Rensselaer Republican, Volume 23, Number 23, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 5 February 1891 — INDIANS AT CHURCH. [ARTICLE]

INDIANS AT CHURCH.

Spotted Elk and -Other Chiefs Reco.ves an Ovation {Vein the Bon Ton. A remarkable scene was presented at the Congregational church, Washington, immediately after the services closed on the Ist. It was a levee to a number of the Sioux Indians who participated in the Wounded Knee slaughter, recently. Just before Dr. Newman read his text one of the interpreters from Pine Ridge, now in the city with the blood-thirsty braves of the Sioux nation, entered the church, followed by Spotted Elk, the long-haired, fat and sleek chief, who was prominent in the recent outbreak. Behind him came “Major” Swords, tall, middle-aged, straight as an arrow, with short hair and an air of nervousness. Then came Spotted Horse, whose name has appeared in some way connected with the principal engagements in the Pine Ridge campaign. The congregation was very large, numbering probably 1,000, and in a body it turned its head toward the savage visitors, then rose to its feet. The choir misted a few bars of the anthem. It was some minutes before there was quiet No sooner was the benediction pronounced than occurred a jam in the direction of the Sioux. It required fifteen minutes for them to wend their way through the crowd. Old men, young men, women and Children flocked around, and extending their trembling hands, said, “Howdy ” The braves enjoyed the sensation, and for once showed their teeth and. responded. “Huw!” In the large vestibule and classroom, which Were made one, the big three followed the interpreter and a formal reception was held. In the immense auditoriun , where the levee was begun, Dr. Hiss ehotf, the blind organist, with the elephantine instrument, made so much good ' music (remembering, doubtless, that “mu* sic hath charms to soothe tbe savage breast'’) that tbe Indians were bewild- I ered, and the interpreter feared they ! might become excited and raise the war- j hoop. | It was a sigl t worth seeing and going miles to enjoy—the three Indians ranged off in line, true Washington fashion, ini the center of the prayer-meeting room of one of the leading churches of tbe National capital, receiving the attentions of the people. Congressmen and Senators, their wives and daughters, were among tha gazer*. Tho Indians, less than a fortnight

I since were prowling around Pine Ridge ( trying to cut some white man’s throat To- ! day they were the heroes of the capital. It was a proud moment Tor them, and when the women innocently inquired whether Spotted Elk was a man or woman, withou t noticing hia untutored garb, Old Spot smiled, rubbed his hands together and looked as tboughhe would enjoy taking a few hundred of the fine wigs about him What the moral effect upon the savages the worship of them will have was,considered by statesmen a serious problem.