Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1894-04-08

to take command. More troops were
sent 10 the front, with them being a de-
tachment OF artillery with mortars or
double shooting guns" as the Mo-
docs called them, for Smelling the
stronghold, and Donald Mckay, a
half breed Of much reputation as
scout and Indian fighter, came
with nifty Indians from the Warm
Spring reservation, near the base OF Mt.
Hood, 10 do scouting among the tntri-
cacies of the lava beds. In February
the government appointed peace com
mission 20 investigate the complaints or
Captain Jack, and to confer with him
about a settlement Of the present dill
Guilty. The members Of the commission
went boldly into the stronghold, trust
ing to Jacks friendly feelings toward
them personally for security, and sew
eral times made arrangements for
council, which the ModOcs each time
failed TO attend, giving trivial reasons
for not coming. At last Fairchild and
other commissioners acquainted with
the Modoc character gave II as their
opinion that the Indians were tenn
porting aud meditated treachery,
and that IL was not safe TO enter
their stronghold again. Steele offered
10 risk 10 once more in the interest OF
peacs. With him went II. w. Atwell,
a correspondent, who relied for safety
upon Steele. They returned alive, but
were only spared upon their promise to
bring Candy and others where the In
|dians could Kill them. Steele told OF
the promise he had made 10 save his
/ life, and sOlemnlv warned them never
I TO Mace themselves In the power OF the
/ Indians. ROsborough, Chase and APP
plegate left in disgust, while Meachsm
remained and finally succeeded In Ia
/ duciug the authorities al Washington
/ TO appoint another commission.
| The new commission was composed Of
IA. b. Meacham, President; l.. 5. Dyar,
I Gen. +. K. ). Candy, Rev. +. Thomas
and Judge A. NJ Rosborough. After
much negotiation it was finally ar
ranged that the FIVE commissioners
were 20 meet five MOdOcs April II, 1873,
At council tent to be pitched midway
between the camp and the lava beds,
none of them to be armed. The way the
Indians had been acting all along con-
WINGED Fairchild and others familiar
with their character that they
meditated treachsry, and they strongly
urged the commissioners not to
90: but Candy, who was the very soul OF
honor and SOldierlY pride, said be would
90 II he knew be was walking 10 his
death. Or. Thomas could not be made
TO believe that such treacherous muir
der as was feared could possibly be med
litated bv any human being. Meacham
! aua Byar were ashamed 10 stay osnind
and let the others go alone, and so they
also went, taking the precaution
IA plsce small derringer pistols
lin their pockets Judge Rose
thorough was away holding court.
Frank Riddle ane bis Modoc wife,
Toby. went along as Interpreters
The night before the council the Mo-
docs laid their plans for the massacre.
II WAS agreed that six OF them should
20 10 the tent armed with revolverS,
while two more should conceal them
selves near by with several rines each
These, with Bogus and Boston, who
were 70 come out with their victims,
would make ten, or two Indians 10 each
each white man. The various persons
ito be killed were apportioned to each
set OF two, so that no mistake should Dc
! made.
II When the commissioners reached the
council tent they found the Indians a.
treedy there. Il Was evident the Modoei
were not acting in good faith, and tha'
he danger was very great Under tneii
oats could DO seen the EeTolVeTe they