This quelled the people for the time being and up to the killing of Crazy Horse.In the crisis precipitated by this event,American Horse was again influential and energetic in the cause of the government.From this time on he became an active participant in the affairs of the Teton Sioux.He was noted for his eloquence,which was nearly always conciliatory,yet he could say very sharp things of the duplicity of the whites.He had much ease of manner and was a master of repartee.I recall his saying that if you have got to wear golden slippers to enter the white man's heaven no Indian will ever get there,as the whites have got the Black Hills and with them all the gold.
It was during the last struggle of his people,at the time of the Messiah craze in 1890-1891that he demonstrated as never before the real greatness of the man.While many of his friends were carried away by the new thought,he held aloof from it and cautioned his band to do the same.When it developed into an extensive upheaval among the nations he took his positive stand against it.
Presently all Indians who did not dance the Ghost Dance were ordered to come into camp at Pine Ridge agency.American Horse was the first to bring in his people.I was there at the time and talked with him daily.When Little was arrested,it had been agreed among the disaffected to have him resist,which meant that he would be roughly handled.This was to be their excuse to attack the Indian police,which would probably lead to a general massacre or outbreak.I know that this desperate move was opposed from the beginning by American Horse,and it was believed that his life was threatened.
On the day of the "Big Issue",when thousands of Indians were gathered at the agency,this man Little,who had been in hiding,walked boldly among them.Of course the police would arrest him at sight,and he was led toward the guardhouse.He struggled with them,but was overpowered.A crowd of warriors rushed to his rescue,and there was confusion and a general shout of "Hurry up with them!Kill them all!"I saw American Horse walk out of the agent's office and calmly face the excited mob.
"What are you going to do?"he asked."Stop,men,stop and think before you act!Will you murder your children,your women,yes,destroy your nation to-day?"He stood before them like a statue and the men who held the two policemen helpless paused for an instant.He went on:"You are brave to-day because you outnumber the white men,but what will you do to-morrow?There are railroads on all sides of you.The soldiers will pour in from every direction by thousands and surround you.You have little food or ammunition.It will be the end of your people.Stop,Isay,stop now!"
Jack Red Cloud,son of the old chief rushed up to him and thrust a revolver almost in his face."It is you and men like you,"he shouted,"who have reduced our race to slavery and starvation!"American Horse did not flinch but deliberately reentered the office,followed by Jack still flourishing the pistol.But his timely appearance and eloquence had saved the day.
Others of the police force had time to reach the spot,and with a large crowd of friendly Indians had taken command of the situation.
When I went into the office I found him alone but apparently quite calm."Where are the agent and the clerks?"I asked."They fled by the back door,"he replied,smiling."I think they are in the cellar.These fools outside had almost caught us asleep,but I think it is over now."American Horse was one of the earliest advocates of education for the Indian,and his son Samuel and nephew Robert were among the first students at Carlisle.I think one or two of his daughters were the handsomest Indian girls of full blood that I ever saw.
His record as a councilor of his people and his policy in the new situation that confronted them was manly and consistent.
