New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1890-10-30
AN INDIAN SHAM-BATTLE IN MINNESOTA.
HOW THE CHIpPEwAs WELCOMED 10 THEIR

HOW THE CHIpPEwAs WELCOMED 10 THEIR
VILLAGE THEIR ANCIENT FOES, THE SIOUX.
st.. Paul, Oct 90 (specaD.-A letter from tho
Mlelacs Indian Reservation, In Northern Minnesota
SAYS that Chief Red Lightning OF Ssseton Reservation
in South Dakota accompanied by eighteen OF MS
braves and their squaws, recently arrived at Meiacs
Lake on a friendly visit to the Chppewas. The first
night the Sioux camped about three miles from the
village, on Mosmony Point, where the Milleacs bano
were holding council dance and discussing the
White Earth removal question. The next morning.
before the Sioux advanced to the Chippewa village
the head chief Of the Mlelacs, with an Interpreter
visited 90 Sioux and held short council relative to
the meeting of the two tribes AS tho SiOnx and the
Nclacs had not met each other since they parted
on the battlefield many years ago. II was decded that
they should come together they had parted SO 1t
was arranged that sham battle should be fought
on the entrance OF the Sioux to the village.
About noon the Sioux burst forth from the woods
on the eastern side Of the village. with loud war
whoops and q great commOtion Immediately arose In
the Mlelacs camp as II war had really broken out
10th parties gorgeousy dressed In bright cOlors
OF flannel and beadwork and colored feathers, ana
their faces were hideousy steaked and painted. AS
the Sioux advanced about twenty OF the old Mlelacs
warriors went to meet them, and amid deafening
war.whoops the sham battle, with knives, spears,
tomahawks and war clubs began. Several OF the old
Millclacs warriors were greatly excited upon recog
zing their enemies Of years ago. whom they fought
at Shakopee and other places, but the sioux
seemed brave, and savage. The battle lasted
4 few minutes wnen the sioux were captured and
taken into camp. No one was hurt. After short
speeches Of greeting between the chiefs the pipe Of
peace was smoked and general handShaAnS brought to
lose the first act
\ dinner OF boiled pork and beans boiled venison
and ducks, wild rice and bread and tea WAS spread
upon mats on the ground for the old Chippewa warriors
nd the visitors. After dinner there was more friendly
and less formal handshalng. Then tho warriors
entered a ring which had been prepared for the oc-
cason and one Of the widest Indian dances ever wit
messed took place The sioux and Chppewss refouyht
ali OF their old battles, draSsing Oh their dead and
wounded after each Of these sham fights. No matter
which CHANGED to be the vctOr the Cppewas laughed
and shouted Is their custom after battle, while the
sioux rent the air with wailing and warcries num-
ber OF white settlers, who had been invited by the
Chppewas, witnessed the performance for four days
with great interest and treated with great respect
by both tribes.
This is probably the last performance OF the kind
hat will ever take place In Minnesota The sioux are
TALL straight and muscular. Many OF the MillelacS
sre pOrtly as we'll TALL weighing from 200 TO $50
pounds. During the fOur-days' dance the Cmppewa'
made the Sioux many presents among them new
,lankcts, bcadwor, most Of their best clothing and
several ponies.