDIAN SCARE.

I
idea Of Che truth in relation 10 the
subject. The contradictions en-
bodied in the reports are not only
contained in assertions Of different
individuals, but in numerous In
stances the disparity exists between
statements purporting to come from
the same person. The widest
rumors as to apprehended Indian
revolts is the result OF all this com-
motion, the agitation seeming to be
more pronounced among the whites
than among the red men. From
different points comes the sensa-
tional rumor, at is reported that
the Indians are srming," ETC., fol-
lowed by other dispatches to the
effect that all is peaceful and there
is ''nn danger Of an uprising" etc.,
from the same localities.
The lest course to be pursued IN
der the circumstances is TO remove
existing causes for revolt and be
careful not TO multiply other sources
of irritation. We are afraid that
the reverse # this humane policy Is
being pursued. Instead Of making
an honest inquiry into the abuses 10
which the Indians have been sub
jectei and seeking TO rectify them, =
new cause OF dissatisfaction to the
red men is being pushed upon them
-menacing them by pushing Unit
ed States troops into the Territory
occupied by them. It is hoped that
this will have the effect Of overave-
log them into continuous suit mis-
sion. Bat 1t might occur that 1t
will enrage them beyond the bounds
Of prudence, and precipitate an up
rising. The process Of working
upon the fears Of the savages is a
mistaken one. 1t Is not educational
and therefore must necessarily fall.
The only true and humane policy is
that which was inaugurated and in
sisted upon by the late Governor
Brigham Young, who maintained
that there was much more profit as
well as humanity in feeding than
there was in fighting the Indians.
| An Impartial history Of the wars
between the white and red men In
this country would show that many
perhaps the majority-of them
have been initiated by the predom-
inant and civilized race.
One man is represented a. suggest
ing that before active steps are
taken against the Indians in the
present sensational phase Of the
question, it will be the better plan
to wait till they commit some act Of
violence. 1t appears that the Peo-
pie Of Mandan, Dakota, are anxious
10 take the Initiative, and have an
nounced that after n certain date
every Indian found Off the reserva-
ton who has not a written permit
from the agent to absent himself
from it will be shot down by indig-
nant patriots. This is monstrOus. Sup
pose that a number Of Indians should
90 of the reservation, be found
away from it anu be shot down,
what would be the probable result?
Simply that the red men would not
know any better than their white
murdereTs and retaliate. The re-
taliation would be designated and
treated as an Indian uprising and
the troops would he precipitated
upon the unfortunate savages.
In such matters it is sometimes
pertinent to ask the question, Chow
would you like it YOURSELF" For
instance if the Indians should pass
resolution that on aud after n
given date every white man found
on the reservation without a writ
ten permit from the agent should
be shot down, how would the posi-
ton be viewed? 1t would
be deemed sufficient cause
to have troops stationed in
close proximity for the protection
Of the guilel-ss whites. And should
the bloody resolve be carried out
against the intruders upon the reser-
walton, the numerous act would he
regarded and treated as an uprising
Of Indians, and they would be
slaughtered 10y wholesale according
70 the most approved processes Of
. civilization, all for acting upon a
proposition already defined as de-
termination toward them OF their
, white brethren. Designing white
men who are anxious to precipitate
an uprising" should be the objects
OF governmental solicitude, at least
equally as much as the Indians.
1t is asserted in the kilograms that
there is an intention to stop certain
religious ceremonies or orgies in
which the Indians are said to be
indulging in the mountains.
II appears that these pecu-
liar rites are in unison with
with the untutored condition Of the
savages. 1t may well he asked
whether they have not as much
right to religious liberty In their
crude way, as people more ac-
vaRced in intelligence and civiliza-
ton have to enjoy undisturbes their
more refined methods? So long as
the former do nothing that is illegal
or that inierferes with the rights Of
others, it seems that to compel them
to desist would not be according to
the genius Of American institutions,
even IL the victims be Indians.
They at least come under the broad
expression Of equality couched in
the words call men," Some people
are not willing, however, that the
Indians should be classified az ha-
man. Ifthis compulsion is resorted
to it will doubtless furnish another
cause for dissatisfaction and lead to
the very condition it is desirable to
prevent.
Suppose the indians believe q
Messiah will come TO deliver them
from what they regard as the OPP
pressions, cruelties and treschery Of
the white men, are not the Christians
in a parallel situation? The latter
are proclaimipg everywhere the
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