Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1829-09-08

other 10 asset adverse donainioa on Authority with
in her juistiictionol limits: they are things that
not exist together.
Between the State of Georgia and the Indian
tribes within her limits, compact agreement
was ever entered intowho then is to yield, for it is
CERTAIN III the ordinary course of exercised authority
that one or the other muss The answer heretofore
presented from the Government, and which you, by
your adoption have sanctioned correct, the only
one that can be offered. Georgia bv her acknow-
lodged confederatve authority, may legally and
rghtiuy govern and control her own limits, or else
our knowledge OF the scsnce and principle of gov
ernment, as they relate 10 own forms wrong,
and have been wholly misunderstood.
Sympathy INDUCED is noble and generous trait OF
character; but it should never assume & form calcu-
lated to outrage settled principles. or TO produce III
the end greater evil than it would remedy. Ad-
NIT 1t were III the disposition OF the government at
Washington To hold course and language different
from that they have heretofore employed; and to en-
courage tc Indians TO the belief that rigitiuly they
may remain aud exercise civil government in DIES
pitc of Georgia? do those who are the advocates of
such course, and consider Il reconcilabe to pro
perry. dream OF the consequences to which it would
lead, consider after What TANNER so strange an
idea could b. put III practic& Have they looked 10
the State of Georgia, conscious in tho rcctitude oil
her own construction OF right, demanding of the o.
nted States their constitutional authority to inter
ere aud appealing To the States sustain her against
Icncroaciuents, which if submitted TO, might in the
end, prove destructive of the wiIule' Ifnolhing else
can be traced through such appeal and in such
an issue. think the good and the humane may al
least perceive that in peril is to be discerncd and
TINT the weak and undiscip lined Indians, in such a
contest would be utterly destroyed that the pa
ces which now know them, would presently know
them no more.
From the conversations had with the President re
Gently and formerly, the subject of the Indians
am satisfied, that the country entertailis
towards them better feelings or has stronger de-
sire to see them pIaccdn chat condition. which may
con,lucc to their advancement and happiness Hur
n II,
fines of state, they may exercise all the forms and
requisites OF government, fashioned their own con-
dtion and necessities, he does not consider can be
advantageous to them. that the exercise of such
light can properly be CORRECTED. What would The
authorities of the State Of New York say TO an at
tempt, the part of the Sig .Nntioas to establish
within their limits. separate and independent GOV.
ernment: and yet their authority, to do So would be
as und.niabe as that nt the Creeks. or Cherokees
within the territory of Georgia, or Aiabama?-
! Would they agree, that the Indian law of retalia
ton on the next Of kim should be enforced for the
accidental killing ofonc Of their tribe Or, that no
thing al trade and commerce, by her citizens siouit
take place Wit hin their limits, except in CONFORMITY
to the provisions Of Their municipal coie2 Eoult
they nave their citizens rendered liable Il
be arra'gned at the bar ofan indian court Of Jus
| tIce, and to have metod out to them the pcnal
| ties of their criminal codes II is obvious tina
no State OF this Union would grant such au,hori-
". Conccde, however, that these Indians are
entitled 10 be conside ed sovereign within the
matter of consequence Admit the principle, ant
all is admitted-and what then? The sword
the alone ar5iter in ony community where cues
| tons OF adverse sovereignty and power are TO be
settled, would, in the end have to be appealed
to; and, when this shall be the case, the hum
bIest prophet in our land cannot but discern wha
viii be the .iaae OF the contest. Is it not prefer
able, and does not their own peace, and quiet
and happiness, demand, that they should suIren
der at once such visionary opinions, and, by re
! firing beyond the MiSsissppi place tbnroSnIye
where every conflict as to state authority. will
cease; and where the most enlarged and gener
Gus efforts, by the Government, will he made to i'm
prove their minds, better their condition, and ait
them in their efforts of self government? For yog
efforts and those associated with you in convention
iurtherng this liberal and only practical scheme, til
time will come when all good and generous men wi
thank you.
! In conclusion, the President desires me to than
you for the communication made to him. and to off.
yo an assurance that every legitimate power of hi
will be freely bestowed to further and assist the auG
able and humane course which your convention ha
adopted.
] have the honor to be, with great respect Won
obedient servant, JOHN H. EATON