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5

Edward Farley came on also bringing with him the papers relating to his business with the tribe.

Several meetings were held by these men with the Indian Commissioner.  All the requests of the Indians and their statements were put in writing and are on file in the Department. At these meetings and on all occasions when any business was transacted several persons were present who spoke both Omaha and English.  The Rev. Mr. Dorsey, of the Bureau of Ethnology Francis and ^[[No]]ah LA Flesche, Henry Fontenelle and at one meeting at least, Eugene Fontenelle. Several gentlemen were also present including Genl. Whittlesey and Prof. Painter.

Four prominent matters were brought before the Indian Commissioner by the Omaha delegates.

1st. The disposal of the tribal property placed in their hands.

2nd. The payment of money due in advance of the time of maturity.

3rd. The tribal partnership with Edward Farley.

4th. The plan of self-government.

As to the 1st item:  The Indians proposed to sell the small houses built for employes to men who needed such on their farms, but to retain the double house, one-half of which was occupied by their old interpreter who is blind, Louis