Weekly national intelligencer., 1854-04-15
INDIAN MATTERS.

INDIAN MATTERS.
1t is difficult to comprehend what motive could have
prompted the leading editorial in yesterdays Union
der the above caption except the Hbernian which
it nmates Of excluding the subject from public notice
The extract from the National Intelgencer of Monday
constituting the text of the Uons article formed par
of ordinary city item, written with suspicion
that it would be soon made to figure in prominent
editorial in the Government organ.
And yet through half columns comment on it. thi:
noensive extract is confirmed in every essential point
the Union itself Nothing stated in that extract is dis
proved denied and only doubt is hazarded as
to whether ga settlement of the differences between
the Chckasaws and Choctaws be of the objects Of
the present visit of either to the seat of Government
Now understand that of the delegations at least
is empowered to take any steps that may present them
selves here tending to the desired arrangement
In the news item in Mondays Intelgencer there was
intention to take sides with either of the pares-why
should there be to welwshers equally to both -and yet
we we're certainly entitled to state facts which
torious and indubitable.
The Union, whilst verbally dsprecating one-sidednsss
becomes itself completely partisan. 1t determines for
itself point long contested between the two tribes
namely the power and propriey of nterposton by the
Government of the United States order to settlement
of their differences.
1t adopts in full the Choctaw views which conflict not
only with the Chckasaw but with of the officers
of the Indian Department The Chickasaw agent in his
last annual report remarks:
'They (the Chickasaws) would be a happy and con-
tented people il they were severed from the Choctaws
and you will see by the report Of the (Chickasaw) COM
mssioners to that they without hope in this
spect unless the Government comes to their relief
The Choctaws to be very obstinate in their position
Of he alfn
gether and scouting the idea of any interference the
part of the United States Government. But say the
Chckasaws it is the duty of the United States, the
mon guardian to interfere and that the weak are
protected from the expressions Of the strong and the
very article of the treaty that made the President the
referee presumed the possibility and probability
his being required SUCH Now the time has arrived
the issue has been made and the President is required
by tho treaty to decide what shall be done The Choc-
taws have treated the Chickasaws with contempt they
have refused 70 g. into correspondence the
them at Doaksve for that purpose. Sses not this CON
duct the part of the Chocaw commissioners call for
the nterposon of the United States Government to force
them if necessary, knowledge of the truth and to
keep their faith with their border brethren? Nothing
looks more natural" J"
In similar manner Superintendent Drew, in his last
annual communication, remarks:
The difficulties existing between the Chickasaws and
Choctaws not of recent origin and are of that cha
racer which inevitably result from forced connexion
principle of equality and deem it important to the
future peace and harmony Of these two tribes that dis
tnct and separate organization be afforded to the Chicka
saws and that their country be defined with precision;
separate from the Choctaws. This conceive the only
basis of action the part of the Government to in
future harmony and satisfaction to both parties
And lastly, the Commissioner Of Indian Affairs himself
in his report at the opening Of the present Congress-
uses the following decisive language:
The political connexion between the Choctaws and
Chckasaws established through the agency Of the Gov
ernment by the convention Of 1887 under which the
Chckasaws form component part of the Choctaw
tion aud subject to its laws still continues notwh
standing the earnest and perseverng efforts of the Chick
to induce the Choctaws to consent to dissolution
thereof The interests of the Chickasaws particularly
of pecunary character, are materially variant from
those of the other tribe and they naturally anxious
to enjoy the satisfaction and advantages Of separate
government of their The consummation Of this
reasonable desire would, without doubt, have decided
tendency to promote their advancement and
prosperity 1t is much to be regretted, however, that
the Choctaws, to whom the union is of advantage
whatever still continue indsposed to yield the natural
and reasonable wishes of their brethren and those of
the Government on this subject"
Whether it is due to these positive expressions of
opinion the part of the officers of the Government
consderate regard than heretofore for their less
numerous and feebler brethren or to both causes
bined we are happy learn that the Choctaws have
consented to meet the other tribe in council in July next
in which we trust all dissensons will be hushed and
reasonable and just settlement reached.