The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1846-12-10

Message Of His Excellency John Ross, CHIEF
!. OF the Cherokee Indians, to the Cherokee
National Council.
To THE NATIONAL CouScu;-
Friends and Fellow Citizens II affords me sincere
pleasure greet you the tier
After protracted absence from their homes the re-
personalities to whom you entrusted the asposoon OF
people, have returned with the exception Of the amented
Captain John Loony, who died in Washington and Mr.
Fields who remained on private business The result OF
their mission has been already submitted to you in the
treaty recently negotiated between the United States
and the Cherokees. 1t is for the purpose of max.
ing known to the people the provisions of this
treaty and Of disseminating correct knowledge OF
as, the tine Of the National Council
calling you here st this time And the satisfaction now
derived from meeting with 80 large number OF my
general good feeling is not lightly to be appreciated;
and trust the manifestations here but the fore
shadowing of brighter and moro suspicious times for
the Cherokees; that have commenced new era in
our existence which will be distinguished for the reign
Monty for the prevalence Of sobrety and harmony and
for the general Improvement Of our moral and ineiec-
The treaty which has been submitted to you, was
obtained after long tedious and most trying nego-
tation and is the result of concaton and concession
II is the most favorable arrangement that could be
made; and although not so liberal in some respects
was to be desired, yet it L. document OF great
parties less in pecunary point Of view, 1t Sc.
to Of our most highly priced rights and
approval and faithful adherence Among the advantages
derived from II, may be enumerated as oil especial I'M
porance the dissolution Of former parties the renewed
recognition of the possession In foe Of
our unmparcd the restoration Of peace and the
fresh acknowledgment Of our national rights by the
government of the United States. These stip-lafions
must at once appear every intelligent mind, as being
TO the first magnitude Former party organizations
many bitter waters Their dissolution, it is hoped, will
remove the Of many and great difhculties and
the people to cGasscs more ana nsy
and destiny. The recognition Of our government Is cal
culaed create closer union within our borders as
IL must constitute single medium for the transaction
of any business Of public nature. The possession
of our homes by as strong tenure as we can
hold them, must create confidence in those who
have them, and encourage to press forward in
the cause Of improvement, under the inducement Of
conscious security The acsnowieasemen,s ., our ma
combating any attempt to dvest US Of them-and peace
that not only to our put to our
being is the first essential 10 individual and national
improvement Under ts gentle sway we may go on in,
creasing wealth. strength, and all the comforts and
blessings which adorn civilized life In view OF these
consideratons am persuaded that the treaty of ls46
will meet the approval Of the Cherokee people; and
trust that the indications Of to-day are an evidence Oh
ders and of the principles by which our citizens will
conduct themselves in future.
II will be seen that no provision is made In the treaty
for private claims had by citizens for losses they
have sustained hands Of the United States The
pose but were unsuccessful and those claims conse.
queny remain open for future adjustment upon princt
In the 5rd Article Of the treaty is stipulated that the
United shall inquiry to be had Of the dis
made out OF the Cherokee fund arising under
the treaty Of 1880 that they shall refund all such as
hase been improperly made. As the nation has deep
interest in the in which this inquiry may be made
honorable bodies the appointment of agents TO proceed
ashngon attend 70 this and any other unfinished
business which may be Of interest TO the cherokee NE
ton. -,
new Board Of Commissioner has been organized
and is holding its sessions In Washngton-engsgeo
in the examination and settlement Of claims under the
treaty Of Believing tn the ends OF justice re-
qursd that this board should hold its sessions IN this
country your Delegation protested against their remain
ing Washington and urged that they should be sent
here but they have since organized and proceededt
business. The council should take some action with
the OF endeavorng yet to obtain their transfer 10
As You have received during your sessions one
more commune atoms from those lately discharging the
duties Of the Executive Office, and who are more intE
mstey acquainted with the precise state Of affairs with
in our borders than myself, feel 10 be hardly incum'
bent on me to make any suggestions in reference 20
mere local legislation. There Is one or two suDJecu,
them. mean the condition Of the schools Although I
have not the report of the superintendent having
becn already submitted to you; yet deem important
profitable disbursement OF the orphan and general school
iunds The advancement made by many OF the pupils IN
the public schools must be such to quality them TO
enter the study Of higher branches Of education than
those taught them would therefore, urge upon you
tbe esta shment of two academies one for tho nsruc
ton Of females, ths other msles Institutions oil thi'
kind much needed. We have the means OF sustain
ing them, and should be Consequently should there
be something done provide ample for improv
ing and elevatng the females Of country. They
have been too long neglected. And any improvement
in their condition win exercise salutary influence up
on the whole people.
Owing to the peculiar difficulties by which we have
been surrounded for several years. now ma our
finances in very embarrassed condition and requ,r,ns
legislation at your hands for the public relief wh ~
that legislation shall be Ia left 10 your own wisoo
determine. The expenses Of the Nation, howey ever
should DO retrenched as FAR consistent win ne %
put administration Of the laws and the general security
Of the people .,o...,.,
In conclusion. would again express the grathcston
I feel In common with many others in Witnessing Tue
present assembisge and would repes' my n",a
Iy regarded and the dwelling together OF the Whole
Chsrokee people in the bonds Of peace and
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT.
TahIeqush, Nov IL, 1916