Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1837-12-13

insure their uniformity. The same
reasons induce me to recommend the
erection Of a mandatory Of gunpow-
der, I o be under the direction oil the
Ordnance office. The establishment
OF a mandatory of small arms west
of the Allegheny mountains, upon the
plan proposed by the Secretary OF War,
will contribute to extend throughout
that country, the Improvements which
exist in establishments OF a similar de-
scription in the Atlantic States, and
tend to much more economical dlstri.
button of the armament required in the
western portion of our Union.
The system of removing the Indians
west Of the Mississippi, commenced by
Mr.. Jefferson in 1904, has been steadl'
w ~persevered in by every succeeding
President, and may be considered the
settled policy Of the country. Uncon-
nected at first with any well defined
system for their Improvement, the In.
ducements held out to the Indians were
confined to the greater abundance of
game to be found in the West but
when the beneficial effects of their re-
moval were made apparent, a more
philanthropic and enlightened policy
was adopted, IN purchasing their lands
east Of the Mississippi. Liberal prices
we're given, and provisions inserted in
all the treaties with them, for the appli-
cation of the funds they received in
exchange, to such purposes as were
best calculated to promote their pre-
sent welfare, and advance their future
civilization. These measures have
been attended thus far with the happi-
est results.
1t will be seen, by referring to the
report of the Commissioner OF Indian
affairs, that the most sangulne expec-
tations of the friends and promoters OF
this system have been realized. The
Choctaws, Cherokees, and other tribes
that first emigrated beyond Mississippi,
have, for the most part, abandoned the
hunter state, and became cultivators
of the soil. The Improvement in their
condition has been rapid, and it is be-
lieved that they are now fitted to ENJOY
the advantages of a simple form of 60
vernment, which has been submitted 10
them and received their sanction /; and
| cannot too strongly urge this subject
upon the attention ofCongress.
Stipula,ions have been made with all
the Indian tribes to remove them beyond
the Mississippi, except with the band OF
The Wyandotts, the Six Nations in New
York, the Menomonees, Mandans. and
Stockhridges in Wisconsin, and Miamies
in Indiana. With all but The Menomo
nees, it is expected that arrangements for
their emigration will be completed in the
present year. The resistance which has
been opposed to their removal by some Of
the tribes, even after treaties had been
made with them to that effect, has arisen
lfom various causes. operating differently
on each OF them. In most instances they
have been i~nstigated to resistance by per
sons to whom the trade with them and
the acquisition Of their annuitiss were i'm
"portant; and in some by the personal in.
haence of interested Chiefs. These Oh
~siac!es must be overcome for the Go
vernment cannot relinquish the execution
of this policy without sacrificing important
interests, and abandoning the tribes tie
naming east Of the Mississippi TO certain
destruction.
The decrease in numbers of the tribes
within the limits OF the States and Terri
tories has been most rapid Ii they be
removed, they can he protected from those
associations and evil practices which ex'
eit so pernicious and destructive an lnflu
ence over their destinies. They can be
iaduced to labor. and to acquire property,
and its acquisition will inspire them with a
feeling of independence. Their minds
can be cultivated, and they can be taught
the value of ~salutary and uniform laws,
and be made sensible Of the blessings of
free government, and capable Of enjoying
lis advantages. In the possession Of pro
perty, knowledge, and a good Govern
ment, free TO give what direction they
4 please to their labor, and shsrers ia the
legislation by which their persons and the
profits Of their industry are 20 be protec
ted and secured, they will have an ever
present conviction Of the Importance OF
union, of peace among themselves, and Of
the preservation of amicable relations with
US. The interests of the u. States would
also be greatly promoted by freeing the
relations between the General and State
Governments from what hasproved a most
embarrassing incumbrance, by a ~satisGac
tory adjustment Of conflicting titles TO
lands, caused by the occupation of the In
dams, and by causing the resources of the
whole country 10 he developed by the
power Of the State and General Govern
ments, and improved by the enterprise of
a white population.
Intimately connected with this subject
IS the obligation of the Government to FIJI
III ITS treaty stipulations and TO protect the
Indians thus assembled at their new
residences from all Interruptions and distnr
Dances from any other tribes or nations OF
Indians s. from any other pcrson,or persons
whatsoever" and the equally solemn obi
CATION to guard from Indian hostility It's
"a "a n hnR q - - - al ~ pr a.