Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Mission: Conquer Sitting Bull

All of the Plains Indian chiefs had surrendured but Sitting Bull, who had fled with a small tribe to the Grandmother Land, or Canada. The United States Government did not want an Indian out of their clutches, so liased with Canada to "turn over" Sitting Bull. This Indian chief returned to a reservation to be hailed as a hero.

When the Transcontinental Railroad was completed, he was invited to make a speech about it at one of the many celebrations. A young army officer was the translator. Knowing that only the officer could understand him, Sitting Bull launched into a speech cursing all white men. He would smile, bow, then throw out a few more insults. The bewildered officer took the stage with his battered translations, of which he had written down a few friendly words, but adding some known Indian words, the audience rose to congratulate Sitting Bull on a speech well-given. In fact, his speech was such a success that a railroad official took Sitting Bull to another city for another speech. Sitting Bull was then invited to join the Wild West Show, where he gave out autographs for coins.

When the Messiah came, asking the Indians to dance the Ghost Dance, Sitting Bull was arrested for participating in this dance. He was killed as they led him away.

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