MAY 17, 1830.] Removal of the Indians. [H. OF R. dians, whose interest it is for the natives to remain where the press in our country is resorted to by every class of they are, and in their present condition." "I deeply regret the community, civil and religious, to disseminate their the necessity of mentioning this circumstance, but justice opinions. The press seems to keep pace with the formato my subject, to the Indiaus, and to my own conscience, tion of new societies; and we bid fair to outstrip any peodemands it of me. We may prepare to encounter a host of ple in the world in the number and variety of our societies. opposers, consisting of traders, both licensed and unli- Every new society seems to be resolved to have a printing ceused, many of them speaking the Indian language fluent-press; and I regret to see so many of these new societiesly, and in habits of daily intercourse with them, often allied established, 'no doubt, from good motives, throwing their by marriage, and otherwise by blood; and from many support, on many occasions, into the scales of political others who profit more or less by a commission from our demagogues. Men the most profligate often become the Government, for the performance of services in the Indictators of all the influence that these well-meaning peodian Department. Remove the ludians, and the fountain fails. "Some estimate of the difficulties arising from this quarter may be formed on considering the influence which the number of those interested persons, under their favorable opportunities, may exert on the minds of these ignorant, uninformed people, whose prejudices against us are generally inveterate, and whose jealousies are ever on the alert; considering, also, that, in the transacting of business, Government has been under the necessity of availing itself of the services of those very persons. The story requires much delicacy in the telling, and perhaps has never been, nor will it now be plainly told, that scarce a treaty with the Indians occurs, in which the commissioners of the United States are not obliged to shape some part of it to suit the convenience of some of this class of persons." ple can bring into operation. Well, sir, if the press be the best index to public opinion, the people of this country are with us. I do not mean to be understood, that more printing is done on our side than on the side of our opponents. No, sir, they greatly exceed us in quantity; but their printing is confined to a limited circle. I invite your attention to the tone of the press on this subject, in all the different sections and neighborhoods of the whole country. Even in those sections of the union where we meet with the most violent opposition, the best half of the press, political and religious, is on our side, and I entertain no doubt but the people in these sectious give tone to the press. It is true, a combined few, from selfish and political considerations, have been led to greater exertions, in the fashionable mode of the day, in getting up opposition to this measure. We have been inundated with memorials, pamphlets, and speeches, made at society and town meetings. But, sir, let it be remembered that weak minorities al ways make the most noise. Contented majorities, conscious of their strength, are never found praying for a redress of grievances. Suppose, for a moment, that portion of the population of the Union north and east of this place to be equally divided on this question; the entire South and Southwest, with the exception of a few aliens to their own interest, are in favor of this measure; and I have no hesitancy in arriving at the conclusion, that much the larger portion of the religious community will be found on our side of the question, notwithstanding the denunciations and anathemas which have been pronounced against us. This proceeds from a few leading religionists of the new concert sect, or that class of philanthropists who are going up and down in the land seeking whom they may devour. The two wide-spread denominations, the Baptist and Methodist, with whom I have had an extensive and intimate intercourse through my whole life, I am sure, will rever lend themselves, in a united manner, as religious bodies, to aid political factions or designing demagogues. No, sir, these denominations were sufficiently tested during the late war. They stood by their country in the field of battle, and breasted the storm of war. They could pray for you in their closets and their pulpits, without the fear of incurring Divine displeasure. This same worthy missionary says: “Societies and their missionaries should carefully guard against what we may term high coloring. We are naturally fond of telling the more favorable parts of the story, and rather desire the unfavorable parts to sink into oblivion. I could readily point to statements respecting missionary operations, which approximate this character too nearly; but I deem it sufficient to mention this general and undoubted fact, viz.: A man in Europe, by reading the whole of our missionary journals, narratives, reports, &c., would be apt to suppose the success of our labors was such that the aborigines of our country were rapidly improving their condition, both in respect to christianity and civilization. How would such a one be disappointed, on visiting these regions, to find that, instead of improvement in general, they are rapidly decreasing in numbers, and perishing under their accumulating misfortunes. Both societies and missiona. ries are blameable in this thing. The latter claim a pretext from the peculiarities of their situation. The views of the community in general, in relation to the true condition of the Indians, their character, and