Historic Omaha

within any state equal protection under the law.
The case then turned on whether or not an
Indian could be declared a “person.”
Tibbles asked Judge Dundy if Standing Bear
could be allowed to speak to this issue. The
judge denied this request, granting the chief
only a brief time on the stand, responding to a
few questions put to him through his
interpreter. The trial moved to the closing
statements, with the prosecution contending the
Indian had no rights under the Constitution
since he was not a party to it.
Webster countered, declaring, “If there is
no precedent in issuing this writ on behalf of
the Indian, then, in God’s name, it is high
time to make one.” Pondering Webster’s
closing, Dundy allowed Standing Bear to
address the court. In a translation later
written by Tibbles, the Ponca chief delivered a
memorable oration.
“This hand is not the same color as yours,”
he told Dundy, “but if I pierce it, I shall feel
pain. If you pierce your hand, you will also
feel pain. The blood that will flow from mine
✧
Left: Fort Omaha officers row in 1895.
The commanding officer’s quarters, always
known as the General Crook House, is at
the far right.
COURTESY OF THE DOUGLAS COUNTY HISTORICAL
SOCIETY COLLECTIONS.
Below: Omaha Guard, gatling gun
detachment in 1895 included J. A. C.
Johnson, who would go on to become a wellknown
attorney in Omaha.
COURTESY OF DONNA SCHATZ & THE DOUGLAS COUNTY
HISTORICAL SOCIETY COLLECTIONS.
CHAPTER II
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