The chiefs or headmen, the subchiefs and clerk of the Saint Regis tribe in office when this section takes effect shall continue in office until the expiration of the terms for which they were elected. Their successors shall be elected in the manner provided for by this article, and shall have all the powers conferred by this chapter upon such officers. A subchief shall have all the power and shall perform all the duties of the chief to whom he is elected as a subchief, in case of such chief's inability to act for any reason whatsoever.
N.Y. Indian Law § 109