The Logan County banner. [volume] (Logan, W. Va.) 1889-1903, 1890-04-17
AMERICAN cossAcks.


---- statee Army.
Several months ago Major william II.
Powell, Twenty-second United States
infantry, contributed an interesting pa
per to the United Service Magazine, in
whichsfe advocated the enlistment OF 3
couple Of regiments Of Indians prefer
ably Sioux 70 be oficered b. Nhit&
men, and used as adjuncts to the regu-
lar army. He favored the plan Of max
ing them light cavalry, and utilizing
them in measure as the Russians do
the Cossacks. He pointed out that In
dams only know one trade-that OF war:
that by taking into the service such
bucks as were too old to be civilized and
too young to have passed the hey-day Of
the blood "a dangerous factor for disturb
ance would be eliminated when the big
reservations are thrown open for settle
ment and the vast areas over which the
Sioux now roam are decidedly curtailed
in extent The Pioneer Press noted the
plan At the time Of its publication. and
much interest therein was expressed in
the press both east and west Of the Mis-
sissippi, A reporter for this paper re-
Gently interviewed several army officers
Of the Department OF Dakota, stationed
in st. Paul, concerning the Powell
proposition and herewith presents their
views thereanen1
General Thomas II. Ruger, command
ing officer Department Of Dakota, United
States army, when questioned on the
subject, was rather reticent in his re-
plies. He thought the time had gone BY
when the Indians could most easily and
proftably have been employed as SOL
diers and did not think that there was
any probability of such action toward
the Indians on the part OF the Govern
ment. When asked as to the practical
bility of such action, he said he thought
that the Indians could be used as
soldiers. Certain conditions would be
necessary, but he considered it entirely
feasible to employ the Indians in the
army by complying with these condi-
tions.
Major Merit Barber, Adjutant- Gem
eral of the Department Of Dakota, has
served several years in Arizona among
the Apaches, and from his experience
with those Indians expressed some doubt
concerning the plan. He had, however,
no doubts as to the employment Of In
dams as irregular troops. Said he; CAS-
scouts the Indians have already proved
their excellence. / consider them the
best light troops ever employed on the
frontier. 1t would probably be difficult
to lead them to charge as would a
troop of white soldiers, for the reason
that the Indians take no chances,= but
always seek to take the enemy at dis
advantage. ] think, however, that If
the Indfae were enlisted ii any num-
bers there would be required a change
of the method Of discipline. It does not
seem to me that they could be made sub
ject to the present system or rules for
the government of troops
Major A. E. Bates, when questioned
on the subject, said: There would be
no trouble about getting the Indians to
fight. They probably would not stand
up in line OF battle as white soldiers,
but they would not retreat further than
the first stone or two, or hollow, where
they could shoot from under cover. Ex-
pertinent has proven that they make the
best irregular troops ever employed on
the frontier. 1t would seem that they
could hardly be brought under the pres
ent system of army discipline, but as to
their availability in certain lines of the
service there is no doubt ',-.......z-=-.
Major Henry B. Freeman, Seventh
United States infantry, was not very
sanguine as to the success OF an effort to
make soldiers Of the Indians. He said:
perhaps the Indians could be used to
advantage as scouts or for police service
at posts, but not as soldiers proper.
They are not amenable to any restrain
ing rules, and II they took notion to
leave from any place, even battle, In a
body they would scatter in spite of all
orders. st Paul Pioneer Press.