OCR Text |
Show ggitcossiiry from the fact that tho lav/ contemplated trie fixing of a .price upon such lands as might be coded to tire government by the Indians. The Commission thoroughly and personally informed itself as to all agricultural and grazing lands on the reservation not then allotted, or in contemplation of allotment, to the Uncompahgres, comprising, on this reservation, 43,681.86 acres. The Council was held at White Rocks October 15, 1896, and was largely attended;- all tiie Chiefs and Headmen of the two bands , Uintahs and V/hite Rivers, being present except Chief Tabby oi.' the Uintahs. kept away by reason of great age and infirmities, but who had a personal representative there. Senator Rairiins of Utah attended the Council and addressed the Indians. The whole matter of our mission and purpose was fully explained and understood. The Indians were unanimous and determined in their opposition to making cession to the government of any of their lands; and to allowing any Uintah or V/hite River Indian to take and hold an allotment in severalty on said reservation. The Commission, anxious to make all reasonable efforts to carry out the provisions of the law. and thinking it possible that the Indians on reflection and further conference among themselves, might change their minds,, arranged for a secoad and full Council to be held at White Rocks October 29, 1598. During the two weeks intervening the Commission conferred with individual and influential Indians interested, making plain to them the advantages of each Indian taking his allotment in severalty, and realising as to the residue,if any, rather than let it lie In waste. But all efforts of tire Commission and Senator Rollins were futile, and on re-convening of the Council, October 29th, the Indians were as unanimous and determined as evsr;- reiterating and emphasizing what they had said before. '77.^-j did |