The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-06-29
THE INDIAN CHRIST!
APOSTLE PORCUPINE'S STORY
WRITTEN FOR THE SUNDAY INDEPENDENT.


about the Indian Christ, whose headquar-
ters are in Nevada. and to whose teachings
savages from nearly all the tribes IN the
United States have listened. Among those
who made this pilgrimage were Porcuplne'
noted Cheyenne. and two members OF the
tribe of lesser note Big Beaver and Bear
Ridge. Porcupine was first brought into
prominence in a remarkable way. Last
September he was living near Ashland,
Custer county, with his wife and child
on an elevation not far from St. Labre's
mission. great storm arose one night,
accompanied by thunder and lightning. and
during its progress bolt struck his tent,
killing his wife. For little while
F. Porcupine himself was stunned, but
recovering and finding his wife dead
beside him. he grasped his rifle and rushed
outside the tepee. The storm was still rag
ing and the lightning playing in all direc-
tions. The half-crazed savage, holding his
gun aloft, defed the elements to do their
worst, and after talking and gesticulating
for several minutes, brought his gun to his
shoulder and fred at the heavens. Quickly
reloading, he repeated the performance,
continuing SO to do till his ammunition was
all gone. The next day his wife was buried
with all the ceremonies attendant on such
events among the Cheyennes, and Porcu-
pine became a wanderer. Though he de-
mes it, there seems to be no doubt that he
had some inkling of the new Christ, and
owing to the loss of his wife his mind was
in such state as to eagerly grasp at any
thing which touched on future life.
Feeling that perhaps the teachings of the
new Christ, which Porcupine had impaired
to his people on his return from Nevada
might have had something to do with the
recent troubles, Agent Upshaw, of the
Cheyennes, determined, if possible, to have
Porcupine tell him of his journey and its
result. After some difficulty, Porcupine
consented, so the meeting was held in
Major CAROLS tent at Camp Crook, near
the agency. The scene was one never to be
forgotten. Ranged around one side were
in camp, Agent Upshaw and two inter
1preters. On the opposite side the first in
the line was Two Moons, the Cheyenne
chief, who paid strict attention to all that
was said. Next to Two Moons was Bear
Ridge, then Porcupine, and then Big Beaver,
these three the principal characters in the
Jcene. Then came lesser lights in the Chey
enne tribe. About the tent opening were
crowded eight Indians who lost not word
of what was said on either side.
but who did not indicate in
any way the impression made
1of the Cheyenne, about 80 years old, with
bright snappy eyes, fairly regular features
and six feet in height. On this occasion he
was dressed in full Indian costume, made
of the finest skins and decorated lavishly
with beads and bits of color. His forehead
was covered with a mass of figures done
with white pigment, showing a cross, and
leaves, flowers, twigs and snakes. Porcu-
pine was government scout at Fort Reno
in 1885. and holds discharge from Major
Deweese. He once visited Washington.
That the Indian is good actor was shown
by Porcupine before he commenced to tell
his story. When all was quiet, he arose
from his squattine position on the ground
Iand turning his face to the west, extended
both arms to heaven. Suddenly he COM
menced to tremble, and this continued
all through the initial performance. After
the first act, he made the sign of the cross
by folding his arms: then placing his hand
upon his heart, he raised it instantly to-
ward heaven, then touched the earth, signi-
flying that what he was to say would be the
truth. Still trembling he sat down and
buried his face in his hands, apparently
absorbed in prayer, During Porcupine's
performance his two followers sat with
I bowed heads, their lips moving as though
in silent prayer. Recovering, Porcupine
commenced his story.