THE CONSTITUTION OF THE FIVE NATIONS 123 



If there was no objection to him a new flag pole was made and 

 prepared for raising, and a chief from one of the kindred tribes 

 put a medal of wampum on the chief-elect who was always clothed 

 in new garments. The installing chief then addressed the people, 

 telling them that another " eldest boy " had been chosen, to whom 

 they owed implicit obedience. Turning to the new chief, he in- 

 formed him that he must act in accordance with the wishes of his 

 people. The main duties of a chief were to act as arbiter in all 

 matters of dispute, and to act as commander in chief in case of 

 war, being ready to sacrifice himself for the people's good if 

 necessary. 



After this ceremony they marched to the hall, where another 

 dance took place, the new chief singing and beating the drum. A 

 wife of one of the other chiefs then placed a new deer skin or 

 bear skin on the shoulders of the new chief as a symbol of his 

 authority, after which the dance continued the whole night. 



The officers of the new chief (geptins) were still to be chosen. 

 These were seven in number and were appointed in the same man- 

 ner and with the same ceremonies as the chief. Their duties, which 

 were much more severe, were told them by the installing chief. The 

 flag pole, which was the symbol of the chief, was first raised. The 

 geptins stood around it, each with a brush in his hand, with which 

 they were instructed to brush off any particle of dust that might 

 come upon it. This signified that it was their duty to defend and 

 guard their chief and that they should be obliged to spill their blood 

 for him, in case of need and in defense of the tribe. All the women 

 and children and disabled persons in the tribe were under the care 

 of the geptins. The chief himself was not allowed to go into battle, 

 but was expected to stay with his people and to give orders in time 

 of danger. 



After the tribal officers had been appointed, the greatest festivi- 

 ties were carried on; during the day they had canoe races, foot 

 races and ball playing, and during the night, feasting and dancing. 

 The Indians would bet on the various sports, hanging the prizes 

 for each game on a pole. It was understood that the winner of 

 the game was entitled to all the valuables hung on this pole. The 

 festivities often lasted an entire month. 



THE MARRIAGE CEREMONY: THE ANCIENT RITE 

 It was the duty of the young Indian man who wished to marry 

 to inform his parents of his desire, stating the name of the maiden. 

 The young man's father then notified all the relatives and friends 



