The Umatillas
too long. All day yesterday you talked. We cannot remember what you say."
Wenap-Snoot replied to the numerous suggestions with one of the shortest and pithiest Indian speeches on record:
"I want to say a few words to answer what you have said. I saw Lapwai (Nez Perce) with my own eyes, and I have seen the mouths of the Yakama with my own eyes; I have seen the Yakama reservation (Simcoe) with my own eyes, and I have seen Walloa Valley with my own eyes, and all the Snake country away South I have seen with my own eyes, and all these countries. I have seen all them with my own eyes, and none of these countries would suit me."
The numerous speeches bring out many interesting phases of Indian thought. The dignified earnestness of all their utterances indicates the seriousness with which the Indians regarded this coming again of the white man. "God hears me now," said Pierre, "and he hears you; we have spoken plainly to one another, and not with bad hearts. I have no wish to go and see that country you talked to us about. I have no wish for any other country."
And Uma-pine: "I believe you think your bodies are dear to you in the same way we value our land. It is dear to us—dear to every one of us. We know every day there is some bargain made."
On the morning of the sixth day some one brought
37
