The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1848-06-10

nominated by four successive Presi.
dents, and seven times confirmed bv
the Senate, without a single vote
against him in that body, or a single
representation against him from the
people over whom he presided--a state
Of things unexampled in the history Of.
our territorial governments--is a snfiis
cient proof Of the wisdom Of his ad.
et ~
In the discharge of his duties as Sd
perintendent of Indian Affairs, Cover.
nor Cass was called upon to enter into
many negotiations with The Indian tribes
and often under circumstances of great
peril and responsibility. He formed
twenty one treaties with them. and ex-
tinguished their title to nearly one hun.
dred millions Of acres of land--a vast
domain acquired for the United States,
but upon terms so just and satisfactory
to the Indians, that no complaint was
ever made by them upon the subject.
There are two incidents connected
with the formation of these treaties,
which strongly illustrate Governor
Cass's judgment and decision of char
acter. In the expedition of 1890, it be-
came his duty to inform the Indians at
Sault de Ste. Marie of the intention of
our government to establish military
post there, and to fix upon the site for
the same. The chief of the tribe was
openly opposed to the United States,
and in the pay of the British governs
ment. In consequence Of this, they
heard the intention Of Governor Cass
with ill-will, and broke up the councils
with the most hostile feeling. On re-
turning to their encampment, they re-
moved their women and children into
Canada; and having prepared them
selves for battle, raised the British flag,
as token of fdefance. Gov. Cass had
but small detachment of soldiers with
him while the Indians numbered eight
hundred warriors. Unaccompained,
except by his interpreter, he advanced
directly into their midst, and with his
own hands pulled down the flag, tram
pied it under his feet, and afterwards
burned it, ordering the interpreter to ID.
form the Indians that athey were with
in the jurisdiction Of the United States,
and that no other flag than theirs could
be permitted to wave over it." The
moral influence OF this bold act had the
desired effect: the Indians returned the
next day to the council, and the treaty
was concluded, without any further
threats or insults. On arriving at
Green bay, in 1897, for the purpose sf
forming treaty, Governor Cass found
that the Winnebago Indians had not yet
come in; and as the object of the treaty
was 10 settle difficulties among some Of
the tribes, the non-appearance ofths
Winnebagoes was an evidence of their
desire for war rather than peace. He
Immediately re-embarked on board bis
birch canoe, for their camping ground,
to prevent any hostilities, and to bring
them to the treaty ground. He rapid
ly pursued his voyage up the Fox river.
across the Portage, and down the Wis
consin, to the place Of .encampment.--
Taking with him only his interpreter,
he went up to the encampment, where
he found them in warlike mood, and
determined not to treat. Threats and
entreaties were alike unayaiIing with
this exasperated tribe. He left them
and returned to his canoe. As he turn
ed to 60 to the river, young warrior
raised his gun, and taking deliberats
aim thin, pulled the trigger; but, prov
identially, the gun missed fire. This 10
the only instance ofviolence ever Offer
ed to him during the long period Of his
intercourse with the Indians. He pros
ceeded Immediately to Prairie dn Chem
where he organized the inhabitants, and
placed them in condition of defence.
and returned TO the treaty ground.---,
BY his prompt and energetic move
lnents he prevented extensive hostili-,
ties, the end Of which no man could
know. ~ alj ..gn3f5jsss 4; sti
In 1881. Gen. Cass was called by
Cen. Jackson to take charge of the
War Department, and his removal from
Michigan Territory was marked by q
universal expression Of regret. His
10 the cabinet were Mr..
Livingston, Mr.. McI.ane, Mr.. Wood,
bury, and Mr.. Taney--men who pos
sessed the. confidence of the President,
and soon acquired that o.! the country
The characteristic traits of General
Jackson's administration have, now
passed into history. 1t was bold,
prompt, honest, and national. 1t sought,
40 dangerous constructive powers,f
ind it enGeavored carefully to exercise
hose Of which it was the trustee, fore
The American confederation. ThsI
great questions ofthe bank, ofthe REL
noval ol the deposites, ofnullification.l