Countyof Oneida v. Oneida Indian Nation of NY

*255Justice Stevens, with whom The Chief Justice, Justice White, and Justice Rehnquist join,

dissenting in No. 83-1065.

In 1790, the President of the United States notified Corn-planter, the Chief of the Senecas, that federal law would securely protect Seneca lands from acquisition by any State or person:

“If . . . you have any just cause of complaint against [a purchaser] and can make satisfactory proof thereof, the federal courts will be open to you for redress, as to all other persons.” 4 American State Papers, Indian Affairs, Vol. 1, p. 142 (1832).1

The elders of the Oneida Indian Nation received…