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the different bands of the Ojibways, occupying the country drained by the currents of the Wisconsin and Chippeway Rivers, something like a regular system of governmental polity existed at this time. The dangers of their position (being continually subject to the attacks of the powerful Dakotas) linked them together, in a bond of brotherhood, which remained unbroken in its natural simplicity, till the fur traders entered their country in opposition to one another, and to forward their own views and interests, sowed dissensions among them, and eventually almost broke the beautiful system which had held them bound to one another like brothers. This remark is applicable to the whole tribe, but at this stage of our history, we refrain from entering into a discussion of this important question.

At the great convocation of tribes, held by the French nation at Sault Ste. Marie, in 1671, the traditions of the Crane family assert that Ke-che-ne-zuh-yauh, the head of their family, was recognized as principal chief over the