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Show Ute Delegations, 1863-1905 73 by the Uncompahgre. And a growing number of People asserted that they would not leave the Uncompahgre Valley. Agent William H. Berry suggested that a delegation of them be sent to Washington, D.C. There they would be able to talk to the new Secretary of Interior, and Sapavanero's influence among his people would be strengthened. (Sapavanero was appointed by the government as Ouray's successor.) Consequently, Berry escorted a delegation which included Sapavavero, McCook (Chipeta's brother), Piah, and Joe to Washington in March 1881. They met with Secretary Kirkwood and the Colorado congressional representatives. The People explained that they had only sold the mountains and mineral lands of the reservation. However, Kirkwood maintained that they had given up all of the lands and were to be resettled in Colorado or Utah.15 These Ute People were removed to Utah. The next several years were degrading and difficult for them. Their lands and hunting grounds disappeared to white control. They became destitute and had to resort to stealing and begging to survive. Many councils were held to try and solve these problems. Leaders even consulted with the reservation agents. However, they were usually disappointed with the results. Lacking confidence in the agents, they requested several times that they be allowed to consult directly with the Indian Office in Washington, D.C. 1886 Delegation In 1886, for example, four Uncompahgre delegates and an interpreter traveled to Washington to talk to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs. Their agent remarked: This tribe is thoroughly wild and uncivilized, with all the prejudice and ignorance incidental to that state. . . . They do not realize their own insignificance and appreciate the power of the Federal Government. . . . They distrust the agent and employees in all things, and think, or pretend to, that he is constantly swindling them and conspiring against their rights and liberties. . . . They have a number of imaginary grievances they wish to have corrected and, having no confidence in the agent, wish to confer with you personally.1*' He suggested that a conference with the Commissioner would ". . . make them understand the department is strong enough to enforce its laws, it would be folly to resist its authority."17 |