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TEXAS INDIAN PAPERS, 1846-1859 353 They do not understand amputation, but bind up a broken limb with splints. Their litters for conveying the wounded or sick are composed of simply two poles, with skim; stretched across them, and long enough to be supported by a horse in front and rear. The position of a chief is not hereditary, but the result of his own superior cunning, knowledge, or success in war, or some act or acts that rank him according to his merits. The subjects under discussion in council are at all times open to popular opin- ion, and the chiefs are the main exponents of it. The democratic principle is strongly implanted in them. They consult, princi- pally, the warrior class, and the weaker minds are wholly in- fluenced by popular opinion. Each man endeavors to obtain as high a position as their merits allow. War chiefs commit hos- tilities without consulting the other tribes. Any proposition or treaties proposed by the whites are discussed privately, and the answer given by the chief as the unanimous voice of the tribe. In deliberations in council, they consult each other, and one ad- dresses the meeting. The council opened by passing the council pipe from one to the other, and invoking the Deity to preside. It is conducted with great propriety, and closed in the same manner. There is one appointed as crier or messenger, whose duty it is to fill the pipe, &c. Questions, especially of impor- tance, are deliberately considered, and considerable time fre- quently elapses before they are answered; but they are all de- cided on the principle of apparent unanimity. Capital punish- ments are rare; each party acting generally for himself, and avenging his own injuries. Each chief is ranked according to his popularity, and his rank is maintained on the same principle. He is deprived of his office by any misfortune, such as loss of many men in battle, or even a signal defeat, or being taken prisoner, but never for any private act unconnected with the welfare of the whole tribe. They have no medals except those lately given them, which are worn more as symbols of peace than as marks of distinction among themselves. Each tribe has no definite number of chiefs, every one being ranked according to his followers. The priesthood appear to exercise no influence in their general government, but, on war being declared, they exert their influence with the Deity. The females have no voice or even influence in their councils. Any principal chief has a right to call a general council of his own tribe, and a council of all the tribes is called by the separate chiefs of each tribe. They
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