The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1855-09-03
Trouble Among the Cayuga Indians-Depos-
Ing Chiefs.


We lind the following document in the Buffalo Adrer-
tisr of the 31st ult.:-
Whereas the Cayuga Indians residing with the Sene-
cas- met in general council the 25th inst, the
Caaraugus Reservation to take into consideration their
Council moving that there are but one hundred and
thirty -four souls remnants Of the powerful nation
Of the Cayugas in the State Of New York who stu re-
side within Its limits the ancient seats Of their
cesors. The Cayugas occupying the lands Of their
allies the senecas having disposed Of all their lands to
the people of the State Of New York in 170. The
lands which constitute the county of Cayuga in this
State
And Whereas the cayuga people still adhere to the
shadow Of a national organization, having nominated
four chiefs, comprising Peter Wilson, Thomas Grow, Jo
seph Isaac Simon Isaac-these chiefs having little
nothing to do for the internal government Of the Cayuga
people they being in subje.t to the govern.
men Of the people to whose hospitality they ndebt
ed for theiI res. dence.
But it would seem that the principal business Of the
leader OF these chiefs In devising Schemes for the
last eight years, to plumber the small annual annuity
created by the State their lands sold in 1895 In this
they have admirably succeeded in respect TO that portion
of The annuity which falls due to the Cayugas of New
York.
And whereas, the Cayuga people are too poor and
needy and cannot therefore to be taxed they
have been for the time stated at the rate of 81 to $40
OF some of their dissolute chiefs
And whereas, the chiefs give promise Of better
treatment Of their people but on the contrary threat
enngs OF worse character are announced towards them
because the State Of New York in the exercise of
man, directed the said annuity should be paid the
people per capita, instead Of the whole amount to the
chiefs, heretofore This direction disappointed the
calculations Of the Chiefs who feel grossly aggricved
while the people, the other hand rejoicing in
having received all the money which due to them
Whereas the future holds out bright prospects to
the Cayuga people while their dishonest chiefs occupy
the position they do among them therefore recognizing
the great truths that rulers can justly exist ouy for the
benefit Of the people, and that every people has
aienabe right and power to create, modify and change
f1xtrr To- la
judgment will best promote their internal ranq utility
and happiness, and being fully impressed with the
be exercised with Caution and only for sab.aSia
sons this Council do soemnly declare that the chiefs
Peter Wilson, Thomas Grow, Joseph Isaac, and simon
have proved TO be unworthy Of the public trust.
Therefore through the exercise Of the right of self
these depose Peter Wilson Thomas Crow Joseph
aac and Simon Isaac, from their chieftainship and
they shal hereafter be known only cayuga warriors
and private individuals without possessing any Of the
powers and privileges of the Cayuga chiefs.
To gil vacancies thus created by the deposition of
with the fall concurrence and appobaon Of the clans
Of the Cayuga people, Jacob g., Seneca chief and sa
chem in the place Of Peter Wilson, osed Gardiner s
York, chief, in the place Of Thomas Crow leposed
Samuel Johnson chief In the place Of simon Isaac de-
posed Charles Cooper, chief IA the place OF Joseph
Isaac, deposed.
II declared that these newly elected chiefs shall
hold and possess all the powers and privilege Of the
yuea Chiefs, and all their official acts from this date
OF cntete 81 the
people, residing Ia the said State Of New York.
This act IS done in pursuance of the modern and APP
proved mode Of .aposng and creating chief founded
upon the supposed natural rights Of To the end
therefore that the sc should be known by The whole
world, these proceedings authorized TO be published
Zone in council this 18th day OF August, 1855.
Witnesses
JOHN SENECA, WM. KNANsE
DAVID CROW, SMITH WHEF1.BARRoW,
CASHIER DARKNESS, JONATHAN BONE
SAMUEL. GWtDoN, NOAH KING,
JAMES SPRING MOSES THUNsAN,
In behaif Of the Cayuga people.
YOUNG CHIP, JOHN COOK, Orators.