The Holly chieftain., 1923-07-26

No sooner had Fort Phil Kearney, Fort 9. F.
Smith and Fort Reno been built than Red Cloud
laid siege to them. In December he cut of and
killed 81 soldiers and officers in what is popularly
known as the ''Fetterman massacre" and for the
next year he waged his war 30 successfully that
the government was forced to sue for peace. The
peace commission arrived ut Fort Laramie early
in 1885, but Red Cloud sent word that he would
have nothing to do with them until the forts were
abandoned and the soldiers were withdrawn from
the country. It was not until November 6, after
the last soldier had marched away, that he ap-
peared at Fort Laramie to sign. He had won
every point for which he had been fighting. 1t was
a square backdown for the government and com.
plete victory for the Ogalala leader.
This treaty, besides providing for permanent
peace between the Sioux and the United States
gave to the Indians all of the present state of
South Dakota, west Of the Missouri river, including
the Black Hills for their absolute and undis-
turbed use and occupation" 1t also expressly
agreed that into the country north Of the Platte
river and east Of the Big Horn mountains no
white man should enter without permission Ct
the Sioux. ss5
In 1871, surveyors for the Northern Pacific rail
road began laying route along the south bank of
the Yellowstone river The Sioux declared this
was violation of the treaty Of 1858. The govern
ment ignored the protest and forts were built
along the line of the railroad
Heretofore there had been two outstanding fig-
land-Red Cloud Of the Ogaalas and Spotted Tail
Of the Brules. Now enters third, Sitting Bull.
chief and medicine man of the Uncpapas, whose
territory was now being profaned by the "iron
horse OF the white man." The Brules and the
Ogalalas were indignant, but would not join in
general war. SO the work proceeded.
Once more the golden thread appeared. In 1874,
Gen. Phil Sheridan commander Of the department
of the Missouri, decided that effective control of
the Sioux along the Northern Pacific depended
upon establishment Of military post In the Black
Hills So he sent Gen. G. A. Custer to make
reconnaissance Of the region. The Indians declared
this violation of the treaty of the most fragrant
Sort Custer finished his scout and made glow
Ing report on the region. To cap 1t all, he added
word-goldi
When the word went out, "Gold in the Black
Hills!" there n stampede Sheridan tried in
vain to stem the tide Of goldseekers. His soldiers
captured the miners, escorted them out of the
Hills and destroyed their outfits But display
Of military force could keep gold-nad people
from this promised land. In 1875 Prof Walter p.
Jenney. geologlst, under military escort {another
violation Of the treaty, the Sioux declared), ex-
plored the Black Hills and corroborated Custer.
There was nothing to do but try to buy the Black
Hills from the Sioux
The government sent commission to treat with
them BY this time the Indians were convinced
that "Pah-sap-pah'" represented vast storehouse
of wealth for which the white man would be will
ing to pay almost any price. But they We're divid
ed in opinion to what policy to pursue. One
faction was willing to sign an absolute relinquish
ment, but another would not part with their loved
Hills for any price. (
The valuation set upon the region by the Sioux
ranged from s400OOOOO to s70,OO0,OOO Believing
that there was no chance of obtaining reinquish-
ment of the region the commissioners sought the
consent of the Indians to allow mining to be car
ried on under lease system. They offered an
,f TOrt riU To p,tpo
cultivate the SOIL or, an alternative, a sum Of
S6GO00OO for the outright purchase Of the Hills
The councils. held at Red Clouds agency the
White river. We're marked by scenes of disorder
and bloodshed was prevented only by the firm stand
of Young Man Afraid of His Horse hereditary
chief of the Ogalalas. All efforts to effect
promise proved fruitless and the council ended in
no bargain at all. The Sioux were desperate. The
horde of miners still pouring into the Hills.
One camp alone Custer City. had population Of
1000 Tie Indians also noted that the military
had slackened its efforts to bar the stampeders.
In the winter of 1S75-76 many Of the Sioux, In