The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1890-04-10
GEN. CROOKS DEATH,
The Indian Rights Association Esprc,,
I1 Their Sorrow.
INDIAN Rtdnrs ASSOCIATION, !
1905 ARCH STREET. w.

| - ' ~"'h"N" "hsoeiNtion l.Anrcs
la Their Sorrow.
| INDIAN Rfdnrs ASSOCIATION. !
1905 ARCH STREET,
| PHILADELPHIA, April 9, 1890.
Tho Executive Committee OF the In
dian Rights Association desire to express
their sorrow Mt tho death Of Major.Gen
eral George Crook, and their deep sense
Of the loss which has thereby belalle1
the Indian cause. General Crook knew
the North American Indian both in wal
and peace, NJ represented by all the
principal western tribes, ranging froul
our northern to our southern frontier,
ana from the Rocky Mountains to the
Pacific. His connection with them dur.
ing that extended period was that oil
the soldier and tho diplomatist. His
character as shown In dealing with
them, and his verdict rs to the treatment
which they have received ut tho Ma.
tons hands are therefore worthy OF
consideration from all persons who
would regard the Indian IN the light OF
truth unbiased alike by the prejudice OF
sentimental fondness or OF aversion.
The character Of General Crook in
dealing with the Indians was that Of n
soldier and gentleman. While he was
frequently obliged to exercise great
severity toward them, his dealings were
Just, wise, and in accordance with his
promises. lie recognized an inherent
manhood IN the Indian which, however
distorted by the training Of savage lie
and by and by constant injustice re-
ceivcd at tho hands OF the white race,
nevertheless existed, and by fair treat.
ment was capable Of being awakened
into active lie.
His policy and personal character in.
splred confidence among the most say.
age tribes, and tended greatly to i'm.
prove an almost hopeless situation, 4
General Crooks testimony to tho grave
injustice which the indians had re-
ceived both ut the hands OF the Govern.
ment and individuals was constant and
courageous. 1t was he who said the H.
dan commands respect for his rights
only so long as he Inspires terror by bis
rifle. He fully recognized the fact that
in the majority OF cases indian outbreaks
were the Jesuit OF injustice and violated
promises on our part. This testimony
coming from one OF his great experiences,
and prominent position, deeply Affected
public sentiment and prepared the way
for popular, demand, now 30 conspIc.
uous, that the Indian be accorded civil
rights and be treated with Justice and
humanity worthy Of the American peo-
pie. 49, IT. -
General Crooks name was tower OF
strength to all who labored for Indian
civilization and who sought to turn the
tide Of popular sentiment in his favor.
To quote General Crook was sufficient
at least to silence sneers ard to SECURE a
fair hearing for the facts OF the Indian
cause. General Crook maintained con-
slant and agreeable relations with this
Association; he sympathized with lis
work and aided its investigations.
We would express the hope, in closing
this slight tribute 10 the memory OF
General Crook, that his example may
awaken fresh interest among the officers
Of the Army in the elevation OF the In-
dams, since in our experience many OF
them have already proved his least pre-
tentlOlS and 6taunchpst fripnds H.