Page:History of Goodhue County, Minnesota.djvu/115

 HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTS 81 traders, and by the commissioners, too, and that his opinions were the result of substantial considerations. If the charge were true, the conduct of Little Crow was somewhat strange. He spoke against considering the treaty until the money that was being held hack should be paid in hand. He demanded a reserva- tion that should come down the Minnesota to Traverse des Sioux, and he wanted all the money and goods, and the most favorable terms generally that could be had. He was in frequent consulta- tion with the commissioners during the days of waiting, and at the last announced that he was ready to sign the treaty, although some of the Indians had sworn that they would shoot the first man of their tribe who put his hand to the goose quill prepara- tory to subscribing to the hated contract. Monday, August 5. was an eventful day in the deliberations. The council met at 11 o'clock in the morning, and Chief Good Road, of one of the bands about Fort Snelling. was the first speaker. He said: "We have several things to say about the various matters before we sign this treaty.'' Colonel Lea replied: "The treaty has been prepared after we have all agreed as to its terms, and it is best not to delay any further. We will have the treaty read in English and explained in the Dakotah language, so that all can see that it is a good treaty." Rev. S. R. Riggs, the missionary, read the treaty slowly, and explained it in Sioux very fully. Governor Ramsey then said: 'The chiefs and head men have heard the treaty in their own language. Who will sign first .'" There was a silence of some minutes, when Colonel Lea indicated that Little Crow should be the first to sign, but the chief smiled and shook his head. At last Wabasha arose and said : "You have requested us to sign this paper, and you have told these people standing around that it is for their benefit; but I do not think so. In the treaty you have read you mention a lot about farmers, schools, physicians, traders and half-breeds, who are to be paid out of the money. To all of these I am opposed. You see these chiefs sitting around here. They and some others, who are dead, went to Washington twelve years ago and made a treaty in which some things were said ; but we were not bene- fited by them, and I want them struck out of this one. We want nothing but cash for our lands. Another thing : You have named a place for our home, but it is a prairie country. I am a man used to the woods, and do not like the prairies ; perhaps some of these who are here will name a place we would all like better. Another thing; when I went to Washington to see our Great Father, he asked us for our land, and we gave it to him. and he agreed to furnish us with provisions and goods for twenty years. I wish to remain in this country until that time expires.