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11

This lack of authority for the plan of government was forseen when it was drawn up. It was intended merely as a bridge to help the people over from the Agency rule which had been overpowered by the law, to the time when the county organization of the State could be extended to them. All but one or two of the Indian delegates seemed well pleased and hopeful that the organization in accordance with the plan could be effected on their return. While it was clear that the Indians did not fully understand the legal question between the authority of the Indian Dept. and the State law, it was thought that this plan would give a sort of local society in the the interest of good order, and assist the Omahas in their present dilemma.

The need of a friendly leader on the reservation was manifest and I appealed to the Indian Rights Assn. to send Prof. Painter out to spend some months among the Omahas, instructing them in the law and helping them at [[typed in blue ink]] this juncture. I laid this request before the Indian Commissioner, and he saw no objection to it.

The Indian delegates returned to the reservation. Contentions arose. Misconstructions were put upon the efforts made in Washington to help the Indians toward self-government. Confusion and discord grew [[scord gre in blue ink]]. Those to whom the Indians turned for