The Cheney War Scare

It seems that the actions of the Indians at Cheney last week amused the natives, although the shooting was done in self-defense, and some feared trouble would grow out of it. At the present time there is a large number of Indians scattered about this vicinity and should they take it into their heads to start on the war path great loss of life would result. While we have no fears that an outbreak will occur, yet it must be admitted that they have had great provocation. To return to Cheney, last Saturday a squaw gave out that her people had determined upon the destruction of the town, and there was great excitement among our neighbors. People with hair felt a creeping sensation at the roots thereof, while those who had none felt just as uncomfortable. There was a hurry to and fro, and excited discussions, and enough percussion caps scattered about to get up a pretty formidable shindig. Corners were ransacked for guns, and old lead slinging instruments were hurriedly cleaned up and charged. There was a heavy run on the stores for ammunition, and the appearance of the citizens indicated a siege. Many an eye never closed in Cheney last Saturday night, and throughout the long watch armed men patrolled the streets. It was a false alarm, however, and the warriors had no opportunity to display any brilliant acts of heroism, and they are perfectly satisfied that they didn't. Cheneyites now sleep in apparent security.