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In a conversation with the Secretary of War, he voluntarily apprised them that $14,000 had been appropriated for the expense of Indian negociations there that winter. As they were about withdrawing, Mr Ross incidentally named this gratuitous information & asked if he was to aspect the expenses of his delegation to be paid," -- "If you make a Treaty on the terms proposed, yes -- Not otherwise." Mr Ross said they would strikeout cheerfully treat, upon much terms as they could deem just to their nation; -- strikeout: but and as for the other matter, they were prepared to pay their expenses, but not to sell their consciences._ The expenses of the opposition faction, though they made no treaty, were paid in full! These strikeout assemblies for receiving annuities were hoped to produce opportunities for political influence and the government agents attempted to turn them to account by every stratagem within their contrivance. It was the settled custom to call an Extra Council on returning from Washington for receiving the report of the Delegation's Proceedings there. This calling of such a Council in the prerogative of the Principal Chief. But the Agents had stated that strikeout: a Council the People must again strikeout: be called be summoned, notwithstanding the frequent