Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1830-02-16


instructed to inquire and report whether any, and what
further provisions may be necessary TO prevent en-
croachments upon lands belonging to or in posse
OF any Indians, or Indian tribes whether guaranted
TO them by treaty, in which the Indian title has not
been exiting uished.
Alr. Forsyth said. perhaps the attention Of the Sena-
tor from Conn ccut had been called to this subject By
circumstances that had occurred in his own Stale Il
Is laid that The laws OF Connecticut are extremely op.
pressive The remnant OF the great Michigan ,,ibe in
that State is very unkindly treated Indeed it is Of
hrmed that recently the survivors of that fierce tite
at all times friends OF the whites had been desp lied
OF their Church and OF the lands where their tribes
repOsed. he grave of the great Uncas, inn iortaZ-
ed in story, had been sold to private gentle man by
virtue oil State legisation; and when an appeal
made to individual charity TO enable these poor Indian
TO build Church i'm which to worship God, in lieu OF
the taken from them, all that bestowed in one
oil the most considerable towns, was the sum OF light
dollars II these were the matters 10 which the Sena
tor from Connecticut directed his resolutions Mr. For
syth had no objection to it, although he was apprehen
ive II would be found that Congress would not afford
relief. not from deficiency of will but OF power.
Mr. Foot said, he was not aware that any explana-
uoA on The SUBJECT OF his resolution, wound b" desn
cd necessary by any member OF the Senate. The fact
was wei known that encroachments had teen made
at different periods, the lands owned by the Indians
aud an occurrence which took place last year nust be
fresh in the recollection of ALL that would, Of itself JUS
tuY tie proposed inquiry.
Mr. Foot thought that the resolution alluded 10 the
Indians generally, and not to those OF any particular
section OF the country, consequently, there could be
no particular, a, least TO local guarantee 70 complain
OF, nom calling The attention OF the committee. 10 the
subject embraced in the resolution. All know that en-
croachMents have been committed upon the Indian do
mains; and all know that laws exist present Tor the
purpose of restraining these encroachments; but these
laws are VIGOROUSLY Deg cted. He said ho had the ut
most confidence in the Chairman of that committee
and had therefore, no doubt OF his impartiay and
pdcty TO decide correctly.
Mr.. Foot said il seemed that the gentleman from
orgia considered the resolution alluded 10 ransac-
ton which took place lat Summer, in an Eastern State
He would assure that gentleman, that he neither al
luded TO Connecticut Georgia, but TO the Indian
possessions all the Union The evils complained
OF were not to be- 'ound III Connecticut. Gentlemen
might find that the conduct of Connecticut might be
well made subject of imitation in this respect, some
other States IN the Union lie would assure the gen
neman that he had particular reference to the State
OF Georgia. His object was 10 embrace all.
Mr. Forsyth was glad to find the Senator did al
lude particularly to Georg atha he intended to embrace
all; Of course Georgia and Connecticut. He united
most heartily in the sentiment expressed, by the gentle
man,hat there was other State whose conduct to the
Indians could compare with hat of Connectcut taking
il for granted that the information he had received was
true For this he did consider himself spon ble
what he gave was on the authority OF wspaper-not
always the best authority but in this matter confirmed
by the assurance OF person OF credit who stated that
he facts mentioned were true; he should regret tina,
another instance OF such legislation could be found
MIR. Forsyth would correct the erroneous impresson
OF the gentlemau that there was great excitement
among the GeorgidnS when Indian relations were
brought into view. Mr.. FORSYTH had been DESTROYS to
avail himself oil the INST opportunity show howGeorga
stood in that matter. The time s. has long
passed, when great degree OF senSbily was ielt by
the Georgans, but that time had passed. The great
battle had been fought They had truinphed and
could afford TO be generous. Now the extent of their
Interest in Indian affairs was little greater than tina,
of New York.
In New York there are shou: 800 Indians in Geor-
eia about 5000. The land occupied by those ) 900
Gll CherokeesO is between four and FIVE millions of
acres; one and half million of which, is claimed as
d ms VA no
OF he Georgia interest in the question OF power over
Indians and Indian lands. This State stood too in
peculiar position, different from that of all Other States
sac had promise OF the United Sfaes solemnly Civ
EN-, Ter valuable, an enormous considerable H. to re-
move the Indians, and exfnguish their title TO tina
land. They looked forward 10 the faithful performance
OF that promise, although their faith had been some
what shaken they now looked confidently to the spee-
dy adjustment Of her elaine Until HAT desirable Oh
ect was accomplished peculiar causes had induced her
to exercise the same powers within her limits over
the Indians, that exercised by the other States
In doing So tn Stale had acted with much kindness
towards the indians a. had been exhibited bv Ell
Their Of the States. Mr.. t. would not ins iue a com.
par'on between the Legislation o. the States on dis
subject; but would pledge himself, should any Sena.
tor choose to invite H. TO prove that under the Georgia
avs, the Cherokees would be in better condition
than the Indians in any State, where subjected To
he State laws Mr. Forsyth said, he believed that
The whole subject OF Indian relations being before the
indian Committee, no benefit would result from this
special inquiry, aud he would move to lay the resoiu-
tios on the table, intending that should not be taken
up until The Committee had made their report when
he would, if the Senator from Connecticut wished il
vote with him Tor i,s adoption.
Mr.. Foot wou,d not wish interfere with The con-
summation OF treaties and he hoped that all treaties
woul be faithfully performed both on the Dart of the
Indians and the Union. The resolution he had presen-
ted proposed inquiry into the situation of all The In
dams Whin cur ituis and he thought that opposition
10 ttls measure must now with bad grace from
the Senator from Georgia, when il recoleced tina;
TIE same gentleman, some short time since opposed
certain memorial because it did not embrace all the
Indians within our limits, but referred merely 10 those
OF particular section If it proper then to make
snchJnquy, 1t could not now be improper for S. ma
tor n his place to propose such an inquiry.
Mr. Foot some what surprised that all the reeo-
uons be has had The honor of submitting to the Senate
should meet with course OF opposition different from
those offered by any other Seniior He did not see
why his resolutions should tot be treated with the same
respect as those OF any other member.
But gent emen must be taught 70 know that he would
not be driven i'om his purpose and hat, as Senator
OF sovereign Stae he considered his rigb 10 uopos
inquiry founded on The same principle a. hat Of
any other Senator. lie therefore hoped at an maui
y from him might meet with The courtesy as ii
hal come ifom any other member
MIR. knight asked The Chair if il would be in order
to make an inquiry Of the Chairman Of he Committee
on Indian affairs 10 relation to the subject embraced in
The resolution. and being answered in the af rmative
Mr. Is. then inquired il there were any i'm formation
before that Commitee which threw any light upon IN
subject Of This resolution
Mr. White then stated that here was nothing before
The Committee on Indian Affairs Immediately relating
to the subject now before the Senate
M Foo asked Tor the ayes and noes, and the resolu
ton WIS agreed o; ayes p, noes b.
The following resoiu;,n offered yesterday by Mr.
Eco, was taken up:
Ti,af fIta a., d.