Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1830-12-11

and in time me!iorate, their present condition.
r, turn them to industry, Il OF hrst Importance,
Labor is never an acceptable pursuit to indians.
r, ,be;, unie,oroved state a fondness for war and
che chase, and oratory at their councils. consti-
tute their leading traits. because these afford the
,;,hest distinction. When, through the intlu.
cnce of culture and education. their taste upon
these subjects shall be changed, and the charac-
20, Of an industrious agriculturlst be held IN
bi,her estimation than dcxterity of pursuit IN
the chase then may they be expected to resort to in
,,ustry, and give attention to the duties OF agri-
cuIturc. lndisposition to manua! labor, SO pecu-
T,rlv the Characteristic of an Indian, causes him
to select the poorest grounds. because of the ease
with which the timber is feled and cleared away.
The exceptions which exist to this principal
10 omnnpst those of mixed Indian blood. whose
l,abits have been improved, and whose minds
have been cultivated
There are three divisions IN the Choctaw ma
,;ons. each Of which is governed by chief, who,
within his limits, acts Independently OF the 9th
.rs. In his government he is aided by minor and
.ubur,linate chiefs, called Captains, each Of
whom acts within his particular district. The
neople are subordinate to the captains the cap
t,ains to the chiefs. One Of these dlsislOnscom-
no,es what is called the Christian District. the
,,hiet of which is a man Of good mind. with a
,,omon English educatiOn, aud is religious
III, people, too, are seemingly pious. Each
Dioht. peniing the negotiation, until late hour,
hey we're at their exercises. singing and preach
ira, From every Information. thI, Christian par
To - il is termed. are not accurately and cor
-, tly informed Us TO the principles and faith up
NJ which they profess to act. \ future state OF
rewards and aud punishments, for virtue Or for
crimes. is ashioned by their standard OF savage
life. and It's enjoyments; and. IN their lma.ina-
non i made to conform to what they conceive to
b. essential To constitute happiness Or misery
here. judging from their devotional conduct.
,h.v are. to all appearances. religious people.
Certainly there are some rercepti5e and bene-
fi,ial changes amongst them. They have become
mostly an agricultural! people. The practice OF
perforatins tie aud ears fer the purpose 1t "r
n,menting them, is rapidly disappearing, aud III
.lderc,I rude custom. Nermiilion paint, to or
p,,nent and TO decorate tue face. is in crest
measure given up. \ crcdUlity III supernatural
AGENCY, in witches. is fat Welding; and the use
Of ardent spirits. particularly in one OF the dis
tricts. is in a great measure abandoned. y reas-
ooobe hope ma, be entertained, Ehat these peo
ple may in time prove that the zeal and oiiIrts
Of the Government to protect and cniiAc item,
are not improperly bestowed.
In concluding treaty with these people, can
dor and fairness were the only means resorted Ia
by the Commissioners. They were gwen to un-
derstan, distinctly that, IN coming 20 Nis,; them
a, thcir solicitation, a"d al then homes. no de-
sim was entertained beyond communicating To
Them knowledge of their true condition, and
submitting To thclr judgment the course of policy
by them 10 be pursued. We told them the OPT;
niun entertained nv the Government as to the
authority OF Mississippi to extend over them her
laws: and that the United States possessed not
the poAer to prevent it. The interviews had
with them were in open council, where were pre-
sent the chiefs and warriors, and some ui our own
citizens Arguments addressed to their Judg-
men,s were the means employed. No threat was
used-no intimidation attempted. Under these
circumstances, a treaty was concluded and Sign
ed, more than FIVE thousand Indians being IN at
tendance at the time. Amongst them was great
apparent unanimity. Some did object aud we're
dissatisfied. but not as it regarded the general
motley If treating. but because they believed
III ,m.rlves entitled to obain. and were soicit-
,ns 70 procure larae reservations. The number
thu, influenced was small. Since that time, ac
i've efforts have been made in ,he'natiOn TO IN
lu,e dissatisfaction amongst the Indians and 10
persuade them that they had been greatly deceiv-
ed and imposed upnn.
An old chief tNushulatub6ee.) who was favor
abl, IN the treaty, bv a few of. the discontinued
Of h,s district, has been recently deposed. and the
uan,. Of another lent to this office 10 receive re-
cornition The design is probably to show that
the people are displeased because he signed the
treaty. The ATS Aer returned TO their applica
lion was, that, while the Government meant not
To Interfere .,tlh their mode Or manner OF sell
government, II could not recognize what had been
dove bv few; vet, when a Chief should be cho-
sen by maioyity Of the division. aud the fact so
certified bv their General Council. he would be
regarded as properly chosen. and be considered
ssuch. Ar examinations of this treaty will clear
~ show. think. that iastice ard liberality have
Gren regarded. The great majority ut the na-
so, we're satisfied When we let them; and, from
inforuuaiun since received. yet coninae to be
satisfied. Their anxious desire Is. 10 get To
cuuu,r, under the protection Of the United States.
where they can be free iiom any liability 'oSia,e
laws. and ue able 10 dwell in peace under their
own customs.
Tat Commissioners appointed to further tie
execution OF the treaty of Butte DIES Morris. have