The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1847-01-16

headquarters were at Detroit, and he
thus became the military guardian of a
people over whom he was soon (Octo-
ber 9, 1879 called TO preside as civil
governor. In July, IA, he was as
sociated with General Harrison in a
commission TO treat (at Greenvile,
Ohio.) with the Indians who had taken
part against the United States during
the war. A treaty Of paclfication was
formed, comparative tranquility was re-
stored to the frontiers, and large body
OF Indians accompanied Governor Cass
to Detroit as auxiliaries. Atone Pc
riod Michigan was left with one COM
pany ofregular soldiers for its defence;
and that, at the time, consisted of twen-
ty-seven men. With this inadequate
force, and the local militia, the govern
or was, for time, left to defend the
territory against the hostile Indians,
who were constantly lowering around
Detroit.
In 1915, after the termination of the
war, Governor Cass moved his family
to Detroit. Michigan had suffered
greatly during the war; Detroit exhib-
tied scene of devastation. Scarcely
a family, when it resumed its domestic
establishment, found more than the rem
nants OF former wealth and comforts.
Laws had become silent, and morals
had suffered in the general wreck; and
it required great prudence and an un-
common share of practical wisdom, to
lead back people thus disorganized, to
habi's ofindustry and order. The civil
government was established, and such
laws enacted as could be most easily
carried into effect. The legislative
power being placed in the hands of the
governor and judges, rendered it del
lcate task to aid in the enactment of
laws which were to be enforced by the
same will; but it was performed with
decision and enlightened discrlmina-
| ton.
The Indian relations were likewise
to be adjusted throughout the western
frontier; war had ruptureG or weaken
ed every tie which had previously con-
nected the tribes with our Government
BY decisive, but kind measures, the
hollow truce which alone existed, was
converted into permanent peace; and
Trey returned, by degrees, to their
hunting grounds and usual places of re-
sort. with general disposition to live
in amity and quiet.
During the same year, Governor Cass
was associated with General. Near
thur to treat with the Indians at Fort
Meigs. The northwestern part Of
Ohio was acquired at this time. The
following year he was engaged in the
same duty at St. Mary's, to carry into
effect, with certain notifications. the
treaty of Fort Meigs, and for the acqui-
stion Of land IN Indiana. In 1919, he
assisted in the treaty held at Sagano,
by which large accomplishments were
obtained from the Indians in Michigan.
In all these negotiations, Governor Cass
acted on the principle Of frankness and
fair reciprocity.
Two events occurred this year in
Michigan, which gave a new aspect to
her hopes and promises of prosperity.
One was, the privilege of eIectlng del
egate to Congress; the other, was the
sale of public lands within the territory.
No one exerted himself with more zeal
to effect these Improvements than the
governor, as he was convinced that the
introduction of the elective franchise
among the people, would elevate their
political character; and that, by the sale
of the public land, the population and
prosperity Of the country would be
rapidly advanced.
In 1890, an expedition was planned
by Governor Cass, under the sanction
Of Mr.. Calhoun, then Secretary of war,
the object Of which was to pass through
Lake Superior, cross the country to the
Mississippi, explore the sources of that
river, and establish an intercourse with
the Indians on that extensive route
The party combined persons Of science,
who were capable of ascertaining the
physical character Of the country, and
of making an instructive report, among
whom were Mr.. SchoolcraGt, and Cap
tain Douglass, ofthe corps of engineers
A preliminary object was, to inform
the Indians of the Sault de St. Marie
OF the intention of Government to es-
tablIsh military post at that point, and
TO determine the site. On his arrival
there, Governor Cass assembled the
Indians and made known the beet in
view. Being TN .,er the influence Of a
chic WHO WIS notoriousl y disatfec,ed
toward the United States, they heard
the proposition with evident ill-will,
and broke up the council with every
appearance OF hostile intentions. They