The Massachusetts spy, and Worcester County advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1825-1831, 1830-12-15
WHOLE NO. BOIL.

III LiIS dYdllS nothing, however, Tor IL mas Deen
discovered, within three years past, that they are
not endowed with the rights of men; or, in other
words, they have lost their human character, and
become mere animals. And this is of the dis
coveries of the nineteenth century which is to IL
lustrate our public reputation to the latest period
( of time
g. The people of the United States are bound to
remember, that the of justice will prevail, if
1t is kept before the public eye, and pressed upon
the public conscience 1t is true, that self-inter
est blinds men strangely; but the supposed advan-
tages to be gained by driving the Indians into ex-
lie, are altogether too small and contemplate to
exert permanent influence upon the minds of our
citizens generally. One of the Senators from Geor
gia said, in his place, while the Indian bill was I'M
der discussion that the interest of that State in the
decision of the question, was Uery ipconsderable.
I This declaration true. Beyond doubt, the
interest of the Southern States would be promoted
by admitting all that the Indians claim, and never
attempting get foot of their lands, unless by
treaties fairly made-and past engagements re-
naming inviolate
Let this matter be kept fully, strongly. and con-
! stantly before the minds of all people, and
there can be no fears in regard TO the ISSUE Our
faith will be sustained and the nation will have ac-
CURED from the struggle great accession of NOR
al strength.
3. We are bound, as people. to petition tsacon-
gress earnestly and unfortunately that the <appre-
hended evil may be averted. From all parts Of our
land memorials should flow in couched in terms of
such eloquent expostulation, that it will be impos-
sible for national rulers to look upon the con-
temp lated measures without shudderng. There
are persons in all parts of country, who speak
in terms of utter adherence of the course now pur-
sued with the Indians. From the most unquestion-
able sources, it is ascertained, that great num-
bers of we-informed individuals in South Caro-
lima, Alabama and Mississippi, perfectly agree
on this subject with the of the people in Penn
sylvania, Ohio, and the western, middle and cast
ern States. l say the mass of the people; for ex-
cepting those who are msled by false statements,
and including all who are acquainted with the sub
ject, it will be found that nearly every individual
is on the side of the Indians.
1t is extensively supposed, that pettioninc does
no good and, owing to the prevalence of this sup
position, many thousands neglected to petition in
behalf of the Indians last winter. But this is to-
tai mistake. few more spirited memorials sup
ported by the personal influence of men distin-
gushed in the community for their integrity and
patriotism, would probably have defeated the In
dian bill
Among the topics OF the petitions should be the
following That the Indian bill should he immedi-
atey repealed, except far it has already been
executed that no further appropriations should be
made for the removal Of the Indians or for treating
with them, till their rights are fully acknowledged
by all branches of the Government; and that the
Senate should not ratfy any treaty made under the
auspices of the Indian bill, and the Interpretation
1t has received. These topics of memorial have
been recommended by large assemblies of our fell
low citizens in Kentucky, and in other parts of the
ty of argument and illustration of which they are
susceptible,
May it not be well to petition, also, that de-
c1ratory act may be passed, asserting that the in
tercourse law extends to the southwestern tribes.
and directing the President to see it enforced? As
the constitution has assigned to the Supreme Court
the duty Of deciding in regard to the meaning and
the effect of treaties, and it is generally known
that suit is contemplated by the Cherokees, is it
not every way desirable that the Indians should re-
mai hair 81 -.
bunal shall have pronounced upon their claims
and ought not the people of the United States to
cherish an equal respect for all the branches of
their government, and to demand that each should
act IN its appropriate sphere
When petitions prepared on these and other
topics, by individuals in cities. towns and dis
trcts, most competent to prepare them they should
be presented for signatures, with zeal and spirit
commensurate to the object in view. viz: The
thorough expurgation of the STAIN which is begin
ming to show itself on national escutchcon and
the interposition of efTectual barrier, against
measures like those which are contemplated.
4. Now is the time for all who address the
public with effect either by the mouth or with the
pen, to put forth their utmost powers in behalf of
suffering humanity-in behalf of our country-in
behalf of weak and defenceless men throughout the
world. Never was there clearer Of right
never stronger case Of conventional obligation
never a case in which the ultimate decision will
more certainly receive the hearty reprobation Of
the future millions of America, if that decision
should disregard the cries of the poor and the en-
treaties of the oppressed There should be one
loud, general overwhelming note of remonstrance
sounding forth from Georgia to Maine. and repeat
ing admonitions like these Abstain from robbery
Cypress not the psof-perf0rm you,r roacs-respect
the rights Of all. There should be vehement and
universal outcry, as against great crime on the
eve of being perpetrated, and which can be pre-
vented only by voice of alarm and decision.
8. 1t the importance of this subject seen in
its true light. there is presumption in saying, that
the friends of the Indians, in all our great Cities
and in all the States of the Union, would send a
deputation to Washington to see that proper rep
reservation of the views and feelings of the people
was made to the executive and legislative branches
| of the Government. Men of the first respectable
ty, and of long established character, would cheer
fully leave their homes and spend months for the
sake of lending even a small aid 10 the cause of
the Indians; a cause, the success of which the
thonor and prosperity of the country so much de-
ponds; for if the public reputation of the country
should suffer all the great interests of the country
will suffer with it. Deputations of this character
might call the President, and explain to him
| fully the wishes of their constituents. He would
receive them with all that attention, which the
grave nature OF the question would evidently re-.
quire; and which his habits of affability would rem
der easy to him. Let the principles developed in
Mr.. Wits opinion be pressed upon his considera-
ton. These principles are plain, and are support.
ed by arguments which cannot be ans gered
The Indian bill leaves almost every thing 10 tho
discretlon OF the PRESIDENT; and this makes it pc
culiarly proper to address him personally. eau
ton and delay cannot injure the United States, or
the rghttul claims of any State but haste nav
destroy the Indians, and infct tremendous evils
upon ourselves. There is the more reason to hope
that such interviews with the President might be
useful as it is known that many among the most
respectable of his political friends are as decidedly
opposed, as any members of the community, to tho
present system Of measures in regard to the Indians
s. In all assemblies for public worship, and on
all suitable occasions, let prayers be offered that
l God would enlighten and guide the minds and
hearts of our rulers, in all their actions relating
} pore than myself the perverson of the worship o.
God, and making il subservient to party purpose,
and political objects. But here is great public
question, which has an intimate bearing on the
moral character and the permanent Interests Of the