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10

he lives.  I have seen excellent credentials concerning him signed by men of standing in Nebraska.  Until stories were started in connection  with his partnership with the Omahas, no one spoke ill of him.  It is but just to say that this evil speaking originated with a few persons on the reservation, whose motives may be apparent to a disinterested investigator.

The records of the business show, that during the two years this partnership has existed, the Indians have expended out of their share of the profits over $1700. for agricultural machines.

As to the 4th item:  I have mentioned Agent Wilkinson's plan of organizing the tribe.  The Indians were anxious for something that was orderly, but their lack of experience made it impossible for them to originate and to put a form of government in execution.  In order to assist them the enclosed plan was arranged by some gentlemen and myself.  It was fully explained to the Omahas present and consented to by them, then it was offered to the Commissioner for his approval and advice.  He stated that the Omahas were under the laws of the state of Nebraska, and he could not authorize any form of government, as it would be an attempt on his part to establish an [[underlined]] imperium in imperio [[/underlined]].  He added that the plan seemed unobjectionable.