the character of missionary labor among them, being erroneous, missionaries find great difficulty in managing those impressions which influence their patrons as well as other people. Few indeed are prepared for that tedious process which is usually unavoidable in the work. If a missionary is not able to state, in a tolerable degree, what would be deem- One of these denominations (I mean the Baptist) have, ed by his patrons evidence of success, and in a pretty through their organs, the officers of their religious boards, short time, too, after he has commenced his labors, his sup-conventions, and associations, for years past, at every sesporters are liable to grow impatient, and to imagine the sion of Congress, reminded you of the interest they feel existence of some defect in him or his management." and the labors they have bestowed towards the great object of Indian civilization. Moreover, they have expressed their conviction, that your emigration plan afforded the best and most permanent prospect of success to their missionary efforts. Sir, no religious denomination in this country, as such, will be found unitedly giving themselves up into the hands of political men, to aid in the objects of political faction. It would be too tedious to name all the various Having given an outline of the origin and progress of sects of our country; but, having named one or two, I Indian emigration, and the support and favor which it has avail myself of this opportunity of saying, I have great. received from most of our distinguished statesmen and pa-respect for most of the denominations in our country, and triots, I now say, the experiment has been sufficiently test-have no unfriendly feelings to any. I wish them all prosed, to induce a large majority of the people of this Union perity in all their attempts to benefit mankind. ardently to desire its cousummation. If it be inquired Our good and worthy Quaker friends, who have been how I arrive at this conclusion, I answer, from the best in-memorializing us on this subject, will all come right as dex to public opinion-the press. At the present day, soon as their misapprehensions are corrected. When they I ask special attention to the foregoing extracts, as well as to the source from which they are taken. They are the deliberate opinions of one of our most experienced, pious, and persevering missionaries. Yes, sir, this comes from one who is resolved to devote his whole life in sustaining the missionary cause amongst the native Indians of his own country. H. OF R.] Removal of the Indians. [MAY 17, 1830. ascertain that Georgia and President Jackson are by no compact, upon which we stand as a State, gives you the means the advocates of war, famine, and pestilence, they metes and bounds of our sovereignty; and within the limits will take us by the hand, and join us in advancing measures therein defined and pointed out, our State authorities claim of kindness, benevolence, and good will towards the In- entire and complete jurisdiction over soil and population, dians. Sir, I am not afraid to trust the Quakers. The re- regardless of complexion. ligious people of this country are in the full enjoyment of religious liberty. It is all that the truly pious want. They want no "christian party in politics." I profess to admire that active spirit of christian benevolence which has done so much for your common country, in the cause of letters and morality. That religion which carries its saving influence into families, congregations, and society in general, adorns its professors. The boundaries of Georgia have been defined, recognised, and admitted, by circumstances of a peculiar kind. Her litigations in relation to boundary and title to her soil may justly be considered as having been settled "according to law." Her boundaries are not only admitted by her sister States, but by this General Government; and every individual who administers any part of it, executive or le gislative, must recollect that the faith of this Government The religious opposition to this measure is not confined has stood pledged for twenty-eight years past, to relieve to any particular sect, unless we give a new name to a re- Georgia from the embarrassment of Indian population. It ligious party in politics-a party which has some recruits is known to every member of this Congress, that this from many, if not all, the different sects of the country. pledge was no gratuity to Georgia. No, sir, it was for and It is this new sect of concert brethren, against whom I in consideration of the two entire States of Alabama and direct my censures. These canting fanatics have placed Mississippi. themselves, upon this Indian question, behind the bulwarks of religions, and console themselves with the belief that the Georgians, whom they have denounced as atheists, deists, infidels, and sabbath-breakers, laboring under the curse of slavery, will never be able to dislodge them from their strong position. Sir, I therefore feel that I stand pledged in duty to my constituents, to show to this House, and to the world, that these intermeddlers and disturbers of the peace and harmony of society have no just claims to the protection of that impenetrable fortress in which they have hitherto found refuge and protection. I rely with entire confidence upon those who carry the keys of this fortress; they will deliver up the guilty, to be dealt with according to law and justice. "By their fruit ye shall know them." Sir, before I pursue the course of the opposition any further, I will remark, that I have so far confined myself principally to that part of the subject which relates to the interest of the Indians; but there are other interests which are entitled to a