390 NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM 



After the colonial period, there were new efforts in the way 

 of Indian education, often of a mere personal character and with- 

 out permanence. State aid was first given not very long ago, 

 and for a time was of a very cheap kind. It has not been all 

 that is needed yet; but those who have known the New York 

 reservations for 60 years are well aware of the great advance made. 



As nearly as could be learned in 1890, the Six Nations fur- 

 nished for the Civil War 162 soldiers and sailors ; the Onondagas 

 16, the Senecas 113, the Tuscaroras 10, and the St Regis 23. 

 These were not in one organization, but enlisted in various regi- 

 ments. One noted Seneca chief, Donehogawa, or Ely S. Parker, 

 served on General Grant's staff and was a man of good education. 



The Onondagas have 2^ chiefs, the ruling ones chosen by the 

 women of the clan represented. These usually hold office till 

 death or deposition, and boys may be chosen, but can not vote 

 on financial affairs. There are now a president, secretary, 

 treasurer and other officers. The Tonawanda Senecas have 34 

 chiefs, chosen by the women of the vacant clans, but the chiefs 

 in office may demand a reconsideration. The people vote for 

 executive officers. The Allegany and Cattaraugus Senecas are 

 legally incorporated as " The Seneca Nation," with a constitu- 

 tion, a council of 16 members, half elected every year, and a 

 president. Expenditures of over $500 require a popular vote. 



The Tuscaroras have their ancient chiefs, chosen by the 

 women. The St Regis Indians were one of the Seven Nations 

 of Canada, always with a peculiar government, and now having 

 trustees annually elected. 



Inquiry was diligently made respecting the number of recog- 

 nized immoral characters living on the respective reservations. 

 These inquiries were made with the population list in mind, and 

 always of different persons. There was an almost invariable • 

 concurrence of testimony, specifying how many and who openly • 

 violated the laws of chastity. The largest estimate for any reser- ■ 

 vation was less than 20; at some reservations not even six could I 

 be named. . . The people of the Six Nations, with all their r 

 unhappy surroundings and poverty, in this matter have suffered I 

 opprobium beyond their true desert in the judgment of Christian 

 America. 



