The Iroquois manifested sufficient intelligence to promise a high degree of improvement had it been directed into right pursuits, although centuries of time might have been required to effect the change. But these institutions have a present value irrespective of what they might have become. Let us render ^ardy justice by preserving, as far as possible, their names, deeds and customs, and their institutions. We should not tread ignorantly upon those extinguished council fires, whose light in the days of original occupation was visible

74 NEW YORK STATE HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.

over half this Continent. They had planned a mighty nation and without doubt had the coming of the Europeans been delayed but a century, the League would have included all the tribes between the Great Lakes and the Gulf of Mexico. The first stage in the development of this confederacy was the union of several tribes into one nation. They mingled by intermarriage. The Chief ceased to be alone in his power and the government became a Pure Democracy. Several nations, thus being formed into a confederacy or league, more perfect, systematic and liberal than those of antiquity, there was in it more of fixedness, more of dependence upon the people, and more of vigor and strength. Their original congress was composed of fifty sachems and it generally met at the Onondaga Council House. The business of the congress was conducted in a grave and dignified manner, the reason and judgment of the Chiefs being appealed to, rather than their passions. It was considered a breach of decorum for a sachem to reply to a speech on the day of its del'ivery, and no question could be decided without unanimous concurrence. Tlie sachems served without badge of office, their sole reward being the veneration of their people in whose interest they were meeting.