The San Francisco call., 1898-10-06
SECRETARY ALGER
 ORDERS ANNOUNCEMENTS

WASHINGTON, Oct. 5-OfficiaI dis patches received here tonight brought to the authorities the sudden realiza- tion of an Indian uprising of more than ordinary dimensions. The dispatches began coming about D. m., two of them coming to Secretary Bliss, who, as head of the Interior Department, has charge of Indian affairs, and third to Attorney General Briggs, from one of the United States Marshals at the seat of the uprising. The first dis patch to Secretary Bliss was as fol- lows:
 WALKER. Minn., Oct. 5.
 Secretary of the Interior, Washington: The Indians twenty-five miles from here on the mainland of North Bear Island opened fire on the troops under command of General Bacon without warning this morning at Il 80 I fear the army in the field is not strong enough to subdue the Bear Island Indians. How many are hurt on their side I cannot now tell. A large force should be sent here at once. It Is now war, and the Government must protect the people. I have a slight scratch on the arm and left leg. Please wire me instructions.
 TINKER. Inspector.
 Another dispatch from Inspector Tin ker followed afterward as follows:
 To Secretary of Interior, Washington: Trouble was caused by Indians firing upon troops first; situation as bad as can be; feeling among Indians hostile and mean to fight to the end. More troops needed at once. They cannot get here too quick TINKER.
 Immediately upon receipt of these dispatches. Secretary Bliss went to the residence of Secretary Alger and had a talk with the head of the War Depart ment as to the military steps which should be taken. While they were to- gether, a representative of the Asso- ciated Press called and handed them the press dispatch giving more extend ed details of the sanguinary engage ment between the troops and the h. dians this noon. General Alger read the dispatch aloud punctuating 1t with his own observations on the gallantry of the men and the efficacy of the Red Cross, the latter being mentioned in the press dispatch as caring for some of the wounded. The two secretaries agreed that the situation had reached a stage when energetic steps were needed. Turning to his military aid Major Hopkins. Secretary Alger said: Take those dispatches to Adjutant General Corbin and tell him to have ample endorsements sent immediate ly. If need be, have a special train secured and the endorsements sent forward without delay. If 1t seems desirable to send along a Gatling gun let that be done also.
 General Corbin was inclined to be- lieve that the reports were magnified
 General Bacon Is the commanding of ficer of the Department of the Da- kotas, with headquarters at St. Paul. and the Third Infantry is stationed at Fort Smelling, just outside St. Paul. so that, if need be, this large force could be called to General Bacon's as- sistance. As commanding officer of the department it was pointed out that General Bacon has full authority to move all the forces within his depart ulent if he deems such action neces- sary to meet the emergency. Aside from the Third Infantry, there are cav> airy troops within reach of St. Paul and the seat of the trouble, although it was the view at the War Department late tonight that General Bacon would not have any need for any cavalry, if, in> deed, he needed any infantry beyond the hundred men now at the front General Corbin inclined to the view that a hundred regulars were mora than a match for all the Indians which could be assembled at the place or the present trouble. General Bacon will be given a free hand. however, and every facility afforded him by the au- thorities if he feels in need of reinforce ments