The Portland daily press., 1890-04-25
WITH the RED MEN.
Tortures Witnessed by Crowds of
Pale Faces Last Night.
At the Mock Adoption by the Noble
Aborigines.

The mock adoption of a pale face into the
Improved Order of Red Men at City hall
last evening was one Of the most novel and
Interesting spectacles seen in this city for
many day. Representatives of the many
secret orders were present, evidently getting
as much enjoyment from the unique enter
tainment, as did the wives of Red Men, who
witnessed with apparent satisfaction, the
supposed fortunes their husbands had under
gone when tied to the execution tree.
The centre of the hall was arranged to
represent an Indian camp, surrounded by
evergreen trees, quite resembling "the forest
primeval" In front of the stage, facing the
rear, was the Sachem's wigwam, surmounted
by large stuffed bird, perhaps of the hem
hawk species Lafthe centre OF all was a
slender execution tree, to which, the shud-
dering victim was bound. Rugs of animals
skins were at the positions Of the various
officers, while stumps served for chairs and
desks. On the stage were two wigwams,
around which gathered Daughters of Poca-
hontas appropriately costumed. The men,
bers of Grimmer's orchestra. dressed as Red
Men, with all save the hideous paints, sat
upon the stage. Slowly the gorgeous braves
filed into the hall. 1t was easy to imagine
that Buffalo Bills Wild West show had in
some mysterious manner been set down in
City hall.
With due Formally the officers were con-
Quoted to their stations. The Worthy Grand
Sachem in opening stated that as it had for
some time been charged they twere ashamed
of the workings of their order, and that
they would not bear the light Of day. they
had concluded to present to the public an
exposition of their secret work, so that all
might be aware of the fact that no goat is
ridden nor anyone broiled upon gridirons.
Then followed the opening chant
Then came further and amusing prelim-
inaries. No watch had been kept and the
candidate had escaped. A volunteer was
called for from the audience No one started
but several became visibly anxious to escape,
not to take part. The Sachem ordered the
braves to scout for victim. Yelling like
mad, leaping ever chalIs and tables, the
warriors sought pale face to torture. Every
man they tried to hold twisted away, until
they fell on the track of Chas. T.. Peters.
After an exciting chase he was dragged into
the camp on the floor by rope apparently
fastened to his head
Facing the Senior Sycamore. amusing
queries were put to him. "What is your
name?" was asked. Thomas B. Reed" he
replied. where were you born ?" Peaks
Island" Your business?" Counting
quorums." "Who is your candidate fol
governor" Isaac G. Atkinson" For col.
lector?" "rhe editor of the Argus" ibid
you ever go TO sea?" "OEce on the Cornelia
H." Many other ludricrous questions fol-
lowed.
In turn the candidate found himself before
one after another of the officers, doubtful II
1t was clear in his mind how he came there
until the Worthy Chief Watch Dog of the
Outer Port half carried and half led the
shivering shape to the execution tree.
Around their victim circled the exutant
braves, executing war dance thrilling
enough to have been White Clouds bloodIest.
Worn out, the victim fell to the floor, and
amid many whoops was taken to the resus-
citating chamber.
Next time the candidate submitted to the
ordeal of being sealed. Twice Oh his back
he was branded with red-hot iron. Screams
VI tot1uiO ulOho lUItils Tic SlZLi6 Vi UuTDluB
cloth caused many a shudCer; the odor of
smoking wool was unmistakable. The
Watch Dog afterwards announced the can
didate had survived, and he was brought in
and charged with his duties as full-fedged
warrior. Weak as rag, the poor victim
could stand only with effort. From faints he
was restored by tanning. and with every
mention of what he had undergone came
groans. With torn clothes. collar hanging,
crushed silk hat with crest of feathers, the
sufferer received the grip and was pronounc-
ed a Red Man.
The entertainment was under the auspices
of Machigonne and Cogawesco Tribes and
Wenonah Council.
The following were the officers of the
mock tribe:
Sachem- Geo. III. Parsons.
Senior Sycamore Fred Wheeler.
Junior Sagam0re-Thomas Woods.
PrOphet-Aorace Thompson.
Keeper of Wampum-Pete L. Kyle.
Chief of Records-John WEIGH.
First Sannap-James Armsby.
Second Sannap-Wm. G. Batty.
Chief Watch Dog of the Treasury Albert
Davis.