Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1830-05-07

confidence would be presumptuous, and dssuaded
them from all expectation of relief
Mr.. President: The instructions that have procee-
dcd from The War Department to the Agents of In
dian Affairs have excited Just and strong ealousies of
the measures now recommended. They have promp-
ted this amendment. in the hope that by some public
aud decided expression of our dsapprobution train
OF political infringement with these tribes may be
rested, and our country saved from the dshonor of
buyirg over the consent of corrupted Chiefs, to a
traitorous surrender of their country.
will read part of these instructions; they are
from the War Department to Geuerals Carroll and
Coffee, of the date of 3Oth May, 1929. su'he past
lremarks the Secretary in respect to Indian co,,ncs
has demonstrated their utter aversion to this mode
whist 1t has been niade equally clear, that another
mode promises greater success. In regard to the
FIRST (that by councis) the Indians have seen in the
past, that 1t hes been Gy the result of councils that
the extent OF Their country has hcen from time to
Time diminished. They all comprehend this. Hence
1t Is that those who are interested in Keeping them
where they are alarm their fears and by previous
cau;ioning, induce them to reject ali offers LOOKING
to this object There is doubt, however, but the
mass OF the people would be glad TO cmigrate; and
there Is as little doubt that they are kept from this
exercise OF their choice by their chiefs and other in
terested and influential men,, &c. Again. .Nothng
Is more certain than that if the chiefs and influential
men could be brought into the measure, the rest
would implicitly follow. 1t becomes, therefore
mater of necessity, if the General Government
would benefit the people, that more upon then, in Ike
Inc 9f their orn preiadices, and by the adoption Of
with their best interests The question is how can
tins be best done? Not it is believed for the rea-
sons suggested, by means of general council
! There they would be awakened all the innations
winch those who are opposed to their exchange of
country might throw out; and the consequence would
| bc--wiat 1t has bcen-u firm refusal TO acQuesce
The best resort is believed to be- that which is
embraced IN an appeal to the chiefs and influential
men, mol together, but apart, at their houses and
by proper exposition of their real condition, rouse
them to think OF that; whilst offers to them Of ey
teisive reservations in fee simple ana other re,pars
would, 1t Is hoped result in obi ainin their acq,.es
| ccnce.
Let us analyZe this singular state paoer II doos
not relish tn congregation of Indian councils In
these assemblies they deliberate and weyh the pncy
OF neosures-they calculate the results of proposed
| improvements. These councils cinbo,lv the 20 ler
ted wisdom of the tribes Thetr influences is of the
authority OF law; the people look to them for protec
! ton. They know that in the multitude, of co,m.
selors there Is sety Hence nations ia in advance
! OF TIC Indians, always meet in council when their
great interests are TO he promoted or defended Dut
these special agents iscou,a gcd from ornr that
the opect can be obtained, in tins good old fashioned
way. ne Indians are too ,ciSe to be caught when
the net Is spread so fully in sight. They are direct
ed TO avoid all associations; and with the nuhlc nr,
IN hand, to take the Chiefs dloae-to approach md
Viduaiiy, and at home'sto nice: them in the ,sov NJ
tier prlj0tlices." | admire The inUcnous clo,;r
| OF q most od,ous PROPOSAL
strong hint IL suggested TO try the effect Of FOR
Ior' ana by proper exposition OF their real cond,
hon, rouse them 10 think upon that ana. 70 follow,
ItHis up WIN large oilers to them of extensive re-
! : vatons in fee simple, and other rewards" Tho
report made by OF these AGENTS tn tho W. n
paftment, dated Sept. 3D. 1899 still further disclsa
the nature of the eXigencies which the Indians
10 DC subjected, to constrain their removal The
agcns observes, "Ihe truth is they (Ccrokees( reIv
with great confidence OH favorable renor, on az
| petitions they have before Congress- frthat 80 90
Ilected and s ia,rs Of The States are e,,;ced vou will
nave no difhcuity IN obtaining exchange of lands
I Dnou no
our protection, give hem over to the hirh-bnnded
heart-breaking Legislation of the States drive then,
TO despair, that when improper means TAIL TO win
t iiel ;ofce ana terror may compel them We shall
nave no difficulty, the gent assures the War De
partment Sir, there will be one difficulty ,hnt should
De deemed lnsurmountable. Such process will d :
grace US III the estimation of the whole civilized
World IL VIII degrade us IN own eyes aud blot
the page OF our history with ndeble dishonor
Now, sir, have brought this measure hotcro q,
senate and wait with intense anxiety to hear tho
final disposition of it. Where is the man thai ca
IN view OF such policy, open the door, or afford the
sge't laciIity, to the operations of Influences that
we should blush with honest shame could we in ~,
unguarded moment, consent to have endowed tbor,
with our equals III the scale of civilization II i; me-,
Intended, SIR TO asctibe this policy exclusively to the
present Administration. Far from it, The truth j.
we have Tong been gradually, and almost nncon'
sciousiy declining into these devious WAYS. and ,va
shah infct lasting injury upon our good name nm
less we speedily abandon them ~
now proceed to the discussion IF tboso ;:
Piles which, in my humble judgment, fully and clear
y sustain tne CLAIMS of the indians to ali their pot
icai ana c!yii rights, as by them asserted
And here, Mr. President insist that bv ,nmemo,, -
s me original tenants OF the SOIL they hold tile beyon
GU upe'!o. 70 me British crown and colonies and 70 ali
preteIs!ons o. our confederation and SUBSEQUENT IT,
conou his ptovdence planted these on this western
COMMENT so far as we know before Great Britain bc eS @
Pohical existence believe sir il is now sero,y li
ia me lndians are men, endowed with kindred acu,;e
powers win ourselves; that they place in hnmac s
y anu are Justly entitled share the common b3,nr
And vitl, ~.
ASK VI "hat code OF the law OF nations or bv what nTor
Vbe.s afa1eson their rights have been eznguiscd
Shee is Inc decree ordinance that has strinned ,bo
early and first lords of the soR Sir no record of &
sure can De found And might trunpian,y rest The hn
VI ese feeble fragments of great nations upon this m
egnaoie oundatlon-however human policy n, The
power or the yrants plea of expediency NAV have
iounn u convenient at any all times to .scsde Go III
principles of eternal justice Noargunen. can
s'@he .he political maxlntfit where the indian au,s
Deem he enjoys absolute right still TO be- in tie fs
" Nh G p MODES OF thought government and conduct,
n ffesiden': LIZ the light of natural law can re7soo ~
~ me NODE OF enjoying that winch is my own If nse il G
hunting may another take tbecausn he needs il FIR
ha.