The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1896-02-19

An Alaska Indian Village Where Witch
Superstition Results In Murder.

Two more deliberate murders have been
added 10 an already long list of misdeeds
committed by the Indians OF Hoona-t
village and vicinity, the direct
lions and witchcraft. For a MEM
Der OF tribe TO be stigmatized as "A
witch by the medicine man Is equivalent
10 living death-c0mplete ostracisn-sO
far AZ his further relationship with MS
fellow-men is concerned, and an Indian
thus accused may as well END MS
earthly career at once. For lie VIII
henceforth be burden TO him. unless
blankets enough can be produced win
which TO pay the doctor for dispossesslng
the evil influence at once. Cases OF this
kind are occasionally cured, but the
price is generany an exorbitant one, viz
tu8liy slavery for life, and suicide is
preferable 10 the victim, such thing as
casting out witch being rare. "
During the early part or December, the
medicine man in the latest affair, who Ia
DOC-in-tun-shu, or member OF the
Crows. having become dissatisfied with
his revenue, sought 10 increase the num-
Der OF his blankets. With this end ~
view. he accused a Chuch-a-na-tee, OF
wolf. OF being a witch. knowing oniy
too well the significance OF such an &C
cusation. the Wolf made rent 10 ra,se
the price demanded. but, instead. procui-
ed his rife and meeting his accuser
later I'm the day, he proceeded 10 perloi-
ate the doctors anatomy 10 sucn soou
purpose that death resulted Instantly
two bullets from 1910 winchester 40
ing the ueed. on Dec. 9th a council OF the
Crows was summoned, and II decided
that nothing short Of the death OF the
Wolf would prevent precipltaunS sthelS al
hostilties between the tribes. altnousn
the latter's kinsmen were pfoluse n
their offerings OF blankets Yet the
Crows remained obdurate. and, to pre-
vent a prolonged struggle, bloodsned, ana
destruction OF property the Moives re-
luctanty submitted 10 the ultima tuin,
and selected three Of their tribesmen py
lot At sunset the following day. the eN-
ecutioners led the murderer 10 the beach
lined themselves up in front OF nm ~ z,
distance OF ten PAGES, and, leVeiilhs tn.ir
rifles at his head, the reports sounu.u az
one and three crimson spots appeaIeu.
The body rolled TO the water edse'
when friends and relatives took charse
of and buried II with the usual eeieho-
MES 1t is worthy Of note that a custom
exists among these natives, when nhakes
IL compulsory for each tr!be 10 mele Out
punishment 10 its own members
I'm an endeayOr to pacify and retafd
action on the part OF the reNehselei
Crows, until word could be sent 10 tne
authorities. Mr. Albert Peterson, VINO mas
charge of Frank Kane's store, had
gun thrust into his face with per
emptory command to mind his own al
fairs. and he accordingly retired 10
safe distance. but sent word az the eai =
lest moment. MT. peterson - nv 80
white man at the village. while there
are two white ladies', Mrs. MctarianI'
who has charge OF the mission schooi,
ana her sister Ms HOwse. IL IL SAID
that Mrs. Mcfarland was an involun-
tary witness Of the shooting, and angry
mutterings and lowering looks OF the
savages were source Of much uneasl-
ness 10 her at the time. though IL IS pe-
lieved she Is in no immediate danger.
The village OF Hoonah contains per-
hans 400 or 900 Indians, and almost OPP
nosite is another village, on the SHORES
of Discretion Inlet, OF Hudson BAY as
80, ,,iiIa0e was the scene Of the killing
of a poor. inoffensive boy, who had neith i
or parents nor relatives. whom the meI-
medicine man accused of being possessed
Alaska News.