Elizabeth-Town gazette. [volume] (Elizabeth-Town, N.J.) 1818-1821, 1818-11-24

taking. The survey of our maritime and
inland frontiers have been continued and
at the points where it was decided to erect
Notifications, the work has been com
menced, and, in some instances, consid-
cradle progress has been made. In CON-
pliance with resolutions of the last session,
the board o. commissioners were directed
TO examiDs 10 particular manner the
parts Of the coast therein designated, and
TO report their opinion Of the most suita-
bic sites for two naval depots. This work
is in train of execution. The opinion
Of the board on this subject, with plan
OF all the works necessary to general
system of defence, so far as it has been
formed, will be laid before Congress, in
report from the proper department, as soon
as it can be prepared.
In conformity with the appropriations
| of the last session, treaties have been
formed with the Quapaw tribe Of Indians,
inhabiting the country on the Arkansaw,
and with the Great and Little Osaees
north of the White river; with the tribes
in the state of Indiana; with the several
tribes within the state Of Ohio, aud the
Michigan territory ; and with Inc Chicka.
saws; by which very extensive cessions
Of territory have been made to the United
States. negotiations are now depending
with the tribes in the Illinois territory
and with the Choctaws, by which it is
expected that other extensive cessions will
be made. | take great interest in stating
that the cessions already made, which are
considered so important to the u. States
have been obtained on conditions very
satisfactory to the Indians.
With view TO the security Of our in
land frontiers, it has been thought expe
dient TO establish strong posts at the mouth
OF the Yellow Stone river, and at the
Mandan village, on the Missouri; and at
the mouth of st. Peters, on the Mississip
pi, at no great distance from our northern
boundaries. 1t can hardly be presumed.
while such posts are maintained in the rear
Of the Indian tribes, that they will ven-
lure to attack our peaceable inhabitants.
A strong hope is entertained that this
measure will likewise be productive of
much good to the tribes themselves; es-
pecially 10 promoting the great object of
their civilization. Experience has clear
ly demonstrated. that independent savage
communities cannot long exist within the
limits of civilized population. The
progress of the latter has, almost invaria-
bly,, terminated in the extinction Of the
former, especially of the tribes belonging
to our portion Of this hemisphere, among
whom, holiness Of sentiment, and gallant
ry in action, have been conspicuous. To
ciyilize them, aud even to prevent their
extinction, it SEEMS to be indispensable
that their independence, as communities,
should cease, and that the control OF thf
United States over them should be com
pIete and undisputed. The hunter state
will then be more easily abandoned, and
recourse will be had to the acquisition and
culture of land and to other pursuits
tending to dissolve the ties which conneci
| them together as savage community, and
to give new character to every individu
al. / present this subject TO the consider
alton Of Congress, on the presumption that
it may be found expedient and practicable
to adopt some benevolent provisions, hav-
ing these objects in view, relative to the
tribes within our settlements.
1t has been necessary, during the pre-
sent year, to maintain strong naval force
in the Mediterranean, and in the Gulf oil
Mexico, and to send some public ships
along the southern coast, and TO the Pacific
ocean. By these means amicable relations
with the Barbary powers have been pre-
served, our commerce has been protected
and our rights respected. The augmenta-
ton of our navy is advancing, with a
steady progress, towards the limit con
templated by law.
communicate, with great satisfaction,
the accession of another state, Illinois, toI
our Union; because perceive, from the
proof afforded by the additions already
made, the regular progress and sure con-
summation Of policy of which history
affords no example, and Of which the good
effect cannot be too highly estimated. By
extending our government, on the princi
Piles Of our constitution, over the vast ter
ritory within our limits, on the Lakes and
the Mississippi, and its numerous streams,
new life aud vigor are infused into every
part of our system. By increasing the
number of states, the confidence of the
state governments in their own security is
increased and their jealousy Of the nation
al government proportioDably diminished.
The impracticability of one consolidated
government for this great and growing ma
ton, will be more apparent, and will be uni
versalIy admitted. Incapable of exercis-.
ing local authority except for general pur-
moses. The general government will no long