The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1842-02-24
New London.
New London.
fCorrespondrnce ortne Herald "
New LoSpoN, Feb. q, 1872.
Steamboat Charter Oak Afoat-Great Temperance
Convention.

COncentOn.
Mn. EDIroR -
Contrary to all expectation, the steamer Charter
Oak has been rescued from the rocky shore Of
| Fishers Island, where she was driven during
the late gale last week, and now lies safely neored
at our wharves, apparently uninjsred. 1t is very
probable that she will shortly resume her station
on the sound, as she has not sustained damage suf
ficient TO cause much delay. II very remaika
bic escape and in fact 10 almost miraculous that she
did not strike upon rock. when drifting about
the Soundl in state manageable, and 60 to the
bottom, together with all hands on board But she
is safe, and her passengers also been landed in
safety. Thanks be to him who rides upon the wind
and directs the storm, for their preservation.
A Convention Of the w. A. Society met o.day,
in commemoration of the Immortal Washington.
The greatest assemblage Of people that We have
ever witnessed on such an occasion. Some thou.
SANDS Of indviduals, from different sections of this
senbed At the churches hear addres.es from sew.
eraldistinguished temperance orators from different
parts Of The State. The spectacle was lofty and
imp sing, and filed the heart Of every true phian-
thropist with enthusiasm. The brass band belong.
ing to this city and Joining villa, accompanied
the procession, which extended through number
OF streets, far a. the eye could reach.
We are in the midst Of a mighty revolution, in
morals and religion, which seems to promise
something wondross great" B. Jr.
An AccevNr OF THE INDIANs.--Few Of our citi.
zens know that we live nearer to civilized Indians
than almost any other section Of the United States
The ,untry owned by the Choctaws exteRds from
the Arkansas TO Red River commencing at Fort
Smith, and running up the Arkansas to the Cana
dian, 10 the limits OF the United States, and with
said limits to Red River, down Red River 10 where
due south line with Fort Smith from the State line
Of Arkansas strikes Red River. The Choctaws
number about fifteen thousand, and are unquestion-
ably highly advanced in civilization. The consti-
tuition upon which their laws are based has been
printed in English and Choctaw, and circulated
through the nation. Their government is sy stema
tic and reg ularly organized in the Democratic form
II consists ola council of forty members The ter.
ritory being divided into four districts each dis
trict elects representatives as we do in proportion
to the amount Of their population. Each of the four
districts have chief who cit ~ body, fer the ap.
proval Of such laws a. ere enacted by The council
In the council aspeakcr and clerk annually che
sen. The members receive 81 . day and their
mileage. The council convenes annually on the
first Monday in October andis in session generally
about two weeks.
cious and comfortable building, erected by treaty
stipuatons, with convenient rooms for committees,
gallery and seats for spectators
There are no laws among the Chsstaws in regard
to debt and the creditor when he trusts trusts to
the honor Of the debtor. IT is curious how beauti
fully Republican this one fact makes the govern
nent The people are left with the largest lint of
power and it 10 their loss If this power not hon.
|
tsrs, and the trial of criminals, there exists in
form Judicial system; judges appointed by the
legislature and they hold their courts at stated pc
RODS. The Judicial system is, with some excep-
tions, very similar 10 the codes of many Of our
States.
The cotton produced by the Choctaw planters on
Red River will amount this year to over one thou
sand bales There are seven cotton gins in the ma
ton with prospect of rapid increase and on
Red River, there arc several grlst and saw mills.
On Bagy about fifteen miles from Red River,
very intelligent Choctaw Of tho name Of Col. David
Folsom has very excellent salt works, which sup.
ply even Texas planters with a large quantity Of
salt. There are eight or ten blacksmith shops,
four of which have blacksmiths furnished under
treaty stipu!ations, and the rest open principally
in the ploughing season, are worked by natives.
The schools Of tho Choctaws are we'll attended
and an ambitious rivalry exists among their pupils
BY our treaty stpalaiions, the United States have
expended, from the date Of the first treaty with
them (January 10th. 1921 to that Of tho two last,
(September 9th, $780, the sum of $40 500; So 500
Of this sum was appropriated to the general schools
in the nation; and the $4,000 dedicated 10 the
'Choctaw Academy"
The effect of education 10 visible at every step.
The rude wigwam is gone, and in its stead may be
seen neat and comfortable frame and log dwellings,
the matrons sewing, spinning and weaving; and
around them large plantations yielding corn, OATS,
pumpkins, potatoes, and great varieties OF vegeta-
bcs. There have been lately erected several splen-
did mansions entirely by native mechanics, and
they are now filled and adorned with all fashiona-
BILE furniture.
It must be pleasing to all our citizens to behold
this advanced state Of society among the Indians Of
their border country. To every one indeed under
the Anne rican flag, it will be highly interesting.
We have been accused Of iujuring and plundering
the IndiaAs-let these facts be our defence.
The Choctaws will greatly add to the trade OF
Red River. This season they will send down one
thousand bales and next they will double it..
Our interior country is very large, and it becomes
US az citizens of town, that in time may be of vast
extent, to take advantage Of every opportunity OF
securing trade around us -Natchifoches Herald