Daily Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1828-1831, 1830-05-05

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confidence would be presumptuous, and dissuaded
them from all expectation of relief
Mr.. Presidents rho instructions that have procee-
dedfrom the War Department to the Agent. of In
aan Affairs have excited just and strong ieslouses OF
the measures now recommended. They have promp-
ted tins amendment, in the hope that by some public
and decided expression of disappro6aton, a train
lo' potica management with these tribes may be ar
rested and our country saved from the dishonor O!
buying over the consent of corrupted Chiefs 10 a
uatorous surrender of their country.
wan read part Of these instructions; they are
from the War Department to Generals Carroll and
Cohce, of the date of S0th May, 1920. 1.-THE past
reniarks the Secretary, respect Indian councils
mas demonstrated their uasr aversion to this mode
whist has boen made equally clear, that another
mode promises greater success. In regard TO the
hrst, THAT by councs) the Indians have seen in tho
past, that 1t has been by the result of councils that
the extent of their country has been from time TO
time diminished. They all comprehend this Hence
Is that those who are interested in keeping then,
where they are alarm their fears, and by previous
cau,ionng, induce them to reject all offers looking
to this object. There is doubt, however but the
mass of the people would be glad 10 emigra,e and
there IS as little doubt that they kept from this
exercise OF their choice by their chiefs and other in
terested and influential men," &c. Again "Nothinp
Is more certain than that if the chiefs and influential
men could be brought into the measure the rest
would implicitly follow II becomes, therefore, a
matter of necessity, if the General Sovernmsn,
q
r'e of their otcn Preudces, and by the adoption of
any proper means, break the power that is wayerny
with their best interests The question is how car,
,Eis DC best done? Not, it is believed, for the rea.
Soas suggested, by means of general council
There they would he awakened 10 all the inti,tiops
which those who opposed TO their EXCHANGE of
country might throw out; and the consequence would
be-what 1t has been--a firm refusal TO acouiesce
The best resort is believed TO be, that which is
embraced IN an appeal 20 the chiefs and influential
10 mi farrrf t1- k,kn, Al.
by proper exposition of their real condition, rouse
them to think of that; whilst offers 10 them of ey
tenslve reservations in fee simple ana otter re,r1,s
would 1t Is hoped result in obtaining their acouies
cence."
Let analyze this singular state paper. Il 5oe.
not relish tn congregation of Indian councils In
these assemblies they deliberate and weigh the policy
OF measureS-they calculate the results of PROPOSED
improvements These councils embodv the collec
ted wisdom Of the tribes. Their influence is Of tho
authority OF law; the people look 10 them for protec-
ton. They know that in the multitude of conn
sellers there Is safely Hence nations tar in advance
OF the Indians, always meet in council, when their
great interests are to be promoted or defended I'm,
these SPECIAL agents are discouraged frrm hoping that
the ooJect can be Obtained in this good old fashioned
way The Indians are too wise to be CAUGHT when
the net is spread folly in sight. They are direct
cd TO avoid all associations and with the public nurse
IN hand, to take the Chiefs alone-to apnroach mil;
vldually, and at home-'to meet them in he ,cay os
tEeT P'SMteeS. admire the Ingenious clothing
of a most odious proposal
strong hint is suggested to try the ef;.c, of tor
ror' and oy proper exposition of their real condi
ton, rouse Them 10 think upon that and TO fo,iou,
This up with large offers To them of extensive rp
servatlons in fee simple, and other rewards" The
report maze oy one " these agents to the War De-
partmeni dated Sept. "a 1920 still further disclose
sa6seteG 70 10 G SHs the Indians ace
agent observes, The truth IS, they (Cherokees( re9
Fa1 ~ INF l.
petitions they have before Congress- J'that is re.
jected and the dlDs the States are enforced vou will
have no difficulty in obtaining an exchange of lands
with them" 1t may be true, that if we Withdraw
our protection, give hem over to the hieh-handed.
heart-brenkng Legislation OF the States drive iben,
to despair, that when improper means fail 10 ~
them, force and terror may compel them We shall
have no difficulty, the agent assures the War De
partmcnt. Sir, there will be one difficulty that shonId
be deemed insurnountablC. Such a process will dis
grace us IN the estimation of the whole civilized
world. 1t will degrade US in our own ewes and bnt
the page OF our history with indeble dishonor
Now, sir, have brought this measure before the
Senate, and wait with intense anxiety TO hear tho
final disposition of II. Where is the man TINT can
IN view of such policy open the door, or afford the
slightest facility TO the operations of Influences that
we should blush with honest shame could we. m an
unguarded moment, consent to have employed them
with our equals IN the scale Of civilization IL is not
intended, cir, 10 ascrbe this policy exclusively to the
present Administration. Far from Il. The truth is
we have Song been gradually, and almost uncon-
sciously declining into these devious ways, and we
shall nfict lasting injury upon our good name un-
less We speedily abandon them.
now proceed to the discussion of those princi-
pies which, in my humble judgment, fully and clear
ly sustain the claims Of Inc Indians 10 oil their polit
ical and civil rights. as by them asserted.
And here Mr. President insist that by lmmemoal DOSES
son. as the original tenants Of the SOIL they hold title beyond
and superior 10 the British and colonies and 70 al
adverse pTetensons ri confederation and subsequent Union
God IN hrs Providence planted these tribes on this Western
continent 50 far as we know before Great Britain herself mad
political existence believe, SIR il is now serlouslv denied
mat the Indians are men, endowed with kindred faculties and
powers with ourselves that they have place in human SYM
pathy and are justly entitled in the common b5up
ties Of bengnan Providence And, with this Conceded
ask IN what cote Of the Law OF nations or by what ptoes
abstract deduction their rights been e1tinguisbsJ
Where - the decree ordinance that has stripped
early aud FIRST lords Of the so Sir no record Of such
sure can be found And might trumphau,ly rest tire hoor
OF tese feeble fragments q great nations upon this Inn
Pregnabe observation-disclosures human policy or IN.
"a" OF power or the yrans plea Of expehency NAV hy,
iound convenient at any all tunes to eceIe from III,
unchanBeabe principles Of eternal Justice No argument ca,
shake Tie political maXuihst where the indian always ba
been, he enjoys an absone gi still be- in the free exerc
OF IIs own modes Of thought, government and conduct
hr President In the light Of natural a can reason evs
IA WH 81 Il