share of your consideration. The State of Georgia, one of whose representatives I am, has, from my infancy till this day, been struggling with perplexing difficulties, strifes, and heart-burnings, upon the subject of her Indian relations. Yes, sir, amongst my earliest recollections are the walls of an old fort, which gave protection to the women and children from the tomahawk and scalping knife of the Indians. And let me inform you, that, while the Indians have receded thousands of miles before the civilized population, in other sections of the Union, the frontier of Georgia has comparatively remained stationary. My present residence is not more than one day's travel from the place of the old fort to which I alluded. It is but part of a day's travel from my residence to the line of the Cherokee country. In entering upon this branch of my subject, I find it necessary to summon up all the powers of philosophy, to restrain feelings of indignation and contempt for those who are at this time straining every nerve and using every effort to perpetuate on the people whom I represent the evils which they have borne for so many years; and whatever has, or may be said to the contrary, I do verily be lieve that no other State of this Union would have submitted, with equal patriotism, to the many ills and wrongs which we have received at the hands of those who were bound by the strongest human obligations to aid in relieving us from Indian perplexities, give us justice, and assist in the advancement of our peace, happiness, and prosperity. Georgia, sir, is one of the good old thirteen States; she entered the Union upon an equal footing with any of her sisters. She claims no superiority, but contends for equality. That sovereignity which she concedes to all the rest, and would at any time unite with them in defending from all encroachment, she will maintain for herself. Our social I feel disposed to pity those who make the weak and false plea of inability, founded on the words "reasonable and peaceable," whenever I hear it made. Such pettifogging quibbles deserve the contempt of a statesman. No man is fit to be a Congressman, who does not know that the General Government might, many years ago, upon both reasonable and peaceable terms, have removed every Indian from Georgia. But, sir, upon this subject, this Government has been wanting in good faith to Georgia. It has, by its own acts and policy, forced the Indians to remain in Georgia, by the purchase of their lands in the adjoining States, and by holding out to the Indians strong inducements to remain where they are; by the expenditure of vast sums of money, spent in changing the habits of the savage for those of civilized life. All this was in itself right and proper; it has my hearty approbation; but it should not have been done at the expense of Georgia. The Government, long after it was bound to extinguish the title of the Indians to all the lands in Georgia, has actually forced the Cherokees from their lands in other States, settled them upon Georgia lands, and aided in furnishing the means to create the Cherokee aristocracy. Sir, I blame not the Indians; I commiserate their case. I have considerable acquaintance with the Cherokees, and amongst them I have seen much to admire. To me, they are in many respects an interesting people. If the wicked influence of designing men, veiled in the garb of philanthropy and christian benevolence, should excite the Cherokees to a course that will end in their speedy destruction, I now call upon this Congress, and the whole American people, not to charge the Georgians with this sin; but let it be remembered that it is the fruit of cant and fanaticism, emanating from the land of steady habits, from the boasted progeny of the pilgrims and puritans. Sir, my State stands charged before this House, before the nation, and before the whole world, with cruelty and oppression towards the Indians. I deny the charge, and demand proof from those who make it. I have labored, as one of your committee, day and night, in examining every thing which has any connexion with the history of this subject. Amongst other duties, we have examined all the various laws of the colonial and State Governments in relation to the Indians. The selection made and submitted, has long since been in the hands of every gentleman of this House. Let the laws of other States be compared with those which are the subject of complaint, and it must then be admitted by every candid man that the States complained of stand pre-eminent in humanity, mildness, and generosity, towards the Indians. Georgia, it is tue, has slaves; but she did not make them such; she found them upon her hands when she became a sovereign State. She never has, by her legislation, changed the state of freedom to slavery. If she has ever MAY 17, 1830.] Removal of the Indians, [H. or R. owned an Indian slave, it has never come to my know-angel of light to deceive and effect his diabolical purposes, ledge; but more than one of the other States of this Union then we need not be surprised to see the children walking have not only reduced Indians to a state of slavery, but in the footsteps of their parents? The fallacious matter have treated them as brutes, destitute of any human rights contained in this pamphlet, and its senior brother, "Wil-depriving them of their own modes of worshipping Deity liam Penn," we shall find to be the strong ground relied -hunting them as wild beasts for slaughter-holding out upon here. Our opponents here will be found in close rewards for their scalps, and even giving premiums for the union with these concert brethren. And here it is, sir, raising of a certain breed of dogs, called bloodhounds, to