New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-03-09
THE FLATHEAD INDIANS IN WANT.
PROMISES OF THE GOVERNMENT NEGLECTED
by CONGRESS
New-York, March 8. 1891.
TO the Editor Of The Tribune.


TO the Editor of The Tribune.
Sir: little more than one year ago, Chief Charo'
Victor, hereditary head OF his nation, whose noble Nc
fusa to shake hands with Joseph and Looilhg"lass'
leaders of the Nez Perces against the wlIes,, only
deepened the obligation OF the American people TO DO
him honor, seated in the midst OF nifty OF MS
people in a large room at Stevensville. Mont lie
pleaded for his people. lie repeated the sdcilhces
made as far back as tho Lewis and Clark expedition In
support of his claim that the whites owed them graf
itude and support. lie explained that his young men
were becoming drunkards and gamblers, ana tlat Iho
old men and women were starving. He drew forth a
yellow and torn copy Of the Governor stevens treaty.
and with vehemence of tone and gesture said:
"White men lie and eak every promise. Charlot
will Kill himself before he will sign another
Indian men and women all around were thrilled by
his tones suddenly but deliberately, he took from his
clothing two handkerchefs, tie one scarlet ana the
other white, and carefully spread them before MILL
Lifting the red. he seemed to wiring It, as II II were
filed with fluid. Then, spreading it again. he spoke
with thrilling emphasis:
"Look white chief! You ask me TO sign paper
What for7 Who is honest with Chariot? Look, and |
will tell yon The Blackfeet and the Flatheads always
fought each other The Blackfeet always fought INC
whites The Flatheads fought the whites. Wheh
Joseph gave me his hand put my hand ont OF sght'
behind / said: Joseph, you may 80 through inc
valley but if you kill calf even chicken OF the
white chief listenl See that red handkerchief. IL Is
soaked with blood. See how l wiring the blood ont.
II is the white mans blood The Blackfcet are as req
as that handkerchief with blood" Pointing to inc
other. he said: THAT is white and no spot on IT,
II means the white man and the Flathead 1t is tho
history OF the Flathead and his white brother
Suddenly turning to the left as if addressing the
representatives of the Bhckfeet he cried out 81 nate
the Blackfeet They are thieves and murdcrcrs.
.,onn Thorn into the earthn stamping the red
handkerchief as he spoke With calm turn TO his
right he lifted the white handkerchief gently saying
as he did it, Chariot takes the white man to his
heart"
Other earnest passages occurred in proractcd nego-
tations until he and his people agreed to unite All
Valley lands appraised for their 6ene5, ana "a
was expected that their value, over ~ 'ooo "ouu
soon be in the hands of the secretary oi the interior
One year ago President Harrison sent special
messenger 10 each house OF CopgeSS VIII tS an
Of The lands to be sold. The House was in sucll
agitation that not word could be heard The MESSAGE
Submitted an item for the Indian Appropriation
hill uraing immediate attention thereto that The
indians might realize the pledges made. In the sen
ment ROOM and slept Charlots people dug roots and
begged 10 keep from starving and again. and three
i e Se AGAR are S td safv@G FooT has been sent
them, but they no longer own the land They wait
fSc hep cm w iS p Fedcnt Harrison so earnestly
urged one year ago. That bill is in the hands OF inc
know every family and have been in every house
and tepee of the tribe Must this noble band De
abandoned by the Congress of the United states J
dare not be silent spent three m0rths among
that people, securing their confidence end pledglne
the Government faithfully to meet rs part. ! WI
not let silence be construed az indifference 70 ulelr
rights. Little time remains for acton. II certainly
HENRY b. CARRINGTON. |. :. A,
Late Special Agent TO the FlatheadS
Syracuse. y. u, Feb. %. 1851