Among the acts of the Convention, was the re-naming an estimable citizen of Baltimore—Philip E. Thomas; a gentleman [[304]]whom the Senecas recognize as an old and true friend. In acknowledgment of the many kindnesses which they had received at his hands, they had on a former occasion made Mr. Thomas a Chief, giving him the name of Sagaoh (Benevolent). But now it became necessary to give him a new title, and he was accordingly named Hai-wa-noh, which signifies the Ambassador. The minutes of the Convention state that this ceremony was performed amidst “great sensation, and applause of approbation!”
Declaration of the Seneca Nation of Indians—Changing their form of Government, and adopting a Constitutional Charter:
We, the people of the Seneca Nation of Indians, by virtue of the right inherent in every people, trusting in the justice and necessity of our undertaking, and humbly invoking the blessing of the God of Nations upon our efforts to improve our civil condition, and to secure to our nation the administration of equitable, wholesome laws, do hereby abolish, abrogate and annul our form of government by Chiefs, because it has failed to answer the purposes for which all governments should be created.
It affords no security in the enjoyment of property.
It provides no laws regulating the institution of marriage, but tolerates polygamy.
It makes no provision for the poor, but leaves the destitute to perish.
It leaves the people dependent on foreign aid for the means of education.
It has no judiciary, nor executive departments.
It is an irresponsible, self-created aristocracy.
Its powers are absolute and unlimited in assigning away the people’s rights; but indefinite and not exercised in making municipal regulations for their benefit or protection.