as the result of his investigations, that Mohawks, " one alliance took place age, or the length of a man's states

before

the

white

people

came

into

the country."

the life,

Another

1414 ; while a third confirms the state ment of Pyrlaus. Whatever may have been its date, it was a practical and effective alliance by which the democratic principle, which was the basis of the government of the cantons, was writer fixes the date at

extended to the expression of the national

will.

The general

head had few powers, but the determination of the tribes, in regard to matters in which they had a common interest, when

announced from the general council at Onondaga, carried with The active government was it the united voice of an empire. confined to the tribes or cantons, which were independent states.

Each had its own chiefs, civil and military, and its own council, and was represented in general councils by sachems exercising the power of delegates. These delegates, however, spoke the popular will of the tribes they represented, and to determine not permitted to approve any measure

their action they were

which the

tribe

had not endorsed

by an

unanimous vote.

Indeed, the unanimous principle was the ruling one of the Tribes might declare war and conclude peace, confederacy.

and exercise "*

all

powers of sovereignty on

Schoolcraffs Notes, 278, etc. Schooleraffs Notes, 1 1 8, 1 20,

their

pelled to join it. etc.

"The time when the confederacy was formed is not known, but it was presumed to be of a recent date, and the Oneidas and Cayugas are said to have been comown account,