East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1906-04-11

That soldiers will be brought to the
UmatilIa reservation from Fort Walla
Walia to assist Major Edwards in pre-
serving order, Is now almost certain.
This afternoon Il was learned by
phone from the agency office that
special request for troops has been
made to the government by Major
Edwards, and that a reply by wire Is
expected momentarily. At that time
Major Edwards was absent on the
reservation. and was not expected
home until evening or tomorrow
morning.
However, Miss Edwards, sister of
the agent, stated that the request
was made so as TO be prepared for
any possible uprising. Under the rules
OF the government an agent may call
for troops at any time In case OF ac-
tual trouble. However. In order to
have the soldiers in advance of an
outbreak, special permission is nee
'essary. This is what has been asked
for by Major Edwards, and II is pre-
sumed his request will doubtless be
mt once sent to the agency from the
post at walla Walla.
Thus far there has been no actual
outbreak of any kind upon the res
'ervation. However. In his recent tel
egram TO the department Major Ed
wards expressed fear OF a conflict
in case ranchers attempted to drive
their cattle across the reservation.
Also, the Indians themselves say that
there is danger of the agent being
killed by irresponsible members or
the tribe.
Ask Edwards Removal
AS an outcome of the grievances
which the Indians have been storing
up against Major Edwards, almost
ever since his arrival here a petition
asking for his removal has been
drawn and signed by SO members OF
the tribe.
The paper was drawn up by J. T.
Hinkle. and sets forth numerous and
various faults on the part OF the
agent. Among other things 1t alleges
that he uses his pistol too freely.
swears and Is personally dlsagreeable.
That he shot dogs belonging to the
Indians without sufficient reason,
forced some OF the tribe to have their
hair cut against their will, and oer-
mitted cattle and horses to be taken
across the reservation contrary to the
orders of the department.
DO Not Fear Indian War.
Among those who are familiar with
the conditions on the reservation. the
idea of any trouble with the Indians
is treated as joke. They declare
there are no Sitting Bulls or other
war chiefs to lead the Umatillas to
battle, and consequently do not look
for any field campaign. However
the presence of 'bluecoats on the res
ervation would lend an air of inter-
est that the place has lacked for
many years, and the soldiers would
doubtless make hit, should they
come.
County Roatls the Solution
According to Colonel ]. II. Raley,
their contentious. the solution of the
present difficulty will be forthcoming
when the three proposed county roads
are ordered. Petitions asking for
these roads will be presented at the
next term of county court and will be
acted on favorably by that body.
Then. should the local agent and the
department approve Of the roads, they
will be made county highways and so
open to any kind of travel
At present the proposition of driv-
ing cattle across is all in the air
through conflicting reports that have
been given the department. Several
days ago a special order was wired
allowing John Todd to drive his cat
tie across. Also, n general order per-