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Show 72 Ute Delegations, 1863-1905 could not determine which People were responsible for the killings. They requested that Ouray bring in for trial the twelve men named by the women. Ouray agreed but only on the condition that they be tried in Washington, D.C. and not in Colorado. He explained: The Colorado people are all our enemies and to give our men up to be tried in this state would be as if we gave them up, knowing that they would be hung instantly. . . . You hate me. ... I have not one friend amoung you. You will not give me justice.12 Of the twelve men accused by the women, only Douglas came in. Therefore, he and a group of Ute leaders were sent to Washington, D.C. in March 1880, to testify before an investigating committee of the United States Congress. But, Douglas was not allowed to plead his people's case. He was taken from the delegation and imprisoned without trial at Fort Leavenworth.13 In traveling from the reservation, the Ute delegation was stoned and nearly lynched at Pueblo, Colorado. Ouray was suffering from kidney disease. All of the delegates were probably tired and discouraged after the long investigation at Los Pinos following the Meeker incident. After arriving in Washington, they were subjected to a farcical congressional hearing. It was essentially a rehash of grievances that the whites had against the People.14 The question of what to do with the Ute People who took part in the Meeker revolt was discussed with the delegation. Ouray was at first opposed to removing the White River Utes. The government seemed to be reluctant to go against his wishes, since he had been of valuable service in putting down the revolt and rescuing the captives. However, Ouray, because of the killings, was at a disadvantage. He and the other leaders were finally persuaded to sign an agreement 6 March 1880. The agreement provided that not only the White Rivers be moved from the Colorado reservation, but also the Uncompahgre. 1881 Delegation There was great discontent among the Uncompahgre People the winter of 1880-81. The annuity payments were delayed. Shavano's son was killed by a white freighter who was in turn killed |
