Claims had been set up by the Indian traders for $400,000 of the money promised to the Sioux by the treaties of 1851 and 1852 Governor Ramsey endeavored to compel Red Iron to sign a re- ecipt for it; he refused. He said is tribe had never had the goods. He asked the governor to appoint arbitrators-two white nen and one Indian; it was refused. Ie then said that he would accept three white men as arbitrators, if thcy were lonest men: this was refuscd

An cyc-witness has sketcled the appearance of the chief on that occasion, and tlhe interview between him and the governor "The councili was crowded with Indians and white mien when Red Iron was brought in, guarded by soldiers. IHe was about forty years old, tall and athletic; about six feet high in his moe- casins, with a large, well-developed lead, aquiline nosc, thin com pressed lips, aud physiognomy benming with intelligencc and res- olution. He was clad in the half-military, half-Indian costume of the Dakota chiefs. Ile was seated in the council-room without grceting or salutation from any one. In a few minutes the gov- ernor, turning to the chief in the midst of a breathless silence, by the uid of an interpreter, opened the council

Governor Ramsey asked: "What excuse have you for not com ing to the couneil when I sent for you?"

The chief rose to his feet with native grace and dignity, lhis blanket falling from his shoulders, and purposely dropping the pipe of peace, he stood erect before the goveruor with his arms folded, and right hand pressed on the sheath of his scalping- knife; with firm voice he replied

"I started to come, but your braves drove me back."

Gov."What excuse have you for not coming the second time I sent for you ?"

Red Iron, No other excuse than I have given you."

Gov, At the treaty I thought you a good nan, bat sincc you

The Indians declared that they did not owe so much.