great distinction to be chosen
to the bench and the courts administer the law, as they understand
it, with dignity and firmness.[13] There are no lawyers upon the
reservations but a friend may appear for a party to an action, or one
accused of an offense and the trials are conducted with much formality
and the pleas are frequently shrewd and eloquent. Every Indian is an
orator by nature, and the courts afford the best modern opportunities
to display their gifts.

[13] Letter of Major Brennan.

The police force upon all of the reservations is composed of the
natives and they are highly efficient and render great assistance to
the courts in preserving the peace and in bringing offenders to
justice. It is a point of honor for a Sioux policeman to do his whole
duty regardless of obstacle and neither kin nor friend can expect
leniency if he stands in the way of duty, and this is equally true of
the courts. It is not an infrequent thing for the judge to try his son
or near relative and in such cases the accused is sure to get the limit
of the law.[14]

[14] Interview with Solomon Two Stars, hereditary chief of
Sissetons, August, 1901. Monthly South Dakotan, December, 1901.

Without exception the Indian authorities commend the native courts and
policemen for fidelity and effective administration of justice.

Footnotes

[1] Most writers upon Indian life have noted the existence of these
courts. Since undertaking this paper, I have consulted Hump, One Bull,
Wakutemani and Simon Kirk, all intelligent Sioux and, save as otherwise
noted, they are my authorities for the statements herein contained.

[2] Miss Mary C. Collins, for thirty-three years missionary among the
Tetons, especially the Hunkpapa and Blackfoot bands.

[3] Letter of Dr. Thomas L. Riggs, to writer, June, 1903.

[4] Interview with Joseph LaFramboise of Veblen, a Sisseton, at Sioux
Falls, in October, 1900.

[5] Flandreau's Minnesota.

[6] Journal of Lewis and Clark September 26th and 27th, 1804.

[7] Related by Miss Mary C. Collins, April, 1908.

[8] Minnesota Historical Collections, Vol. III.

[9] This treaty was not ratified because of the large expenditure which
would be demanded to uniform and subsist the police force. Afterwards
we spent in a single year for the subjugation of the Sioux sufficient
money to subsist the police for a century.

[10] Rules and Regulations of the Indian Office governing Indian
Reservations.