The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1904-04-03
PICTURESQUE
SIGHT AT HAND
May 8 Will Witness a Formal
Inauguration.
HORSE CHIEF is SUPREME
Tribe Will Be Bedecked in
Gorgeous Blankets.

Guthrie. o. T., April 2.-Ranch No. 101
promises one Of those unusual events in
May.
On Sunday afternoon. May s, the prairie
on 101 Ranch, near Bliss o. T., will pre-
sent a most picturesque sight. the occa-
sion being the formal inauguration Of
Horse Chief. who was chosen at the sun
dance of the Poncas last June 10 succeed
white Eagle, his father, as chief of the
tribe. While all ceremonies of the Pom
cas- are most interesting and impressive.
this will be a most elaborate spectacle,
in which the entire tribe, painted. feath-
cred and bedecked in their gorgeous blaII-
kets, will participate and will have as
their guests representatives from nearly
all the tribes in the territory, making
total of nearly 1900 Indians. who VIII
be encamped in the neighborhood several
days before and after the celebration.
While an ordinary gathering of Indians
is Of great interest to the average Amer
lean, the scene on this occasion will be
extraordinarily interesting because of
the elaborate costumes the Indians will
wear on account OF the important cere-
mony which will take place and the
knowledge amongst the Indians that this
will probably be the last occasion of this
kind in which they will have the oppor-
tunity to poraicipate, due to the fact that
nearly all of the tribes have been greatly
reduced in numbers within the past geii-
GRAFTON, while each succeeding year finds
the tribe educated to a state of entire
civilization through the influence of edu-
cation at some of the many Indian schools
which nearly all of the younger genera
ton are attending. While the Poncas
have made themselves famous by main.
tanning absolutely unbroken peace with
the whites for nearly a century. they still
maintain their primitive manners and
customs to a greater degree than any OF
the ather reservation Indians; in fact
they are one of the few tribes of so-called
blanket Indians now remaining on the
reservations.
The buffalo is very must interviewer
with with the traditions of the Poncas, a
buffalo skull being placed at the foot of
their altar during the sun dance, while
it has been the custom for centuries
past for a new chief to select his council
from the warriors most successful in the
buffalo hunt, the retiring chief, White
Eagle, having chosen his council by such
means.
In order that the new chief may select
his council in like manner. the Poncas
have prevailed upon Mr.. ]. C. Miller,
president of The 101 Live Stock company
to secure for them a buffalo to be used
80, ~.
that Horse Chief may select his advisors
in accordance with the ancient custom.
of the tribe. While they will not hunt
the buffalo as did their forefathers, Il
60-acre aren't has been arranged, to be in
closed with cattle proof woven wire fence
six feet in height within which the chase
will be held. Instead of shooting the but
falo, the Indians will be divided into
bands. each having its own goal through
which the buffalo is to be driven ana
from the band successful in driving the
buffalo through its goal the new chief
will select his advisors arrangements
having been made to protect the Indians
against serious injury by the buffalo.
After the buffalo chase the chief Will Sc
lect his council of ten and the inaugu
which the wishing Indians will extend
their congratulations TO the new rulers
of the Ponca tribe.
In order to entertain their visitors and
make the celebration of a historical chal-
acter. the Poncas have requested Mr..
J. c. Miller. known TO them as Musata-
montha CThe Progressively to have the
cowboys OF 101 ranch and their friends
from neighboring ranches. give an exhf-
bition of rounding up and branding cat
tie, also of riding and roping. thus Illus
trating life on the plains past and pre-
ent. For the roundup the cowboys will
use a herd of nearly 1000 cattle from
which they will cut out the younger AMI
mails and give an exhibition of branding,
by roping and riding contests,
prizes 10 be offered of two 500 saddles
for the best rider and roper On account
cowboys of the territory this will be in
itself the most exciting event Of the kind
which has ever taken place.
The Indians have agreed to allow spec
tators TO witness this remarkable exhibit
ton. but no admission will be charged.
For the accommodation of those desiring
TO witness this exhibition the Santa Fr
will run special trains reaching Bliss
a bout noon and leaving after the enter
tainment or about 6 p. m while the
Miller Bros. will be prepared TO serve
light refreshments to all visitors al ROM
inal cost. For the convenience and COM
fort of spectators circus seats have been
secured and will be placed near The arena,
having been made 70 &C
about 90 people. In addi-
ton to the comfort OF the spectators.
plans for their safety and protection have
been perfected. while the seats will have
a canvas covering as protection from
rain
Aside from being an historical evenr,
which in itself would attract thousa nGs
Of people. the tremendous scale on which
the entertainment will be conducted and &
the great number OF participants VII
make il an event long 70 be remembered
and worth long trip 70 witness WhhS
several thousand are expected to attend !
from territory within 80 niles az Bliss,
there will be large delegations from Kan
sas City. 81. Joe. Fort Worth, Dallas and
other distant points while there viii
doubtless be many visitors from the far
east and ives. who will stop over on theft 4
way to ana from Texas.