Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1892-08-18

An illustrated census bulletin of
nearly 100pagcs, just issued, recalls to the
general reader the famous Six Nations
of colonial history. 1t will be news to
the masses Of our people that these In
dian tribes still exist and, not only exist
but flourish, on their allotted reservations
though much mixed with white blood,
retain their tribal relations, run their
own governments, make their own
laws, speak their aboriginal dialects,
and constitute legally half a.dozen
small foreign nations on the soil of the
Empire State. Most surprising is the
information that, instead of dying out,
they have actually inceascd in numbers,
though very few # these modern Red
Mon are of pure Indian blood. The
editor Of this bulletin says ut can
be stated with alf,ost certainty
that the league Of the lriquois since
the advent Of the European on the
American continent and up to 1880
mover exceeded $4,000 persons, and it
never mad an available fighting force Of
more than $500 men; and the astonish-
ing fact is presented by the census Of 1890
and the statistics Of nonresident iflquois
tribes that the league of the lriquois
is stronger in 1890 than it was In 1860,
when first enumerated by competent
Europeans. In 1860 ii was estimated at
| II 900; in 1890 il is 1850" AS to their
political status, he says; "'rhe law and
facts show that the reservations of the
Six Nations Of New York are each
independent, and in some particulars as
much sovercigntics, BY treaty and obi.
| cation, rs are the several states of the
| United States. These nations
arc anomalies, and, with the exception
Of the five civilized tribes in Indian
territory, who are each known by treaty
AS notions, are the only ones Of like
character IN the United States. They
are in fact almost nations within Il
nation, They were created and grew
more out Of fear of the Indian and the
desire TO get rid Of and keep him at
peace at any price than AS an act
of justice In Indian territory
they are embarrassing TO the
national government and an cyesorc
10 the people who deSile 10 live there
In New York they are wonder 10 the
curious and the eXpcrtant haven Of
hope to many spectators" The mem.
bGrs Of the Six Nations residing Oh
reservations or living in tribal relation,
do not vote at county or state cleo
tons, nor do they pay taxes to the
. counties or the state. Excepting tht
! Indians &c the Saint Regis reservation
they are amenablc to national and stat,
/ courts or laws only in respect Of crimes
Their marriage and divorce habits sounc
! rather loose to the Caucasian, but il
= temperance, morality and public hGaltl
{ they rank high. They arc seli-sustainn!
and as much further advanced in civil
cation than any other reservation Indian
/ as an average number Of white pcOpl
Z in many localities. As to their reputation
i for peace and good order, the hulletir
: says that no communities elsewhere
White or otherwise, are known whcr
u person and property are more safe
r pauperism Is unusual and the tram
i almost unknown. Tribally these lii
o diaus are classified rs Gayugas, Nc
!. hawks, OneidNs, Onondagos, Seneca
i and lusCaroraS, and the history of thci