Page:The Early Indian Wars of Oregon.djvu/334

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temperate speeches in favor of peace. But Limpy ad dressed the council in a torrid burst of savage eloquence on the aggressiveness of white men, and his determination not to permit his native country to become alienated to them. During this inflammatory speech, whose effect upon others could be Percéived, General Lane sat smiling thoughtfully, but whispered to Captain Miller, "Keep your eye on that d d scoundrel," which was equivalent to an order to keep his hand on his pistol. But the hostage of chief Jo s son was better security against treachery than the single revolver, and the party came safely out of a dangerous trap in which they were apparently fatally enmeshed. These appearances led Lane to require other hostages before the treaty council appointed for September eighth took place; and led also to the wearing of arms by the volunteers who assembled in the vicinity of the In dian camp, although the high contracting parties were un armed.

By the terms of the treaty, the United States acquired the whole of the Rogue-river valley, one hundred square miles on the north side of the river, in the vicinity of Table Rock, being reserved for a temporary home for the Indians. The price agreed upon was sixty thousand dol lars, fifteen thousand being deducted for indemnity for losses of property by the settlers through the war. Of the remaining forty-five thousand, five thousand was to be ex pended in agricultural implements and goods chosen by the superintendent, on or before the first day of September, 1854, and in paying for such improvements as had been made by white settlers on the lands reserved. The re maining forty thousand was to be paid in sixteen annual installments, commencing at the above date, and payable in Indian goods, blankets, stock, and farming utensils. Each of the chiefs was to have a dwelling-house erected, at a cost of not more than five hundred dollars, which houses were to be put up as soon after the ratification of the treaty as practicable. When the nation was removed