38 Inasmuch 



position where the common fire in an actual 

 common dwelling would be found, were the fire- 

 keepers, and here was very appropriately the 

 place of the Great Council meetings of the Con 

 federacy. The Tuscaroras and adopted people 

 were said to be frame poles added to the frame 

 work of the Long House.&quot; 



Functions of &quot;The functions of the Onondaga tribe in 

 council are in many respects similar to those of 

 the judge holding court with a jury. The question 

 before the council is discussed respectively by 

 the Mohawk and Seneca tribes on the one side, 

 and then by the Oneida, the Cayuga, and latterly, 

 the Tuscarora tribes on the other, within their 

 own circles. When these two have independently 

 reached the same or a differing opinion, it is then 

 submitted to the Onondagas for confirmation or 

 rejection. The confirmation of a common opin 

 ion or of one of two differing opinions makes that 

 the decree of the council. In refusing to confirm 

 an opinion the Onondaga must show that it is 

 in conflict with established custom or with public 

 policy; when two differing opinions are rejected 

 the Onondaga may suggest to the two sides a 

 course by which they may be able to reach a 

 common opinion; but the Onondaga may con 

 firm one of two differing opinions submitted to it. 

 Each chieftain has the right to discuss and argue 

 the question before the council either for or against 

 its adoption by the council, in a speech or speeches 

 addressed to the entire body of councillors and 

 to the public.&quot; 



