But Umatilla desired to close his long and beneficent chieftainship with a gift-feast.
He loved his people, and there seemed to him something noble in giving away all his private possessions to them, and trusting the care of his old age to their hearts.

His chief men had done this, and had gained by it an influence which neither power nor riches can attain.

This supreme influence over the hearts of his people he desired to possess.

The gift-feast was held to be the noblest service that an Indian could render his race.
At the great Potlatch he would not only give away his private goods, but would take leave of the chieftainship which he had held for half a century.

It was his cherished desire to see Benjamin made chief.