| OCR Text |
Show i9oo] INDIAN SOCIETY 205 always pre- eminently a place of free speechX Its deliberations were calm and unhurried and its decisions were usually accepted without question. This latter fact is surprising when we remember that little or no provision was made for the execution of its decrees. As was noted ifc the case of the Iroquois, the council depended upon public opinion for support and was seldom disappointed. The council of the clan was the prototype of that of the tribe or confederacy where such existed. Where clans were absent the local band or tribe held its council in the same way and to the same ends. It was the corner- stone of Indian civil procedure, and will be discussed again presently in connection with the larger organizations. v These, then, are the main features of the clan as it is found in America. It must be remembered, however, that, hampered as the Indian might be by tradition, by custom, by clan or other obligation, he always insisted upon and retained his formal freedom of action. His sachems and his chiefs were his representatives and leaders in times of emergency, \> ut except in such regions as the northwest coast equality and independence were the characteristics of American savage life. A social institution of some importance was slavery, which has several times been mentioned in connection with the tribes of the Pacific coast, where the institution found its stronghold. Captives in war were the usual victims, but their |
