The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1899-05-25
INDIAN FRIENDSHIP.
A Western Road Which Knows That
1t Is "a Good Thing.


AS the traveller passes through the big
Sioux reservation in Montana on the
Overland express he is impressed with the
uniform respect with which the Indians
treat everybody connected with the rail-
road.
THE Indian is no fool" said Great
Northern official with whom 1 discussed
the subject He knows when he is we'll
treated and seldom expects anything I'M
reasonable. This railroad has never know
ingly done an Indian a wrong. We paid
literally for the right to cross the reser-
walton, and any differences that arise are
treated with consideration. We never try
to impose upon the Indians in any way,
nor do we permit them to impose on us.
When trains first began to run through
the reservation, a number of ponies were
killed by accident. We promptly paid for
them, and the owners were satisfied. A
few cunning Sioux thought they saw in
the situation an opportunity to make
money and drove their ponies on the track
to be killed and paid for. We discovered
the trick and appealed to the chief, who
promptly suppressed the iniquity. This
is the nearest approach to a misunder-
standing that we have had"
A good story is told of a big chief who
wanted to trade 100 ponies for locomo-
tive. He did not appreciate the utility of
the prairies at will with the iron horse.
1t took some time and patience to get
the idea out of the chiefs head but he
finally relented. 1t was, however, a great
disappointment
Another story is connected with paw
ment for the right of way through the
reservation. 1t may not be quite accurate
in letter but is true in spirit. The through
express from St. Paul to Helena had not
haara fssrr
dent happened out on the prairie.
A solitary Indian, feathered in stately
fashion and mounted on horse of rare
beauty, occupied a conspicuous position
beside the track, and gave the engineer a
friendly signal to stop. Off went the
steam and gentle touch Of the air-brake
brought the long train 10 a standstn
The red man explained that he repre-
sented his tribe in a matter of right of
way. There had been a mistake and the
railroad ought to pay some more money
In this formal and diplomatic manner, the
Indian explained, the matter was present.
ed for adjustment in full confidence that
the great white chief who built the rail-
road would be just TO his Indian friends.
For the engineer this was poser He
had no idea that he was a diplomat, but
he was, all the same He called the con
ductor, and all three discussed the case.
Inc WnlIe men KNEW IOluiDB Oh I0&
of the matter. The Indian talked like one
who understood his business and was tell
ing the truth,
The amount involved was only few
dollars, and the conductor looked as wise
as possible. He was a man of common
sense sharpened by frontier life. With
due deliberation he wrote out a receipt,
which the Indian ambassador signed and
the engineer witnessed. The money was
paid out of the cash collections, and the
conference was at an end.
The red man mounted his horse and APP
piled the spurs. The engineer stepped in
to the cab and pulled lever.
For an instant a party of Eastern cap
italists occupying an observation car were
face to face with the Indian horseman.
The white men received a lasting i'm
preston of majestic dignity and grace.
The red man was dazzled by a vision
of luxury Of which he had never dream
ed.
The extremes of civilization and saw
agery had met and parted In friendship,
The Indian, according to tribal custom,
reported the success of his mission with
solemn formality and suppressed joy
The train conductor, according to the
regulations of the modern corporation.
made notation to the auditor on blank
form provided for the purpose, explaining
why he was short In his cash. and asking
that his report be held in allegiance until
he could secure the approval of his irreg-
ular act by higher official.
The approval came, with a statement
that the Indian was right. There had
been a mistake in the right of way set
Element. Ii was also stated that the pres
dent of the railroad had intimated that
while rules are sacred things there are
times when common sense may serve a
GOOD purpose,