The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1891-01-18
cree INDIANS COLLECTING
Three Hundred Csmped Near Wolf
Creek and tho Settlers Be-
coming Alarmed.
They Make an Appeal for Arms
and Ammunition Of Col.
Curtis.
Thu Indians are From CsnaAa-Ths Gov.
ernor Will Notify Secretary BIsins
Mischief Expected.

Col. Charles y. Curtis received a telegram
yesterday from some old-timers In the
farming districts north of this city, that a
band Of Cree Indians we're assembling
around Wolf Creek and considerable IN
easiness was felt among tho settlers. Col,
Curtis first received this advice:
"Tbres hundred Indians and more COM
ing close to Wolf Creek, all armed and
bucks. They have bought all ammunition
ct Craig. People very much excited. Could
you send assistance, 100 stands Of arms
and ammunition at least" This was signed
by II. L. Billings, II. w. Kraus, John GIes-
son.
Further inquiry by wire WAS made and
Col. Curtis WAS notified that the indians
are Crees. They are camped five miles from
Wolf Creek, on Dog creek above the rail-
road bridge. and W. think there il danger.
This was from the operator. Later II wss
ascertained that they were all bucks and
had no families. some old-timers say they
are from across the border and that they
mean mischief.
The Montana Central railway officials
learned that the Indians are camped in the
gulches above Wolf Creek.
Wolf Creek is a small settlement on the
railroad. thirty-seven miles north OF this
city. Those acquainted with the tribe OF
Cree Indians say. they are a cowardly set,
bent mostly on pilfering. A gOodly part Of
their raiment is mud, and should the mill
tia be called out to drive them out OF the
state, they should put m extra charge in
their cartridges, as il will be essential to
penetrate the dirt. Where SO many Of them
what they will do, and in view Of the gen,
eral hostile nature Of the Indians through
out the northwest it will probably be wise
to take some precautionary measures.
Several years ago q band of starving Crees
came into Montana from the British line
II the legislature made an appropriation
to furnish them food. As they are q worth
less and very indolsnt tribe, IL is the i'm
preston OF some people that they have
ascertained that the Montana legislature is
again in session. or should be, and want
there are many other appropriations to be
made, the outlook for the Crees, If such is
their intention, is decidedly blue.
Col. Curtis being asked by a reporter for
some further information on the movements
of the Crees said.
vagabond Indians from across the Canadian
border have boon roaming around the set
Elements In northern Montana all fall and
winter, trading cayuse, selling buffalo
horns and ! suppose killing settlers cattle.
Indian bucks we'll armed and mounted and
AAk ~ Odklub vi OuC lIGlRHOOls
hoo is cause enough to make even brave
settlers fear for the lives of their wives and
children. The absence from Assinaboine
and Fort Shaw OF their usual quota Of
troops has no doubt made these northern
Indians bold and may tempt them to COM
init depredations. There 70 always danger
as long as Indians are permitted to 90 arm
ed and travel around thS country 1t will.
What would ! suggest to do under tho cir
cumstances? Disarm every mothers son
of them, and make them understand if
caught off their reservation they would be
treated as hostileg and shot. / believe all
but eastern sentimentalists will agree that
this advice is good medicine
In behalf of the Wolf Creek people Col.
Curtis acquainted Governor Toole with the
facts he had to hand. The governor ad-
yised Col. Curtis to wire the people for
further facts, and the following telegram
was sent:
HELENA. Jan. lilo H. II. Billings. H.
W. Kraus, John Gleason, Wolf Creek,
Mont: Ascertain il Indians camped on
Dog creek belong TO the United States or
Canada, their number, il armed and mount
ed, the direction they seem to be travelling,
their conduct toward settlers, and such
other reliable information as you can
gather, and report at once to Governor
Toole. g. d. CuRTIs.
The governor will inform Secretary
Blaine Of the situation and will request
him to instruct the Canadian authorities TO
come down and take charge Of their wards
without delay.
Supt. johnson, Of the Montana Central.
gave orders last night to have a train in
readiness for immediate use should it be
needed by the militia.