Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1895-07-29
He Talks Plainly About the Pres
ent Indian Trouble.
SAYS THAT RIGHT is WITH THE WHITES
The Settlers Could Settle the Mat
ter, if Permitted.
THERE WILL BE NO WAR

The sensational and conflicting reports
of an uprising of the Bannack Indians have
attracted widespread attention and make
news of them that can be relied on of
particular value at this time. Few men in
Washington or in the east, for that mat
ter, are better qualified to speak on this
subject than Senator Dubois, whose home,
in Blackfoot. Idaho. is but comparatively
short distance from the scene of the pres
ent trouble.
Senator Dubois knows every inch of this
country. and is thoroughly acquainted with
the characteristics and habits of the In
dians of Idaho and Wyoming. He has
made it a study, finding it as necessary and
at times far more. pressing and difficult
than any which presents itself to the peo-
Pile of his state.
Not Unexpectedly
This trouble with the Bannacks," said
the Senator to a Star writer today, sis by
no means unexpected. The only wonder to
me is that it has not occurred long ago
The right of the question is altogether
with the whites. They simply contend that
II they are Tot to be allowed to kill game
out Of season the same law shall be en-
forced against the Indians.
There is a good deal of sentiment wasted
on any question that comes up regarding
the Indians. Many people in the east seem
to believe that in all difficulties between
the white settlers of the west and the In
dians the latter is the abused party because
they know that in the end the white man
must prevail.
OriEb, of the Present Trouble.
THE present trouble had its beginning
seven or eight years ago, when very strin-
gent laws were passed for the protection
of game. These laws were enforced against
the settlers, but were not needed by the
Indians, who, under a system Of passes
issued by the government, could and did
kill game by the thousand. Each year, de-
spite many protests. the killing of game
has increased. 1t became apparent that
the settlers need lock for no action on the
part of the federal authorities, SO they
took matters in their own hands. The on
ly thing to be regretted is that the ques-
tiCn could not have been left to the set
tiers. They would have adopted no half
way measures in dealing with the ques-
ton, and when they had finished their side
of the argument the matter would have
been settled for all time and SO would the
Bannack Indians" and the Senator smiled
There is a great admiration" he con-
ttnued after pause, for these Bannacks
among those eastern people who take such
deep interest in the red man and are SO
fearful he will not get his rights. This ad-
miration is easily understood. The Ban
Kacks are big, strapping fellows. who still
They came nearer the eastern ideal of
what an Indian should be than any other
tribe. But no more lazy or worthless lot Of
redskins to be found on government
reservation. They are slow to fight, but
when cnce at it ask and give no quarter.
They have a wholesome respect for the
soldiers, hut dread the settlers. They know
that no matter how much numbering and
plundering they have done they can sur
render to the soldiers and their lives will
be saved. But fight with the settlers is
another thing. 1t means death.
Has Had No Word From the Trouble.
II have had no wcrd from the scene of
the alleged trouble, ard for that very rea-
son am convinced the settlers would like
to deal with the matter in tier own way.
Mark Patrie, the Chairman of the repNbh-
can state committee, lives at Market Lake.
and if there had been any fear of an In
dian uprising, such as the settlers could not
themselves handle, 1 should have heard
from him. Market Lake Is the last village
before you enter the Teton Basin country.
But all of that country is very thickly set
tied, and there are enough MormonS and
Gentiles between Market Lake and Jack
sons Hole to wipe out the entire Bannack
tribe.
"All this section is wild and mountainous
In the extreme; is by nature part of the
Yellowstone Park, and should be by act of
Congress. 1t is Just the country for big
game, such as elk, moose and deer. I think
l am safe in saying that there is more elk
In the Teton country than in all the res.
of the world. This is of inestimabie value
to the country at large, and directly to the
settlers of that rough region. The Ban
hacks were rapidly extermirating this
game; would go off in small bands on gov
ernment pa,ses and stalk and kill game
by the thousand out of season.
A Carpet bag Agent.
And right here" continued the Senator
belief that this trouble would not have oc-
CURED but for the President having un-
loaded a carpet-bagger on US as Indian
agent. The mans name is Teeter; he is
from West Virginia, and was forced on us to
oblige Mr.. Wilson. Now, Teeter, like all
easterners is afraid of an Indian, and per-
haps 1T is good thing to mistrust them
until you get onto their tricks. Teeter has
probably issued passes to these Bannacks-
perhaps was afraid to refuse-at any rate.
the entire tribe appears to be up there and
having been Joined by the tough bucks of
other tribes, are killing game indiscrim-
inately and ready to kill any one who in
terferes.
Will BE No War.
But there will be no war or anything
like one Gmores the PITY, nor do 1 believe
there has been. The troops will get there,
the braves will promptly submit and be
taken back to their reservations, and there
the matter will end for time. A little
later the same Indians will be off the reser-
walton slaughtering game again. 1t can
not be otherwise long as inexperienced
men such as Teeter are appointed as Indian
agents. And yet there are people who blame
the whites for taking matters in their own
hands. The determination of the whole.
lazy, shiftless, non-supporting tribe of Ban
nacks would not be any very great loss.'
POLAR EXPLORATION FAVORED.