Los Angeles herald., 1890-11-25
THE INDIAN CHRIST.
His Identity Now Positively
Established.
Los Angeles People Who Know
Him Well.
Johnson Sides, a Civilized Piute, is
the Alleged Messiah
His Christian Teachings Perverted by
Savage Fanatics-The Situation
in Dakota.
Associated Press Dispatches.

-A5
CHCAGo, Nov. 24-General Miles has
received a letter from an officer at Los
Angeles, which throws further light on
1 the Messiah mystery. He tells OF an
Indian from Nevada, answering the de-
scription given by Porcupine, who
talked last spring with the officer. He
said his name was Johnson Sides, and
was known by the Indians and whites
where he lived, as "the peacemaker."
He showed a medal which had been
given him by some Christian society for
efforts in doing good. He talked about
the Bible and said he was desirous of
making peace with every one. He told
of Indians coming from far off to see
him, and showed pipe recognized as
from the Dakota tribes. All this coin
cides with Porcupine's story.
The officer writes he firmly believes
this good-natured Indian is the one who
caused all the trouble. He taught the
Indians the story of Christ and the time
when he would once more visit the
earth as taught him by the Christian
people. He no doubt told the story in
it's true understanding, and the Indians
retelling it, warped it according to their
likes and understanding.
The Story Corroborated.
The facts mentioned in the foregoing
dispatch are fully corroborated by re-
liable informant of the HERALD, in this
city. The gentleman in question was
an old-time resident OF Nevada, and in
conversation with member of the HER
AID staff, several days ago, he incident
ally mentioned that he thought he knew
the alleged Indian Messiah, and that his
name was Johnson Sides. This gentle
man was seen again last night. "From
1871 to 1884," said he, 81 was in the en-
ploy of the Gold Hill News. Itwas dur
arce of Sides. He was frequent visitor
to the News office, in fact, was regular
reporter for the Gold Hill and
Virginia City papers. He is full
blooded Piute Indian, but was
reared by General johnson Sides, a
wealthy rancher of the Walkers Lake
region, to whom he is indebted for his
name, and perhaps his religious convic-
tions. He was an intelligent Indian,
and OF pious turn of mind. He used
to come down regularly every few
months with the news, or make a spe-
cial trip if there was any unusual COM
motion among the Indians at Walkers
Lake. do not doubt the sincerity of
his Christianity and his peaceful inten-
tions. He had great influence among
his tribe, and was always instructing
them in religion. have no doubt the
present Messiah craze originated
from a perversion of his teach
ings. There is considerable visiting
between the various tribes, and the say
ings of man of Sides intelligence
would naturally be carried to the dis
tant tribes, and be warped and distorted
to suit their own fancies. If Sides has
learned of the fanaticism that his teach
ings have given rise to, l am cure he re-
grets it. Knowing the mans character
so we'll, do not believe he would pur-
posely deceive the Indians or glorify
himself into Christ, or even an in
spired apostle. Sides is about As years
of age. Any newspaper man in West
ern Nevada will substantiate what l
have told you of him."
Busting at Army Headquarters.
CHICAGO, Nov. 24.-Everybody about
army headquarters is busy. A larger
force than has been mustered in that
vicinity since the memorable campaign
of 1876, will be in the region about Pine
Ridge by Wednesday. Not only infantry
and cavalry have been moved up, but
also field artillery and large quantities OF
ammunition and supplies. General
Schofeld having instructed General
Miles to investigate the charge that the
present dissatisfaction among the In
dians is due more to lack of rations
than to the religious craze, the latter
sent Inspector-General Heyel this after
noon to the west. He will visit all the
army posts, and most of the agency sta
tions.
Ration Day Passes Off Quietly.
A dispatch from Valentine, Neb., to
the Associated Press says: Ration day
passed off quietly at Rosebud. Not
more than twenty of Short Bulls follow
ers came in, owing probably to the fact
that they helped themselves to govern
ment beef. There is no likelihood of
trouble, unless the troops attempt to ar
rest the fanatics responsible for the
theft. Several more companies of in
fantry are due tonight or tomorrow, but
even if they arrive the force will be too
small to make an aggressive movement.
The policy of the officers is to act in the
most conservative manner.
Vigilance Still Observed.
PINE RIDGE, Nov. 24.-The day passed
quietly here. All day long Indians
came in for rations. No attempt was
made to withhold supplies from such
dancers as came in. No Water, Big
Road and other leaders of the dancers
have sent word that they will stop.
Little Wound is the only chief who re-
fuses to answer. Special Agent Cooper
is inclined to be suspicious OF the asser-
tions of obedience by the others, and
there will be no relaxation of vigilance.
General Brooke reports everything quiet
tonight, but the settlers along the reser-
vaticn line are still! stampeding and ap-
pealing for aid If things remain quiet
for a few days the officers think the
whole trouble will subside.
Deserters from sitting Bulbs Camp.
BISMARCK, N. D., Nov. 24.-Most of the
Indians at Standing Rock are falling