The independent. [volume] (Oskaloosa, Kan.) 1860-1874, 1862-07-12
SLAVERY UNDER The CONSTI-
TUITION.

as they relate to "Our Country's Curse, %
and We now resume the thread of the
narrative.
Without waiting for the too tardy
action Of the general government, Geor-
gia again took the matter in her own
hands; and in another bogus treaty at
''Shoulderbone." extorted from a por-
ton of the Greeks. by the usual appli-
ances. (presents and whisky an ac-
knowledgement of violation of the
Galphinson treaty. and fresh stipuia
tion 10 observe its provisions. Ofcoarse
this treaty was as illegal as if it had
been made by Robinson Crusoe, for
Georgia had no power to make treaty
under the Confederation. as previously
stated. But that made no sort of diff
erence. However, the attempt to en-
force the stipulations of the treaty led
to host;lilies. and the borders of Georgia
were again desolated-a just retribu-
ton for their unjust proceedings.
Soon after this the Constitution was
adopted. Georgia being one of the FIRST
States to accept it, expecting to use the
national power for her own purposes
and protection, as was Immediately af-
terwards demonstrated for SO soon as
the Federal Constitution was adopted
and the government organized under it,
Georgia invoked its aid. Washington,
as President, sent commissioners to the
Indian country, TO look into matters
Georgia set up her claim to the territory
ceded al Galphinton. aud made OUT a
list of one hundred and ten negroes,
slaves, who had left their masters dur
ing the Revolutionary war and found
an asylum among the Greek Indians.
The Indians met the commissioners,
but finding they we're not authorized
TO give them possession of the disputed
territory. broke off all intercourse, thus
demonstrating that the Greek nation
had never assented to the extorted and
bogus treaties already referred to.
The next step taken by Washington
vas 10 invite the head Chiefs to New
York city, then the capital of the ma
ton. The invitation was accepted by
McGillivray. the son of trader, and
head chief, with .wenty-eight other
leading chiefs and warriors. These
were feasted. feted, and flattered, and
under the most skillful manipulations, |
entered into negotiations. and a treaty |
was formed. bearing date August I, |
1880. II surrendered up to the Creeks
certain portions Of the disputed lands
claimed by Georgia but the third ar
sicle read as follows:
"Tbe Greek nation shall deliver mn.
as soon as practicable. to the command.
ing officer of the troops of the United
States stationed at Rock Island, on the
Ocanee River; all citizens of the United
States. white inhabitants or negroes.
who are now prisoners in any part Of
the said nation. And if any such pris.
oners or negroes should not be SO de-
iivered. on or before the let day of
June ensuing. the governor of Geo rpia
may empower three persons 10 repair
to the said nation. in order to claim and
receive such prisoners and negroes
1t will be observed that the term
slave is not once named in the treaty,
In accordance with the settled policy Of
the fathers to shut thar term out of the
records. They we're ashamed to use it,
rs its use belied their professions and
convicted them of insinceri,y or hypoc-
rscy, in claiming to be governed and
guided by the truths set forth in the
Declaration Of Independence. while they ,
yet fossered and upheld slavery.
But the term negroes was claimed ,
and We think in6nded) to mean slaves. ,
md We are led to this opinion from the
act that the treaty was executed after ,
his Interpretation. The new govern +;
ment Was then on trial. and beset on ,
III sides with difficulties. and it was
necessary to act with great caution and ,
'are. The President selt this. His .
policy was. as he thought. q necessity +.
he was obliged to concede to the Slave ,
Power. or run the risk of q dissolution
If the Union. l.
This was the very 6rst treaty under :
he Constitution. and it is sad truth. :
hat By it's provisions (as inierpre.ed) .
he troops Of the United States we're /,
made slave catchersl Thss did the !
'Iave Power. with guilty greed, lay
old upon the government at the very a
rsi.; and taking advantage Of its weak. il
ess. compel it 10 yield obedience 10 i,s
licked demands.
But there was another claim set up +
= tie shareholders under the treaty. n