The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-08-18
THE CHERoKEES.


ing tomorrow the official proclamation which
announces and accompanies the late Chero
kee treaty. Meantime we take pleasure in in
serting the following interesting letter from The
"New York Commercial Advertiser" with ieW
corrections, in relation to the treaty recently con
cluded by the United States, through commissioner
appointed by the President for the purpose, with the
representatives Of the three different parties into
which this interesting people have for some time
been divided, and between two Of whom on the one
side, and the third the other, such bitter ami
mosities have existed have not only interrupted all
progress in their hitherto rapid advancement in civ
ization and improvement in agriculture and the me
chsnic arts but led to boodshed and the most deep
y-deplored acts Of violence, ill at length no men,
Der Of their community could feel any assurance OF
security OF life or property. This unfortunate state
ofthings attracted the notice Of the President at
early period OF his administration and while it deep
ly excited his sympathies, inspired also determine
ton to put end to il at the earliest possible period
Every possible effort was made for the purpose, but
without success, until il seemed apparent that the
parties could no longer live together one people.
Under this state Of things, the present able and eff
Gent Commissioner Of Indian Affairs, approaching
the anxiety Of the President and Secretary Of War,
and himself feeling a deep interest in the natter
took up the subject Of the "Cherokee difficulties, {"
and thoroughly investigated il. This investigation
involved much research and labor, as the causes OF
the difficulties arose years ago, and had constantly
been becoming more and more involved through yo-
luminous correspondence and amid constant crimina-
tons and determinations and because each OF the par
ties claimed peculiar rights and privileges which rem
dered il necessary TO trace the history of the tribe,
manifold changes, almost from the foundation OF
the government. The result, was an able re-
port, which, we believe, commanded almost uni
versal appreciation at the time. This report,
with the message ofthe President transmitting it tn
Congress, recommended such measures as seemed
absolutely necessary to be adopted to stop the
further effusion Of blood, and to execute the duty
enjoined by treaty stipulaons, to "prevent dopes.
tic strife" among the Cherokees. We are satisfied,
MENTION that this report, and its adoption by the
Secretary of War and the President, tended greatly
towards the success of the measures Instituted by
udcious friends, for the purpose of endeayoring to
harmonic the delegates Of the different parties in
this city. On its being made known to the Pres-
dent, that If he would appoint judicous persons as
commissioners, an arrangement could be made with
the parties which would heal all the difficulties be-
tween them, and again unite them in the bonds of
brotherhood, and place their relations with the
United States on just and satisfactory footing
the President promptly acted upon the intimaton,
and appointed Mr.. Burke Commissioner of Patents,
Judge Paris, Second Comptroller of the Treasury,
and Major VIM. Armstrong who is acting super
intendent of Indian affairs west Of Arkansas, COM
missioners to enter upon an investigation Of this
delicate and difficult subject, IN order to ascertain
whether so highly desirable result could be
effected On their reporting to him, after labori-
Gus investigation and patient hearing Of the par
ties, that they believed they could make treaty in
which all would unite, and which would effect all
the great ends so highly desired by every member
of the government, and by all the friends of morals
and good order, he specially commissioned them for
that purpose, and the treaty is the result of their la
bors. This instrument does not of course concede
to any of the parties demands which were consider
ed extravagant and unreasonable, but it does sub
stanal justice to all, and all seemed in the end
and vexatious contentious and controversies had
so happily terminated.
For ourselves, we have taken a great interest in
the adjustment Of the claims Of the Cherokees upon
our government, and Of their quarres with each
other, Wetbrew open the "Union" last year to
the productions Of several pens. Among these is the
pen ofone who is perhaps more conversant with the
subject than any other citizen of the republic. We
threw our columns open without the slightest con-
sutation with any member Of the administration
but well knowing their anxious desire to do justice
and give peace to the Cherokees. The work of
wisdom and humanity has been so far accomplish
ed and we trust it will enure to the permanent ben
eft Of this interesting tribe. We shall watch the
denouemenf with the profoundest interest The eve
Of many an American will pursue them into the Far
West, and will sympsthize in the destiny of the
tribe which is rapidly passing into the condition Of
an agricultural and civilized people. Had we the
ear of John Ross, could we find the way of reach
ing his heart and addressing the best feelings of his
nature, we would invoke all his pride, all his gen.
crosby, all that really elevstes man above his
fellows, to consult the propriey of his position to
cherish the Ckerokees, to build up his happiness on
theirs, and prove himself truly the friend Of the
Indian, as well (like Logan "the friend Of the
white man.
The following note, which we wrote at the
time the discussion vas going on ia the "Union, y
shows the deep interest we took in it's prosecution;
"SsrURDAr, August Is, I945.
"There Is one expression in yours this morning
that may perhaps require one remark. You say
that delegates from the other parties are expected
here every day, and J viii take them to see you.
They have some millioDs at stake, &c, &c.
~ shall he happy 10 see them when they come;
hnt n the ,lIusion underscored refera 10 novsef