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Show i9oo] INDIAN INDUSTRIES mustering a band would naturally depend upon his reputation as a warrior and his powers o£ persuasion. It must be remembered that^ ll military service was everywhere voluntary, the only force compelling an unwilling man to join a war- party being public opinion and the dread of being considered a coward. *\ Among the more highly organized tribes and confederacies extensive campaigns for purposes of defence were decided upon by the tribal or confederation council, and the execution of the decision was left to the recognized war- chief or chiefs, but even in such cases the service of the individual was voluntary, v Occasionally war would be declared with considerable formality, and notice sent by means of belts or symbolic objects, and treaties of peace were made and sealed in the same way. The authority of the leader was vague, though usually recognized while the campaign was in progress. Punishment for disobedience was seldom anything more than expulsion from the band and ridicule at the hands of the women and children upon the culprit's return home. ^ , Before leaving on the war- path a dance was participated in by the intending warriors, the obvious purpose being to inflame their passion and increase their enthusiasm; and upon the return from a successful raid, dances and ceremonies of celebration and thanksgiving were held, and often developed into the wildest orgies. % While the wars of the Indians among themselves |