Secretary explained the boundaries fixed in
the treaty of 1868. Red Cloud looked on with great interest. He said he
was asked to sign the treaty merely to show that he was peaceable, and
not to grant their lands. He continued, saying, "This is the first time
I have heard of such a treaty, and I do not mean to follow it. I want
to know who was the interpreter who interpreted these things to the
Indians." The names of three were mentioned, and he said, "I know
nothing about it. It was never explained to me."

_Bear-in-the-Grass_ said, "The Great Spirit hears me to-day. I tell
nothing but what is true when I say these words of the treaty were not
explained. It was only said the treaty was for peace and friendship
among the whites. When we took hold of the pen they said they would
take the troops away so we could raise children."

Secretary Cox explained that the treaty was signed by more than two
hundred different Sioux of all the bands.

_Red Cloud_--"I do not say the Commissioners lied, but the interpreters
were wrong. I never heard a word only what was brought to my camp. When
the forts were removed, I came to make peace. You had your war houses.
When you removed them, I signed a treaty of peace. We want to
straighten things up."

_Secretary Cox._--"I have been very careful so that no mistake may be
made, and that our words should be as open as daylight, so we may
understand what binds the Sioux and ourselves: We are trying to get
Congress to carry out our promises, and we want the Indians to do their
part. We simply say that this is the agreement made as we remember. We
have copies printed. We will give one to Red Cloud so it can be
interpreted to him exactly what it is."

_Red Cloud_ said, "All the promises made in the treaty have never been
fulfilled. The object of the whites is to crush the Indians down to
nothing. The Great Spirit will judge these things hereafter. All the
words I sent never reached the Father. They are lost before they get
here. I am chief of the thirty-nine nations of Sioux. I will not take
the paper with me. It is all lies."

The Secretary distributed copies of the treaty to the interpreting
agents and traders present, and adjourned the council till next day, in
order that meantime the provisions of the treaty be explained to the
Indians.

_Final Interview._

They appeared to be much depressed, having reflected over the
proceedings of the day before. They reluctantly came to the meet