3^8 NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM 



greater security. Pauperism is unusual and the tramp almost 

 unknown. . . The special agent calls attention to the gradual 

 elimination of diseases resulting from white association in early 

 times. This has reduced mortality and increased longevity. 

 The growth of self-reliance is especially noticeable. . . 2884 

 speak the English language, and 1985 do not. The total acreage 

 of the reservations of the Six Nations is 82,327.73, with an Indian 

 and adopted population of 5203, or 16.78 acres for each person. 



The law recognizes each nation " as much sovereignties, by 

 treaty and obligation, as are the several states of the United 

 States." The following words of General Carrington will con- 

 vey nothing new to real students of the situation, but they may 

 be of use to those who are confident they can dispose of every 

 difficulty by a single act: 



If the Iroquois, native or foreign born, want to become citizens 

 of the United States, they must renounce allegiance to their own 

 people, but, if those of the Six Nations in New York become such 

 citizens, they can not carry their real property interest with 

 them. . . This, in fact, .is at present a practical inhibition in 

 their way to citizenship. The several reservations belong to 

 them (St Regis differs somewhat from the rest), and neither the 

 State of New York nor the United States can legally break them 

 up without the Indians' consent, or through conditions analogous 

 to those of war. . . The title to these reservations is in the 

 nation, and the members are therefore at common law " tenants 

 in common." Each owns his undivided share absolutely, inde 

 pendently of the United States or the State of New York. Th( 

 individuals, however, only hold a fee equivalent to the ownershi] 

 of the land they improve, with power to sell or devise among thei 

 own people, but not to strangers. It is a good title. The natior 

 itself can not disturb it. . . The conclusion is irresistible tha 

 the Six Nations are nations by treaty and law, and have loni 

 since been recognized as such by the United States and the Stat' 

 of New York, and an enlightened public will surely hesitat 

 before proceeding to divest these people of long established right 

 without their consent. 



The United States employs an agent, messenger, physiciai 

 and interpreter. The agent receives and distributes money am 

 goods annually to all but the St Regis Indians. The New Yor 

 State agent acts for the Onondagas, and the attorney for thos 

 at St Regis. 