for the first time, we find any thing like a tangible form in hunt savages, that they might procure their scalps, and the opposition to Indian emigration, sustained and encouobtain the reward offered by Government for them. Sir, raged as it has been by every administration, from Presicompare this legislation with that of Georgia, and let the dent Jefferson to Mr. Adams, inclusive; we have never guilty be put to shame. before seen a concerted and united opposition, nor has any Should I be censured for going to the history of past individual, who had any pretensions to the first honors of. times a century or two back; should I be accused of visit the country, heretofore ventured to oppose this system. ing the sins of the fathers on the children, permit me to In the course of the last year, the numbers over the say, I hold in my hand a pamphlet, recently published in signature of "William Penn" appeared in the National Boston, and said to have been written by the chief secre- Intelligencer, and, although said to be written by a very tary of the new sect, who is also said to be the author of pious man, deeply merged in missionary efforts, they evi"William Penn ;" and those who will read this pamphlet, dently have much more of the character of the politician written at the present day, will perceive a more savage, and lawyer than that of an humble missionary. At the superstitious, and diabolical spirit, than was ever possessed proper moment for effect, too, we see the distinguished by the authors of the pow-wow, scalping, slave, and dog orator of the West, he who once filled the chair which you laws. I will give you a few extracts from this pamphlet, now occupy, entering upon this subject with his usual zeal which purports to be an article copied from the American and ingenuity. This Indian subject was introduced into Monthly Magazine, page 14. one of his set speeches, professedly on the subject of African colonization. But the two subjects are adroitly blended together, and were designed as a cutting philippic upon President Jackson and his administration, and, at the same time, admirably calculated to organize his political coworkers in every part of the Union. I was not surprised at his expressions of deep feelings of interest for the suffering sons of Africa and the forest. It was to be expected from a popular speech-maker. But I confess the pious part of his address shocked my better feelings. If I had been ignorant of the gentleman's character, I should really have considered him a preacher of righteousness, deeply imbued with the spirit of the age! "The Indians had better stand to their arms and be exterminated, than march farther onwards to the Pacific, in the faith that the coming tide of civilized population will not sweep them forever until they mingle in its depths. Better thus than remain to be trampled as the serfs of Georgia, to have their faces ground by the pride and oppressions of their slave-holding neighbors, to be exterminated by the more powerful, and not less sure, though slower operation of the vices of the whites." "God forbid that the prayers which have ascended for the Indians, and the exertions which may be made in their behalf, should fail; it would be better that half the States in the Union were annihilated, and the remuaut left powerful in Where do you find one solitary opponent of President oliness, strong in the prevalence of virtue, than that the Jackson in favor of the measure on your table? I do not whole nation should be stained with guilt, and sooner or know one. Sir, I have tried to prevent party considerations ater disorganized by the self-destroying energies of wick- from operating on this question; but our opponents are an dness. We would rather have a civil war, were there no organized baud; they go in a solid column. The friends other alternative, than avoid it by taking shelter in crime; for of the administration are by no means united upon many besides that, in our faith, it would be better for the universe subjects of general policy; each one thinks and acts for o be annihilated, than for one jot or tittle of the law of God himself; but shall our differences upon other subjects opeo be broken, we know that such a shelter would only prove rate upon our judgments in making up an opinion upon he prison house of vengeance and despair. We would this important subject? Your attention has been called ake up arms for the Indians, in such a war, with as much to it in the forcible language of truth, by your venerable confidence of our duty, as we would stand with our bayonets Chief Magistrate. It is sustained by reason, experience, n the shores of the Atlantic, to repel the assaults of the humanity, and every consideration of wise policy. It is a nost barbarous invader. Perhaps we do wrong to make measure of great importance to the interest, peace, and ven the supposition: for it can never come to this. But, harmony of many of the States; and to the poor afflicted et any thing come upon us, rather than the stain and the and perishing Indians, it is a measure of salvation. No man urse of such perfidy as has been contemplated. Let the living entertains kinder feelings to the Indians than Anials of God's wrath be poured out in plague, and storm, drew Jackson. If any President of the United States has nd desolation; let our navies be scattered to the four deserved the appellation of friend and father to the Indians, inds of heaven; let our corn be blasted in the fields; let it is him who is now at the helm. Having been the instru 1 first-born be consumed with the stroke of the pesti- ment of the Government to chastise them in times that are ence; let us be visited with earthquakes, and given as a gone