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Show 74 Ute Delegations, 1863-1905 Thus, the purpose for inviting this delegation, like all others, was not to listen to the grievances of the People. Instead, the government wanted to impress upon them the futility of their complaints, the powerlessness of their position. In 1888 a special Indian agent visiting the Uncompahgre Reservation noted Ute discontent: Agent Byrnes seemed to have their (the Ute) friendship and confidence. But all seemed to feel that they had been deeply wronged. Colorow, Chepetah [sic] and the others, thought if they could only go to Washington, the Great Father would be able to get the great white council to pay them for their late terrible losses. They say they have been to Washington before (old Colorow begged most earnestly for the favor and says he would like to go there once more before he dies).18 Colorow's request was not granted. And President Cleveland did not get the white council (Congress) to pay the People for their loss of land. 1897 Delegation In June 1897 Congress passed an act requiring allotments be made on the Uncompahgre Reservation. All lands not allotted were to be opened to settlement 1 April 1898. Congress acted without the consent of the Uncompahgre which resulted in their protest. Late that year a delegation of Uncompahgre leaders (Chavanaux, Galota, McCook, and Eggleston) went to speak with the Secretary of Interior C. N. Bliss. Their agent explained: The Indians gave as a reason for desiring the delegation that the lines of their reservation have been established by a man who said he came from Washington [D. C. Oakes in 1884] and now these lines were taken away; that they had signed many papers, but Washington says now they were no good. But if their Chiefs and headmen could stand face-to-face with the secretary and hear the words spoken, and he said for them to do so, they would take allotment.19 The Secretary met with the Uncompahgre delegation. He informed them that the 1880 Agreement provided for allotments and that these were now to be made. The delegates then agreed to accept the allotments, including those on the Uintah Reservation.20 |