Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1854-02-05
Making in all

The country by treaty with our Government be
longs to the Choctaws, but the Chickasaws pur-
chased of the Choctaws the right of citizenship,
and participate in making aud executing the laws
of the country, only reservng the privilege Of con
trolling their unuity. The two tribes, however,
must ultimately be amalgamated. The CadOes
and others Just noticed, are living with the Choc-
taws by permission, but have no part in the ad-
mnisiration of the Government. The white per-
sons, living with the Choetaws are there in the
capacity of Missionaries traders under license
of our Government, or have married native wO-
men. Mechanics and Physicians of good moral
character are also permitted to become citizens of
the country, and they are greatly needed. A few
carpenters, and blacksmiths, and wagon-makers,
might do well for themselves and for the Indians,
by moving 10 their country and we're l physi-
clan, there is no country within my knowledge that
l would prefer to the Choctaws. to make money
But neither drunken quacks nor dissipated me
chanics have any business there for no countenance
will be given to such men by the nation Though
Indians, they have some knowledge of men, and
have been so often deceived that they are cautious
as to the kind of persons admitted to live among
them. -..-H-.. r... .. ...-.
STATE OF RELIGION AND EDUcAT1ON.
Upon enquiry found that about 5000 were
church members of the different denominations,
having Missionaries in the country of the Choetaws,
and that not more than one-fourth OF the popula-
ton have the privilege of hearing the gospel at
all. But Notwithstanding they are thus deprived
of the public means of grace, there is a tone of
moral sentiment generally prevailing that does
honor to the nation, and indicates disposition to
receive the gospel if faithfully preached to them
They have enacted prohbtory liquor law, which
requires that all liquor brought into the nation be
Immediately destroyed, and that the person intro
ducing it be heavily fined. Nor is this law dead
letter l did not see or hear of drunk person
during my whole stay in the nation. The mem
hers of the legislature showed no signs of intem-
perance, nor did hear an oath from member
during the session. The intelligent and christian
| norton of the Choetaw Indians believe that they
need the gospel of Christ more than anything else
The following statistics will show the state of
education among the Indians: Spencer Academy
| is under the control of the Generals Assembly S
BOARD of Missionss, o. S. The Choctaws make
an annual appropriations of $4,000 for the support
of this Institution, and the Board adds 81 ,O0O.-
One hundred boys receive instruction here The
Superintendent, the Rev. Mr.. Reed, is a graduate
of Princeton, n j., and much devoted to the IN
terests of the establishment He informed me
that he thought about $4,000 had been expended
in the erection of the buildings procuring apara-
tus, &c.
Fort Coffee Academy is under the control OF
the Methodist Church, South. 1t has two branches
one for the males and another for the females. The
buildings are in the same vicinity, though not con
nected The annual appropriation to this lnstitu
tion by the nation is $4,000. The Church adds
81 900. The number of pupils receiving instruc
ton is about IOO I did not visit this institution
but from the report to the legislature it is don:
|