Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1902-05-08
PEACE CONFERENCE
is NOW RECALLED
PAPERS TO BIZ EXHIBITED AT ST.
LOUIS GIVING DETAILS OF FA-
NOUS MISSISSIPPI CON-
FERENCE.

JACKSON. Miss, Nay 3.--Mr. Dunbar
Rowland, state archiylst. has unearthed
a very interesting incident in the early
history of Mississippi. which just at this
time, on account of the st. Louis exposi-
ton, Is Of peculiar interest. Mr.. Rowland
was seen this morning by a reporter
while engaged on some events OF the lie
of Governor w. G. G.. Claiborne, the great
est of Mississippi territorial governors.
The life Of this great man is full Of inter-
est now when It is known that he. next
to Thomas jefferson, was the greatest ad-
vocate of territorial expansion. and re-
ceived as a representative Of the United
States, the transfer OF Louisiana from
France. The following is a very inter-
esting incident connected with the trans
fer Of the great northwest.
Governor Claiborne held a peace coun-
Gil with the great chief OF the Codda ma
ton and his warriors, at Natchitoches.
September the 9Th. 1903. and documents
that have been buried in the state ar
chives show that great speech was made
by Governor Claiborne to which Debohint
the grand chief replied in fitting terms.
Governor Claiborne said in addressing
the Indians:
"Grand chief OF the Coda Nation,
Friends and Brethren: That great and
good man, the president of the United
states. esteems you and your people.
Like the rising sun that. gives light and
comfort to the world .expords the cares
of the American chief and his desire Is
to promote the happiness Of all mankind;
he is particularly solicitous to better the
conditions Of his red children; he wishes
them to know no war: to live in peace
with all their neighbors; to pursue the
deer In safety; to cultivate their little
fields Of corn without fear; and that no
enemy should disturb their sleep by night.
Such brethren are the sentiments OF the
great American chief, you before have
heard his words from the mouth of his
agent doctor Sibley). and hope you
have not forgotten them. Brethren. there
are some men whose tongues are like the
tongues Of snakes they talk much and
often speak that which is not true. Dis
trust the men who would tell you that the
president of the United. States is not your
friend: the man who would say so has a
forked tongue and tells lies. Brothers,
let your people content to hold the Amer
leans by the hand with sincerity and with
friendship. and the chain Of peace Will be
tight and strong; our children will smoke
together and the path will never be col
ored with blood.
Debohint, the great chief Of the Coddas
is reported to have saidNin reply:
THE words of the chief of the white
man are sweet to my heart; they fall on
my ears like the song of the birds or the
forest and fll my heart with JOY. shall
remember forever the words you have
spoken. What 1 have heard today VIII
cause me to go to sleep in peace. Ny
ancestors from chief to chief have loved
this land where we. now stand, my people
love IL and we hope to rest by the side
of Tie great river that we may hear the
tapping of its waves when weary from
the chase. The French have been our
friends. We are told that the great Fa-
Their of the Americans Is now our friends
and protector; we want to be friends with
his children. / say to my white brothers.
that my hands shall never again be stain
ed with human blood. I am old, my sun
is setting. 1 want 1t to go down in a
clear sky. 1 can now go and lie in peace.
The color of my skin is red. my heart is
white. Whenever any OF your people come
into my towns they shall be given the
open hand and heart. have nothing now
to say but this. your good words are writ
ten in my heart and shall last, as what
have said to you is made lasting by your
pen"
The name Of Claiborne should be hon
ored at the coming Worlds fair at St.
LOUIS, second only to that of Jefferson
and Mississippi should see that II is done.
He belonged to that class of remarkable
men who were the nation-builders Of the
early history of the great republic.
-.-.-.--- ------- ----------
r. NMwaVr anH1