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Show FORTY YEARS AMONG THE INDIANS. 2OI next day, where he desired to see all the chiefs and have a big talk with them. There were some thirty of the principal Indians came over. Douglas, of the White river Utes, who spoke English, being at the head. Mr Dodge had employed several interpreters to assist in the talk. He wished to be fully understood. For some cause he seemed to rather slight me as inter-preter; so when the meeting was opened Mr. Dodge commenced and made quite a speech, and called on one of his interpreters to explain what he had said and invited the Indians to reply. The speech was interpreted, but the Indians said nothing. Then another speech was made and another interpreter explained with the same results. Finally, Mr. Dodge was determined to make an impression. He began and told the Indians of his love for the red man ; and of his big heart that swelled so large that all the ties of home and friends could not hold it back, but it had grown in him till it had reached clear out to the wilds of the Rocky Mountains, penetrating into the camps of the much abused natives ; that he was here as their friend, sent here by " Washington" to see that all their rights were respected and grievances redressed. Still there was no answer from the Indians. Mr. Dodge was now almost exhausted. The Indians recog-nized me as their representative and were intent on silence until I was noticed. Finally I said to Mr. Dodge: " With your permission I will talk a little to the chiefs present. I have been acting as their friend and I think they will talk if I request them to." He said he would like to hear what the principal men had to say. I told the Indians to explain to Mr. Dodge why they had left the agency and what their |
