AI8& NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM 
An officer is mentioned among these Canadian chiefs who does” 
not appear on New York reservations. The Canadian Iroquois 
have fire keepers, representing the Onondagas, and their office is 
peculiar. It may partially appear in the writer’s visit to the Six 
Nations’ council at Ohsweken, Canada, September 1899, asking per- 
mission to photograph their few remaining belts. Chief J. S. John- 
son introduced him to the secretary, and he was escorted to the 
highest seat, and placed with the two interpreters. This was at 
the end of the large council room and facing the audience. On the 
platform before him sat the secretary, a step lower down, with the 
speaker on his right. On still lower seats against the two side walls 
were the chiefs of the two brotherhoods, and in front of the speaker 
and facing him were the Onondaga fire keepers. The petitioner 
was introduced, rose and made his request, which was translated by 
an interpreter as usual. The chiefs of two of the Elder Brothers, 
the Mohawks and Senecas, quietly consulted, and then a Mohawk 
chief gave a favorable opinion to those opposite. The Younger 
Brothers, the Oneidas, Cayugas and Tuscaroras, did the same, and 
an Oneida chief announced their concurrence. Had they not 
agreed, the fire keepers would have had the decision. As it was, 
they merely made a favorable report. Then the speaker announced 
the full opinion, which was interpreted to the visitor in a dignified 
and lengthy speech, and to which he made a suitable response. It 
seems quite a long process, but, as there was no public debate or 
voting, it really took no more time than many such things with 
us. No wampum strings were used; for they had none left, and 
this mode of holding a council is a modern innovation. 
Pres. Washington gave a white belt to the Six Nations in 
1792, with these words, “As an evidence of the sincerity of the 
desire of the United States for perfect peace and friendship with 
you, I deliver you this white belt of wampum, which I request you 
will safely keep.” In his speech, July 28, 1812, Red Jacket said 
that Washington had once presented a chain belt. “ Upon this belt 
of wampum he placed a silver seal. This belt we always have and 
always wish to look upon as sacred.” Red Jacket had this belt 
identified by white men present. An eagle was engraved on the 
