Vermont telegraph. [volume] (Brandon [Vt.]) 1828-1843, 1838-12-12

OF the Indian race, accustomed TO reftec-
ton and enlightened by experience.
Occupying the double character of con-
tractor on Its own account, and guardian !.
for the parties contracted with, it was
hardlyto be expected that the dealings OF
the Federal Government with the Indian
tribes would escape misrepresentation.
That there occurred in the early settle
ment OF this country, as mall others where
the civilized race has succeeded to the pos
sessions of The savage, instances Of oppres
sion and fraud. on the part Of the former.
there is 100 much reason to believe. No |
such offences can, however, be Justly |
charged upon this government Since it be-
came free to pursue its own course. lis
dealings with the Indian tribes have been |
just and friendly throughout; its efforts
for their civilization constant, and directed |
by the best feelings of humanity; lis |
watchfulness in protecting them from in
divduai frauds unremitting; its forbear-
lance under the keenest provocatons, the
deepest injuries, and the most fragrant out (
| RACES, may challenge at least a compari-
son with any nation, ancient or modern,
in similar circumstances and if in future
times powerful, civilized, and happy ma
ton of Indians shall be found to exist
/ within the limits of this northern contin-
ert. it vii! be- owing to the contamination
of that policy which has been so unjustly
assailed. - ...-. -.- ..... u.
Only very brief reference to facts in
confirmation of this assertion can in this
form be given, and you are, therefore, ne
cessarily referred to the report of the Sec
rotary of war for further details. To the
Cherokees, whose case has perhaps excit-
!, ed the greatest share of attention and sym
patty, the United States have granted in
8 fee, with a perpetual guaranty of exclu-
sive and peaceable possession, 1854, l35
acres Of land, on the west side of the Mis-
sissippi, eligibly situated, in healthy
climate, and In all respects better suited
TO their condition than the country they
have left, in exchange for only 1892 l69
The United States have in addition stipu-
lated to pay them five millions six hund-
/ red thousand dollars for their interest in,
} and improvements on, the lands thus re-
t linquished, and one million one hundred
and sixty thousand dollars for subsistence
and other beneficial purposes; thereby
: putting it in their power to become one
; of the most wealthy and independent sep
2 arate communities, of the same extent, in
the world. .....
g BY the treaties made and ratified with
# the Miamies, the Chippewas, the Sioux,
r the Sacs and Foxes, and the Winnebagoes
nj ho Iact no In6I 10 70
: eighteen millions four hundred and fifty
/ eight thousand acres has been extinguish
e ed. These purchases have been much
: more extensive than those Of any prevl-
J. Gus year, and have, with other Indian ex
d penses, borne very heavily upon the Treas
n urv. They leave, however, but small
Y. quantity of unbought Indian lands within
r. the States and Territories; and the Leg
y islature and Executive were equally sen
e. sible of the propriety Of final and mor'
speedy extinction of Indian titles within
is those limits The treaties which were
oGlwith single exception, made in pursu
IN ance of previous appropriations for de
IS, fraying the expenses, have subsequent
IS been ratified by the Senate, and receive
on the sanction of Congress by the appropri
he ations necessary to carry them into .effec
ia Of the terms upon which these impor
IN tant negotiations were concluded, ca
he speak from direct knowledge; and | fe,
DIV no difficulty 10 affirming that the iptere
I'll. of the Indians in the extensive terFitor
he embraced by them, is 10 be paid for at
in. first value, and that no more favorab
on terms have been granted to the Unit
int States than would have been reasonab
ent expected in negotiation with civiliz
we'd men. fully capable of approaching a
,ro' protecting their own rights. For the
hat dian title to 116,349,897 acres, acqnir
nv, since the 4th of March, 1929, the Unit
ibIe States have paid S71, 56O,O56 in. perm
;. IS nent annuities, lands, reservations for
has dams, expenses Of removal and subs
FIR ance, merchandise, mechanical and az
nee cultural establishments, and impcmer
,bit- When the heavy expenses incurred by
= United States, and the circumstance t
ERE so large a portion Of the entire terrific
osel will be forever unsaleable, are consider
tion, and this price IS compared win that
ian !; which the Onlteo states sen theif
yeen lands, no one can doubt that justice
and been done to the Indians in these purcl
" of es also. ...
/ i'm Certain it is, that the transactions Of
nedi- Federal Government with the Ind
were have been uniformly characterised !
N Ter sincere and paramount desire to pror
con- their welfare; and it must be sour(
lera- the highest qualification 10 every frler
occu- Justice and humanity to learn that,
S and withstanding the distractions from
Eli re- 10 time thrown IN It's way, ana .he
sissip- cuitles which have arisen ffom the p