New-York tribune., 1902-12-14
GOODNESS OFC. f. CONRAD
Stories Of HIS Experiences Of Ind
inns IN Northern WOntana.

The recent death Of c. Z Conrad. one OF the
pioneers of Northern Montana and one Of its best
known and highly respected citizens. recalled many
interesting stories in which he was the central
figure He was member of the convention which
framed the constitution of the State. he founded
the town in which his beautiful home was built
he was the president OF the town site company and
of the bank had large interests in many inapor-
+ant business enterprises. but never aspired to
public ofice.
One of his friends speaking of the dead man.
said: He OF the coolest men in the face
of danger that I ever knew He was also one Of
the best Indian traders that ever came 70 this
country. He had great power over the Indians.
and made tharn do as he wished He mem
Der of Mosby's band. which became famous IN the
Civil War for its daring, although he was ONLY
sixteen years old when he joined the command
L remember" said of his old friends one
time when he was one of small party sent TO the
BIackfoot Reservation to arrest an Indian boy
who had been charged with killing a calf belonging
10 the Conrad Company There were at least nve
thousand warriors camped at the place We found
the bov and neither he his father denied that
We had the right person Just / had put the
bow on a horse and binding him there the
father raised his rifle. Ievelled il at my head and
said something I could not understand The leader
of our party whipped OUT his six shooter and was
about TO shoot the Indian who was aiming at me-
Another Indian gave a warwhoOp, and in a mo-
rnent we were surrounded BY a thousand warriors.
nearly all OF whom were armed Things looked
Tor ana II FtealS our lSdusE, HaQ
shot we would have been wiped of the face OF the
Garth But Mr. Conrad grabbed his gun and COM
peIed him to put it UP. told the Indians that the
bow would not be harmed if they allowed him to
go with US: that ne would be tried at Benton for
killing the calf and that. even If he were found
guilty. ne would be returned safe and well And
If YOU kill US he said the soldiers viii come and
kill YOU all Make the father OF the boy put down
his rifle and will promise not TO hurt the boy
The rife was taken from the angry father. but
Ee for IN rFf7e
away Conrad. after perleying with them for quite
awhile in vain. told to draw guns but not
10 shoot until had to- Then he told the Indians
that the first man who touched the horses reins
he wouIu kill instantly. and that If they gave Us
anv trouble we would kill the boy. even if we all
had to be killed in return After moments hesi-
tation they began 10 give way as we advanced
When we were clear of them We put up guns.
and were thankful that through the courage and
good management Of Mr- Conrad We had escaped
with our lives. The boy got years the
penitentiary. and returned 10 his tribe a better
man. having learned trade in prison
Another friend told story of how Mr.. Conrad
had been taught lesson in hospitality by
Indian Conrad used TO have cabin near his
place Of business" said the story teller. where he
allowed the Indians to put up when they came to
trace one day an ,.,, old Indian ; known % as Tai
fine lot OF skins and furs. and Conrad being
himself and his FAMILY home in the cabin. when
they did. The next day the Indians wares were
examined. and a trade highly satisfactory to the
white man was consummated- But Tail Feather
was so we'll pleased with the cabin and it's COM
forts that he toId- his host that he would stay
several weeks Conrad hinted that other Indians
might come ard require the place cut the old
Indian would not take a hint, and finally had TO
be told that he must move
1 will go said the crafty old man. but YOU
have taught lesson Next year. when come
with load skins, I will trade when 7 am
ready to return home. and not when l arrive
have learned that you like better before than
after the trade Mr.. Conrad said that Tail Feather
had taught him good lesson IN politeness a. well
as in Indian business Matters