Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-01-08


Secretary Noble this morning sent dispatch
to Daniel L. Roger, Indian agent at Pine Ridge
agency, s. D., Diminishing him from the service.
The Secretary directs him Ia turn over the
property to Capt. Pierce. first infantry. L. :.
A, who will be the Indian agent at this point
This action as far as the removal of Rover is
concerned was determined upon some time ago
| when the officials Of the Indian Office learned
that Mr.. Roger was not proving to be equal to
the emergency. While his ability to perform
the duties of his position in ordinary
times is not questioned, yet since
the present disturbances began he has
failed to show the nerve which
the situation requires Some two months AGO
Special Agent Cooper was ordered 10 Pine
hidge and he is there yet. Inspector Gardiner
was also ordered there and these officials have
aided the agent in the present crisis.
WHY ROVER WASN'T REMOVED BEFORE.
The reason that Roger was not removed be-
fore was that the Secretary did not know whom
to put in his place. Mr.. Roger is a personal
friend Of Senators Moody and Pettigrew,
the Senators from South Dakota. and is also
a resident of that state. He was highly
recommended and no doubt in times Of peace
would make an efficient agent. Owing to all
these circumstances no change had been made
When, however. Gen. Miles seemed to think
that he ought to have entire control Of the ter
ritory OF the seat of war. Secretary Noble
and the Indian officials, anxious TO
do anything that would contribute TO the sup
PRECISION of the disturbance, directed the Indian
agents to cooperate with the military in every
possible way. This is being done. and in
order to insure the proper management
OF affairs at Pine Ridge Agent Roger
has been removed and Capt Pierce of
m will faEa 80
place. Capt. Pierce, an Indian agent. will
be under the direction of the Secretary of the
Interior. As an army officer he will be subject
to the authority of the army officials. In other
words, Capt. Pierce's position will be similar to
that Of the army officer at San Carlos, Ariz,
who is the acting agent there.
NO CONFLICT OF AUTHORITY
The published statements that there is any
conflict between the War Department and the
Interior Department as to jurisdiction on the
Indian agencies is denied by all parties con-
cerned.
Secretary Noble said today that be was in
perfect accord with Secretary Proctor in re-
gard to the policy to be pursued. The Secre-
tary said that he had endeavored to do every
turbance to an end. The rations had
been supplied promptly and in sufficient
quantity. his officers were acting in harmony
with tine troops and, in fact. a united effort
was being made to give to Gen. Miles every
facility for carrying on his operations.
THE SITUATION SUMMED UP.
The situation ms summed up at the Interior
Department today is about as follows: There
are in all about 10000 Sioux Indians. men.
women and children. About 1900 of this
number are accounted for. as they are living on
the other reservations in peace and not taking
part IN the present disturbance. This leaves
| about 5000 men, women and children
| to face the earthworks, the howitzers and the
5000 men under command of Gen. Miles This
number is further lessened by taking from il
the friendly Indians who are still at the Pine
Ridge agency, numbering perhaps some l5O0
men, women and children.
LOCATION OF THE HOSTILE CAMP.
The hostile camp is located about seventeen
miles north of the agency. and the Gordon of
troops surround the hostile camp with
the exception of the south side. the
object being to drive the Indians into
the reservation There is constant COM
munication between the hostile camp
and the agency. The hostiles are well sup
piled with wild beef. but they have no sugar or
cofee and these articles, il il said are supplied
to them from the ''friendlies." as the Indians
still on the reservation arc called. While the
situation Is regarded a hopeless one for the
Indians yet it is asserted that they have no in
tention Of surrendering.
ANOTHER BATTLE EXPECTED.
1t is predicted by some who are on the ground
and are supposed to know that there will be a
battle on Sunday or Monday. When the
hopeless situation Of the Indians in
fighting against such odds Is pointed
out, the only explanation vouched is ..the In
dams are crazy" From reports received at
the Interior Department the situation is be-
lieved to be tense and the people at the
agencies are very much disturbed.