Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1912-12-21
APACHES ARE FREED
Government to Select Reserva-
ton In Wes. for indians.
Tribe Long Held Prisoner OF War
After Conflict With MexIeaas and
nerlcans--Never Mixed
With Whites.


Scott, representing the war depart
ment. and Lieut.. Ernest Stocker'
Anadarko agent, representing the de-
partment of the interior were APP
pointed to select the new homes Tor
the 269 Apache prisoners of war neid
by the United States government at
Fort Sill, Oklahoma.
The last session OF congress granted
liberty to these Indians, after holding
them prisoners of war for twenty-six
years, and the committee of two VIII
select for them an open reservation
somewhere in the west. but the PROB
abilities are that their new home VIII
not be within the boundaries OF either
New Mexico or Arizona. A reserva'
ton in either OF those states might
incits In the savage Apache Indians
a memory of their forefathers' con-
quests and defeats. within those
boundaries, and render their reimprls-
oament necessary
The Apache tribe is one OF the few
tribes that never assimilated the
white mans way of living. and since
the year OF 1858 have not been on
friendly terms with any member or
the white race.
In that year one division Of the six
branches into which the tribe is
livided. went from the eastern line OF
NriZona. where they were ranging,
oto Old Mexico on a trading expedi-
ion. When near the outpost OF the
Kas-ki-yeh they camped. and, leaving
their women and children, proceeded
toward Casa Grande. Citizens from
that town met them and entered into
treaty of peace with them. though
the Mexican government had placed
price upon their heads, paying 500
for a warrior, $50 for squaw and
S25 for dead Indian child.
While in Casa Grande, trading.
Mexican soldiers took advantage. OF
their absence from camp and set up
on the defenseless women and chill
dren, killing all within camp. When
the warriors returned In the evening
the Mexican soldiers opened fire upon
them and the Apaches, being armed
with bows ana arrows, were exter-
minated, excepting Geronimo. who at
that time was young brave. and one
other Apache. In this massacre Ger
onimo lost his wife and child. and,
according to hi own statement made
after he became a prisoner of war
of the United States. he swore eter.
nal hostility to all Mexicans.
Geronimo returned to Arizona and
! sought aid from the other Eve Apache
tribes. in seeking revenge on the
/ Mexicans. The citizens of Casa
/ Grande sent him a disclaimer Of all
/ knowledge of the massacre of his
people after they had entered into the
trading treaty with his band in Old
! Mexico, but Geronimo could never un-
/ derstand how It was the citizens had
no control over these acts of the
soldiers, and from that year until 1885
made annual raids upon the settle
ments within 300 miles OF the north
ern boundary OF Mexico.
The Apaches, while on their excur-
sions to Mexico, ran of some cattle
4 that we're in charge of white cowboys,
and shortly thereafter United States
troops made their appearances, and
the Apaches always professed to be-
lieve they came in response to the
Mexican governments appeal for aid
in DISCRIMINATING the Apaches.
Geronimo died about eighteen
months ago, and most of the old race
of warriors had preceded him to the
grave. and now the general govern
nent believes the younger generation
can be once more trusted to run at
arge on ain open reservation.
The failure of the Apache Indians to
assimilate the ways OF civilization
which finally resulted in their becom-
ing prisoners of war, was no doubt
due in large measure to the ascend
ency Geronimo had over the mem
bers of his tribe. whom he kept con-
stantly avenging the wrongs he and
his relatives suffered at the hands OF
the Mexicans and Americans.