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I have followed carefully the decision of the Commission, analyzing them for the Bulletin. I will continue to report to you on them through that medium.

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I shall continue to give you legal aid in obtaining a better life for the American Indian. I look forward to your continued support. When we meet again next year, I hope to be able to report to you still greater progress in the legal position of your people. Until then, let me hear from you and drop in to see me when you are in Washington. I thank you.

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Earlier in the convention a wire was received by the general counsel of the dismissal of several Mescalero Apache councilmen allegedly for adopting a resolution asking for the removal of their superintendent. A number of the tribal leaders had already dispatched a telegram to the Commissioner protesting against the firing of the four Mescalero Apache councilmen from government jobs.

President Johnson disclosed that he had been urged to send a telegram in the name of the organization. He moved that he be authorized to send the telegram. Motion was seconded by George Adams. The motion was agreed to unanimously. The following telegram was sent to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs:

COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS,
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
WASHINGTON, D.C.

IT IS REPORTED THAT SEVERAL MESCALERO COUNCILMEN LOST GOVERNMENT POSITIONS BECAUSE OF RESOLUTION CRITICIZING BUREAU OFFICIALS. IF INVESTIGATION VERIFIES THIS ADVICE ESSENTIAL ISSUES OF FREEDOM OF SPEECH ARE INVOLVED AND THEIR IMMEDIATE REINSTATEMENT IS ESSENTIAL TO UPHOLD PRINCIPLE OF INDIAN SELF-GOVERNMENT. IT IS A FARCE TO SET UP INDIAN SELF-GOVERNMENT THEN FIRE INDIANS FOR EXERCISING THE PRIVILEGES THEREOF. WE URGE YOUR EXPEDITIOUS ACTION IN THIS MATTER.

N. B. JOHNSON, PRESIDENT

RUTH M. BRONSON, SECURITY

NATIONAL CONGRESS OF AMERICAN INDIANS, BY AUTHORITY OF THE CONVENTIONAL THROUGH UNANIMOUS VOTE.

After a few announcements about the activities for the rest if the day, the chair recognized George P. LaVatta.