Nashville patriot. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1858-1860, 1859-01-07
Ffom Ne Neio UrleanS Plcoy4He-
The Four Indian States.


The progress of civilization in several of
the Indian tribes occupying Territories west
Of the States will soon bring up a new uues-
tion for the decision of Congress. What
shall be done with the Indiaa Governments
or States that are now fully organized? Are
they to be finally admitted into the Union
Is new removal at some future time to be
made of the tribes civilized and Cbristianized
to make room for the Caucasian wave rolling
West? Or are foreign governments to grow
mp in the very heart Of the territory of the
United States?
The Cherol<ees organized a regular govern
ment as early as 1889, copying the peculiar
features of the Constitution of the United
States The forms of legislation and the ar
rangement of the courts of justice so nearly
resemble those of the States that, but for the
tawnv skins around him, the traveller into
the Cherokees' territory would scarcely find
any indication of having passed its bounda-
rirs
This tribe has improved in all the arts of
civilization to such degree that many of its
principal men would grace the refined society
of any nation. In respect for law, regard
cor popular education, and public mo-
rality. and the adoption of all the elegancies
and advantages of civilization. the Cherokees
have taken a position which forbids any for
chile interference with their rights to the ter
or obviate the anomaly which the existence of
their state now presents
The Ohuctaws formed their government,
taking the institutions of the United States
for their model, in 1884. Initiating their
more progressive white neighhOrs, last year
they revised their Constitution, and adopted
even the most miaute forms of government
and the MONIES of officers which prevail in
each of the States of orr Conf derecy.
no lot cd frOu no
CHocktaws have also followed the example
of the two tribes mentioned, and thus the
third government. with institutions identical
with our own. exist on the borders OF the
| South Western States, occupying territory
coded to them by the General Government.
The Greeks are taking steps to create the
fourth independent organization of State
form of Government, and will soon present
an example of the influence Of civilization in
subvertiug the customs and traditions OF the
race indi genOus to the continent.
These Indian States are a strange anomaly.
They are not a part of the Union, nor are
they known in law 10 exist. The white man
cannot pass through their territory without
a permit, nor can he take with him, when he
is allowed to enter the Indian domain, certain
articles of merchandise. even though the
packages are unbrOken and are simply design
ed for the New Mexican market. This sim
years. without forcing itself upon the atten-
ton of Congress. ..-.
The tide of population is steadily rolling
West. In less than ten years it will heat
against the barriers now thrown up against
its invasion of the retreat of those civilized
aborienes. Even now the emigration must
cross these Territories. These Indian States
cannot exist when the Caucasian race pres
ses upon them as Independent governments.
The people, civilized and attached to the soil
they have improved, cannot be removed
to remoter wilas, nor, without serious
discontents, is it likely the United States can
suhirct them to the condition of other terri
torial organizations, by an abrogation of the
constitutions they have established for them
selves. What. then, is to be done with these
Indian States? 1t cannot fail to give greater
interest TO this question that each of the Indian
States have adopted the social institutions OF
the South. The Indians are shareholders.