Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 30:30 — 14.0MB)
The little fort at the gateway of the West sits anxiously awaiting, to witness whether Sitting Bull and his party of 200 squaws and braves will consent to surrender. CBS reporters take you there to report on the events. Will the notorious indian chief listen to reason, and talk peace with the army officers? Will it turn out to go the same as the encounter with Colonel Custer did at Wounded Knee?
Going to a remote reporter, we drop in on life in the quiet indian camp. An interpreter reads the smoke signal, as we learn of the dedication of the impoverished people to their chief. Do the people understand the ways of civilization? The interpreter summarizes the plight of the indian, as the government whittled away their age old home land. The Bureau Chief tries to justify the government need to claim the land, and move the natives into reservations. Is Captain Clifford’s arguments holding any water for people back then? They certainly seem lame by today’s reasoning.
Is the army prepared to deal with an uprising, and contain the tribe on the designated reservation? Chief Gall is a captured war chief, but it doesn’t stop him from singing a war chant. At Fort Clifford, the Sioux chief, Sitting Bull, prepares to ride in under a truce to discuss the terms for his people.
During the tense moments that come, CBS reporters discuss some of the policies and history of dealing with the Sioux to bring them to this point of peace. Don’t miss the commentary that describes this turning point in taming the West, and brings about a shameful end to the lifestyle of a proud people. Speaches are given to present the indians concern before the terms of peace are arrived at. How will the white men return the gesture of goodwill? Throw the leaders in chains? Sure, why not?
