Cheraw gazette. [volume] (Cheraw, S.C.) 1835-1838, 1836-09-06
TIE PI-RL.IC LAND FRAUDS.


Ertract from the Circular Of Mr.. Garland,
member Of Congress from Virginia to his
Constituents.
The war that has been for months past
waged with the Seminole Indians in Florida,
still continues. That which has more re-.
Gently commenced with a portion Of the
Creek nation is likely to be brought to a
more speedy termination. These wars will
cost the country from five to six millions of
dollars in all probability, and a loss Of life
that cannot be appreciated. If the truth
shall ever be known in relation TO the eau.
ses Of these wars, hazard very little in say.
ing that they hare risen more from the op-
pressions and frauds practiced rith impunity
on the Indians by the citi=ens-ef one or t~o
States, than from any other cause. 1t is the
duty of the Government to protect and de-
fend our citizens, be the causes Of war what
ever they may, and have voted for every
appropriation for that purpose; yet ! cannot
refrain from saying that, if the tomahawk
and scalping.knife were, or could be made
to fall only on the heads of the heartless
spectators, their fate would not excite eth.
er my sympathy or regret.
Within a few days of the close of the
session, petition from about eight hundred
residents ofthe States. Of Georgia and Al
bama was presented to the House OF Repre-.
sentatives. 1t stated that shameful and out
rageous frauds had been practiced on the
Creek Indians, which they had no doubt had
brought on the war. They intimated, in
terms that could be understood, that some
of those mkohad been engaged in practising
frauds upon the Indians had been instrumen-
tai in erciting them to hostilities, the better
it is Supposed, to conceal their share in them.
They asked Congress to adopt some course
calculated to ascertain the frauds, and bring
to justice the perpetrators ofthem. A pro-
posal was made to refer the petition to com.
mittee of the House, to be invested with full
power to send for witnesses and documents,
and, if necessary, to proceed to the Indian
country, to examine in;o the alledged frauds,
and recommend the adoption OF such mea-
sures as might be deemed necessary to ex'
pose the fraudulent transactions, do justice
to the Indians and punish the guilty. A
proposition so fair and reasonable was re-
sisted by the great body ofthe friends ofthe
Administration, and voted down by them;
and the petition ola number of citizens, ad.
dressed to Congress, asking that body to
provide a remedy for alleged wrongs and
gross frauds, was sent to the President to
make inquiries, and take such measures as
he might deem proper to correct the evils
of which the petitioners complained.
This is but one instance, among several
others, in which the friends of the Admins
tration, during the late session, have resist
ed or evaded inquiries by committees into
the manner in which the public business has
been transacted. The Committee on In
dian Affairs, at an early period of the ses-
sion, asked for authority to send for docu.
ments and papers, and to examine witnesses,
stating it was necessary an investigation
should be made into the manner our Indian
affairs were administered. The authority
was given, and | have understood the COM
mittee was diligently employed afterwards
in their examinations. They were neces-
sarily extensive, and required much time.
a ssv days previous % the adjournment, a