the braves returned from the conflict without compromiting the

character of the tribe for bravery. But this feature in their to all the common Indian customs was nations. It remains to

shown that they had any forms of government peculiar Their power was in their confederation, themselves.

be to

they apparently differed from other nations only in the number of tribes and in the perpetuity of the organiza

and

in

tion,

this

other nations securing the same results, in case of war,

by temporary alliances. A view of their national council is furnished by Loskiel, who says that in 1745, Spangenberg, one of the Moravian bishops, spent several weeks at Onondaga, and frequently attended its -" The sessions. council-house was built of bark. each side six seats were placed, each containing six persons.

On No one

was admitted besides the members of the council, except a few,

who were particularly honored. rest sat in profound silence,

If one arose to speak, all the

smoking their pipes.

The speaker

uttered his words in a singing tone, always rising a few notes at

the close of each

sentence.

Whatever was pleasing to the word nee, or yes. And

council was confirmed by all with the

the end of each speech, the whole plauding the speaker by calling hobo. at

company joined in ap At noon, two men

entered, bearing a large kettle filled with meat upon a pole across their shoulders, which was first presented to the guests.

A large wooden ladle as broad and deep as a common bowl, hung with a hook to the one might