.MTM1OQ.MTE1MTQ0

exerted; All questions are submitted to the decision of the whole, and the influence of the chief is felt without being seen. They are extremely sensitive upon these subjects, and the least attempt to control them is a general signal for abandoning a Chief, so unwise as to make it. His authority to be useful and permanent must be silently and unobtrusively exerted by giving a proper direction to the opinions of individuals, and by appearing to follow at the general councils, where important questions are discussed and determined. The amount of annuities. which are annually distributed to each tribe is too small to produce any perceptible effect. They are besides divided among the different villages in proportion to their numbers and are considered the property of the whole, to a fair proportion of which each individual is entitled. The chiefs receiving the same share that falls to the lot of any other individual are unable by a [propers?] distribution and by a display of disinterestedness to ensure the attachment of the rest. not so with presents. These being granted by us without compensation are received by them without offence however distributed. We have therefore the opportunity of presenting to the principal Chiefs, whose friendships and services are important to us valuable means of strengthening and securing their influence. This