REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR 1923 67 
THE STATUS OF THE NEW YORK INDIANS 
BY ARTHUR C. PARKER 
The uncertain legal status of the New York Indians of the Six 
Nations has been the cause of considerable confusion, not only to 
these Indians, but also to the various departments of the State. The 
result has reacted unfavorably upon the reservation Indians and has 
hindered their progress. 
At a meeting of the New York State Indian Welfare Society at 
Syracuse in 1918, various state and federal officials who dealt with 
Indian matters were invited to submit their opinions as to how a 
remedy might be found and applied. It was suggested that a com- 
mission be appointed to consider the problem. Robert W. Hill of 
the State Charities Department was named to draft a bill seeking 
the appointment of a commission. 
The bill was drawn and introduced, passing both houses of the 
Legislature and signed by the Governor, becoming chapter 590 of the 
Laws of 1919. After determining the membership of the com- 
mission the bill defines its duties as follows: 
Such commission shall confer with the two committees on Indian 
Affairs of the United States Congress, whenever Congress shall be 
called into session by the President of the United States, and shall 
consider with such committees the relations and status of the In- 
dians living on the Reservations of New York State, as they may be 
affected by the State of New York and the United States Govern- 
ment. 
The Commission was appointed by the Governor and duly or- 
ganized. 
The commission was recognized by the Governor who appointed 
the individual members. A preliminary meeting was held in the 
office of the Speaker of the Assembly, Thaddeus C. Sweet, on July 
9, 1919. At this session E. A. Everett was elected chairman, Loring 
S. Black, vice chairman, and A. C. Parker, secretary. The follow- 
ing members were present: Assemblyman FE. A. Everett, 
Assemblyman Thaddeus C. Sweet, Assemblyman Peter McArdle, 
Assemblyman Dehart W. Ames; David R. Hill, Indian chief; 
Deputy A. F. Jenks representing the Attorney General; Senator 
Loring M. Black, Senator J. Henry Walters; Dr R. W. Hill, State 
Board of Charities; Dr Matthias Nicoll jr, Health Department; A. 
C. Parker, Education Department. James W. Yelverton and C. A. 
Donahue were absent. 
3 
