The Billings gazette. [volume] (Billings, Mont.) 1896-1919, 1909-03-30


II o'clock tonight for Pierce.
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla, March 20.
"A detachment of Crazy Snakes band
of belligerent Indians was surround
ed by deputy sheriffs this afternoon
near near Crazy Snakes home and a
lively battle ensued.
More than 200 shots were fired and
one Indian was killed. Eight Indians
were captured and the rest fled with
the deputies in pursuit. There were
about fifteen Indians in the band that
had taken refuge in house. Depu-
ties had traced them for some dis
tance and were informed by farmer
of their location.
Advancing from all four sides, the
posse fired at the frail house. The
Indians rushed out, scattered among
the trees and made valiant defense.
The posse firing all the while, stead
lily advanced and soon routed the
band. None of those captured is seri-
ously injured, but it is known that
number of Indians were hit by the
posses, Shots
Crazy Snakes band apparently has
broken up into numerous small
groups. 1t seemed at nightfall that
each was trying to accomplish his own
escape, without regard for the grand
dreams of the chieftain to realize
which they were called together Sum
day by the smoke of signal fires. All
efforts to put forth an organized re-
sistance seems to have been dropped
with the sinking of the sun. The mi
litiamen seemed we'll able to cope
with this latest phase of the situation,
however, which became evident late
this afternoon. They, too, scattered
out into bands. They invaded the hilly
and wooded districts of the Creek ma
tion in a determined effort to hunt
down the war party. The wisdom of
their policy at once became evident,
for by Z o'clock tonight they had cap
tured eight permanent members of
Crazy Snakes forces, including Little
Tiger, sub-chief.
The captives were started for the
camp at Hickory Grounds under heavy
guard. Orders were isued that the
search be kept up and numerous par
ties went out during the early hours
OF the night to round up the rene
gades. AS fast as they are captured
they will be hurried to Hickory
Grounds, where a RECOMMENDATION
camp will be established. This morn
ing the military authorities expected
to avoid pitched battle, but regarded
1t as certain that numerous smaller
engagements would be fought.
The Indian killed by the posse was
the only fatality of the day reported
to Colonel Hoffman. There are nu-
merous rumors of engagements here
and there with varying numbers of
fatalities. 1t is reported that posse
of farmers near Checotoah fought
large band of negro renegades and
killed 20. This, with similar reports,
cannot be confirmed. A very disquiet-
ing condition existed throughout the
troubled district, however, and almost
anything in the way of fight would
not be surprising. Deputy Sheriff
Frank Jones early today reported to
his superiors at Checotoah that he be-
lieved his posse had part of Crazy
Snakes band surrounded, including
the chief himself. This gave rise to
a story that the leader was killed. No
confirmation of this could be obtained
and it probably is incorrect, as no.
body could be found tonight who had
seen Crazy Snake during the day.
AS the troops prepared to enter
upon the activities of the night it was
thought that he had carried out his
intention of seeking refuge in the
Hickory hills, and that he was sup
ported there by some of his leaders.
Scores of cowboys and frontiersmen,
all expert gun fighters, Joined the mi
litiamen in the chase during the day
and evening They know the rugged