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[[preprinted]] 74 [[/preprinted]]

3.

Then I explained to them, the precinct, and that as citizens they would have the right to organize under the county laws, and also to vote for their precinct officers, as well as the county officers. I sought to make clear to them the individual responsibility, both as to work, and manly independence of outside help, and also of the ordered and lawful conduct, which citizenship entails upon every man. I was asked, when they would cease to be under an Agent? I replied, when they were citizens they were under the law. Some wished to know when, there would be no longer any Agent. I replied, that I could not say. Among all the men present [[insert]] there were [[/insert]] but two or three [[insert]] dissenters of the law, [[/insert]] those were men who clung to the old tribal idea & desire to keep the land as tribal land, and to "always have an Agent, so that the government would give them something."

This meeting was held in their church building, and opened by prayer by the native pastor Rev. Robert Williams. There are over 200 communicants [[insert]] here [[/insert]]and 90 children in the sabbath school. The congregation numbers 452 [[insert]] embracing [[/insert]]all the inhabitants of this region, except a few families, who represent the non progressive and old-time element.