| | 1 | Author: | Anonymous | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | Three Noted Chiefs of the Sioux  | | | | Published: | 1994 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Library, Text collection | UVA-LIB-Text | | | | Description: | THE delusion of the coming of the Messiah among the Indians of
the Northwest, with the resulting ceremony known as the ghost
dance, is indicative of greater danger of an Indian war in that
region than has existed since 1876. Never before have diverse
Indian tribes been so generally united upon a single idea. The
conspiracy of Pontiac and the arrayment of savage forces by
Tecumseh are insignificant by comparison. The conditions do not
exist that ordinarily have led to wars upon the Western frontier.
The peril of the situation lies in the fanaticism which may carry
the superstitious and excitable Indian to the point of hostilities
in defiance of all hope of ultimate success; and the uncertainty of
this element baffles the judgment of the oldest frontiersman, in
the effort to determine the extent of the danger. A single spark
in the tinder of excited religious gatherings may precipitate an
Indian war more sanguinary than any similar war that has ever
occurred. The hope of peace lies in the judicious display of
force, united with conciliation, by the United States authorities,
helped by the coming of severely cold weather, which would make an
outbreak obviously hopeless, and allow time for the delusion to
dissipate. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
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