Viewing page 26 of 100

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

-23-

detest raw meat."

The conversation that followed was exciting and I forgot all about Standing Bear.  Toward the close of the meal he touched my arm and said:

"What am I to do. I can't possible eat any more and i have no way to take it away."

There was a look of distress on his face that showed he was in serious trouble. I instantly comprehended the difficulty. Among Indians it is compulsory, either to eat all that is given you or take it away when you retire. Not to do so is a rank insult to your host. That colored waiter had been watching the old chief and as fast as on slice of roast beef disappeared another was placed on his plate, and Standing Bear had come to the end of his endurance test. ...

Standing Bear was the most noted Ponca Chief. Born about 1829, died in 1908. Hero of a dramatic and romantic story - the return of part of the Ponca Tribe to Nebraska from Indian  Territory in 1879. The celebrated legal case of the United States versus Standing Bear, decided by Judge Dundy of the Federal District Court of Omaha established a new doctrine in the history of Indians - the right of an Indian to become a citizen of the United States.  In 1879-'80 Standing Bear, accompanied by Susette La Flesche, Francis Las Flesche (Suzette's brother), and Thomas H. Tibbels lectured in the principal cities in the United States in be-half of Indian rights. ...