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. Public opinion exercised a powerful influence among the Iroquois, the ablest among them having a dread of an adverse criticism from the common people. Subordinate to the Congress of SaChems were the noted chiefs, such as Red Jacket, Big Kettle, Corn Planter and others who influenced the councils with their oratory.
Women were recognized by them as having rights in the government ofthe nation, being represented in council by chiefs, known as their champions. Thus they became factors in war or peace,, and were granted special rights in the concurrence or interference in the sale of lands, claiming that the land belonged equally to the tillers of the soil, and its defenders. The equality of rigihts granted women was one of the principal factors of strength in their confederacy, or union. Their orators studied euphony in the arrangement of their words. Their graceful attitudes and gestures made their discourse deeply impressive. A straight, commanding figure, with blanket thrown over the shoulder, the naked arm raised in gesture, would.
AN INDIAN CIVILIZATION AND ITS DESTRUCTION. 75