320 THE WINNEBAGO TRIBE [eth. ann. 37 



of stopping the spread of the sickness, whatever it may be, and for 

 repairing the ravages caused thereby. For this the feasters pray 

 "May our people recover and thrive," they say. "May they never, 

 get sick." Then they make all those present offer up tobacco. As 

 each one offers tobacco Eartlimaker is aware of it and accepts. 

 Thereby do we live and become strengthened. If Earthmaker 

 smokes the tobacco offered him he will give life in return. The 

 people offer tobacco that they may obtain life. 



They call the Thunderbird people chiefs, and it is from among 

 their ranks that they select the chief of the tribe.^ 



It is the duty of the chief to ward off all evils. This is one of their 

 missions in life. They preach only what is good. 



"Chief," they used to say to him, "try to do something for your 

 people. Try to accomplish something difficult for them. Try to 

 accomplish something difficult for your village. If you accomplish 

 such a thing for the benefit of your people they will look up to 

 you and respect you. Have pity on yoiir people and love them. 

 If a man is very poor, help him. Give him and his family food. 

 Whatever they ask, give it to them. If your people get into trouble 

 with one another, take your pipe and, walking in front, die for them, 

 if necessary. From actions like these they will know that you are 

 really their chief. There, in front of them, with your pipe in your 

 hands, you will be lying on the ground, dead. 



"If your people are about to sacrifice a dog and he gets loose and 

 runs into your tent, you must let them have something in place of 

 this dog for their feast. Do not let them kill the dog in your lodge. 

 This would be sacrilegious. Grant the dog his life. Similarly, if an 

 individual who has murdered a person escapes and takes refuge in 

 your lodge, give him his life. Use all the wealth you have and give 

 it to him, that he may employ it to make peace with the relatives of 

 the person he has killed. Help these people who are in need. Do not 

 think of your wealth. Wlien that is gone you will get some more. 

 Do yom* duty. Do not pass anyone unnoticed, not even a child. 

 If people have come and asked you for something, do not let them 

 go away without attempting to do something for them. You are a 

 chief. Do some good for your people. In that way you will show 

 that you are a chief. 'Our chief,' they will all call you. The 

 children that see you will call you chief. Wlioever talks to you will 

 call you chief. If you are good to your people, they will show their 

 respect by being bashful in your presence. If you are not good to 

 them they will not think you a chief and they will not be bashful 

 in your presence. So, at all times, do as a chief ought to do. Be 

 good-natiu-ed to all the people and in this way you will show that 



' What follows is a typical speech delivered by a member of the Thmiderbird clan. 



