Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1838-12-14


for their security against external violenc
and internal discussions, and the extensio
Ito them of suitable facilities for their az
J vancement 10 civilization. This has M
, been the policy OF particular administration
only, but of each succession since the ff,
attempt TO carry il out under that Of M
Monroe. All have labored for its accom-
plishment, only with different degrees c
success. The manner OF is execution has
ii is true, from time 10 time, given rise 4
conflicts of opinion and unjust imputations
but in respect TO the wisdom and necessil,
of the policy itself, there has moi, from tn,
beginning, existed doubt in the mind o
any calm, judicious. disinterested friend o
the Indian race, accustomed to reflection anC
enlig htened by experience. ie3
Occupying the double character Of con
tractor on its own account, and guardians
Tor the parties contracted with, it was hard
" 10 be expected that the dealings OF tn,
Federal Government with the Indian tribes
would escape misrepresentation That there
occurred in the early settlement ofihis coun.
Try, as in all others where the civilized race
has succeeded to the possessions Of the saw.
age Instances Of oppression and fraud on
the part Of the former, there is too much
reason to believe. No such offences can,
however, be justly charged upon this gov
eminent since il became free TO pursue its
own course. It's dealings with the Indian
tribes have been just and friendly through.
ont; It's efforts for their civi ilalion constant,
and directed BY The bes, feelings Of human
ty; its watchfulness in protecting them from
individual frauds unremitting its loIbea.-
ance under the keenest provocaions, the
deepest injuries, and the most fragrant out
RACES, may challenge at least comparison
with any nation, ancient or modern, in SINH
lar circumstances and If in future time a
powerful, civilized and happy nation of In
dams shall be found Within the limits Of this
northern continent it viii be owing 10 the
consummation OF that policy which has been
so unjustly assaied
Only very brief reference to facts in
confirmation OF this assertion can in this
form be given, and younre, therefore. neccs,
sariIy referred TO the report Of the Secretary
OF War for further details To the Chero.
KEGS, whose case has perhaps excited the
greatest share Of attention aud sympathy,
the United States have granted in Zee. with a
perpetual guaranty Of exclusive aud peace.
able possession, 1851 1876 acres of land, on
the west side Of the Mississippi. elieibly sit.
ualed, in healthy climate, and in all res.
poets better suited 10 their condition than the
country they have left, in Exchange for only
9,492, 60 acres on the east side of the same
river The United States have in addition
stipulated TO pay them FIVE millions six hun.
dred thousand dollars for their interest in.
and improvements on. the lands thus relin.
quished, and one million one hundred and
Sixty thousand dollars for subsistence and
other beneficial purposes; thereby putting il
10 lheir power TO become one of the most
wealthy and independent separate communi-
ties, OF the same extent, in the world
BY the treaties made and ratified with the
Miamies, the Chppewas, the Sioux, and
Sacs and Foxes, and the Winnebagoes du.
ring the last year, the Indian title to eighteen
millions, four hundred ihy-eighl thousand
acres has been extinguished. These purchas.
ers have been much more extensive than those
OF any previous year, and have, with other
Indian expenses, borne very heavily with
the Treasury. They leave, however, but
small quantity OF unbought Indian lands |
within the States and Territories; and the
Legislature and Executive were equally
sensible oil the proprety OF a final and more
speedy extinction OF Indian titles within |
those limits. The treaties which were, with !
a single exception. made in pursuance OF
previous appropriations for deirayng the |
expenses, have subsequently, been ratified by |
the Senate, and received the sanction of Con.
gress by the appropriations necessary 10 car. !
ry them into effect. OF the terms npon
which these important negotiations were
concluded, | can speak from direct knowl.
edge and feel no difficulty in AFFIRMING
that the interest ofihe Indians in the extern
slve territory embraced by them, is TO be
paid Tor at It's fair value. and that no more
favorable terms have been granted to the I
United States than would have been reason. |
ably expected in negotiation with civilized
men, July capable of approaching and pro.
tectlpg their own rights.
FOR the Indian title TO ll6,349,s97 acres
acquired since the 4tl of March, 1929, the
onl'ed States have, paid S72,56O 056, in per-
monent annuiies, lands, reservations for In.
dams, expenses OF removal and subsistence.
mechanical and agricultural
establishments, and implements. When the
neavy expenses incurred BY the United
states, and the circumstance that so large n
portion Of the entire territory will be forever
are considered, and his nr;ce Il
compared with that for which The JTn;ed
States sell their own lands, no one can DOM,
hat justice has been done TO the Indians IN
IN these purchases also. Certain 4 i ia,
me transactions of the Federal Government,
WIN the indians have been uniformly char.
icterized by a sincere and paramount desire