by, so far as to bring them to a knowledge of their rey to the devouring fire; but let us not be left to commit true condition and duty, he is the better qualified to sym-. great an outrage on the law of nations and of God; pathise with them in all their afflictions. He not only is, us not be abandoned to the degradation of national but has long been, their true friend and benefactor. This erjury, and, as its certain consequence, to some signal opposition is not to the policy proposed, but to the man who dition of national woe. Let us listen to the warning recommends it. I, therefore, trust his friends will not be oice which comes to us from the destruction of Israel." found in the ranks of the enemy. I trust in God, more The pamphlet from which I have read contains seventy- are they who are for us, than those who are against us. pages, and is interspersed throughout with a spirit The opposition reminds me of Jonah's gourd, which sprung rresponding with what I have read. Sir, shall I express up in a night and perished in a day. It could bear the y surprise at this "christian party in politics," who con- light and heat of but a single day, because there was a mn all their brethren who will not unite with them in all canker at the root. The present opposition cannot stand eir machinery of societies and schemes for governing before the light of truth, reason, and sound policy—it will blic opinion in this land of freedom? or shall I remember soon pass away. at if the wicked one himself can assume the form of an et Upon this question, our political opponents have availed. H. OF R.] Removal of the Indians. [MAY 17, 1830. themselves of the aid of enthusiastic religionists, to pull | phlet publications. They contain a great deal of truth, down the administration of President Jackson. Sir, pure but not the whole truth, and nothing else but the truth. religion will aid and strengthen any cause; but the unde- These publications remind me of a long exploring tour filed religion of the cross is a separate and distinct thing, in its nature and principles, from the noisy cant of these pretenders, who have cost this Government, since the commencement of the present session of Congress, considerably upwards of one hundred thousand dollars by their various intermeddlings with the political concerns of the country. Who compose this "christian party in politics," here and elsewhere? Are they those individuals who are most distinguished for morality and virtue? I will leave these questions to be answered by others, and pass on to some further notice of the Boston pamphlet, from which we shall, no doubt, have many quotations before we get through this discussion. 66 which I made to the West near twenty years ago. On my return home, my friends and neighbors called in, to bear the news from the western country. I described to them the rich and fertile lands of the Mississippi, its bountiful productions, &c.; and before I had got through with the good things, they said, It is enough, let us all remove to the good country." But when I told them of the evil things, aud gave them the whole truth, they changed their hasty opinions, and concluded it would be the best to remain in their beloved Georgia. Sir, the application of this story is easy-every gentleman can make it for himself. But I promised to inform you how far these magazine statements were entitled to credit; but, before I begin, I will refer It is the statements found in these pamphlets and maga-you to my list of witnesses. They may be found amongst zines, which are relied on as truth, that have induced so the Senators and Representatives of the present Congress, many worthy people at a distance to espouse the cause of from the States bordering on the Cherokee country. I Indian sovereignty, as assumed by the Cherokees. The could multiply testimony to bear me out in all that I have general condition of the Cherokees, in these publicatious, is or shall say on this subject; but, in law, we consider every represented as being quite as comfortable and prosperous word established by the corroborating testimony of two or -yes, sir, and as enlightened, too, as the white popula- three witnesses. I admit, we do find in the Cherokee tion in most of the States. Compare the pictures drawn country many families enjoying all the common comforts by these pamphlet writers and memorialists of the concert of civil and domestic life, and possessing the necessary school, in which they have painted Georgia on the one side, neaus to secure these enjoyments. Moreover, we find s and the Cherokee sovereignty on the other. From these number of schools and houses built for religious worship. publications, not only the stranger in a foreign land, but Many of these comfortable families, too, are composed of usthe honest laboring people of New England, who stay tives born in the Cherokee country. But the principal part at home, and would mind their own business if let alone of these enjoyments are confined to the blood of the white by these canting fanatics, verily believe that the Georgians man, either in whole or in part. But few, very few of the are the worst of all savages; that they can neither read real Indians participate largely in these blessings. A large nor write; that they are infidels, deists, and atheists; and portion of the full blooded Cherokees still remain a poor that they never hear a gospel sermon, except from a New degraded race of human beings. As to the proportion England missionary. Upon the other hand, they are that are comfortable, or otherwise, I cannot speak from tanght to believe that the Cherokee Indians are the most my own personal knowledge with any degree of certainty: prosperous, enlightened, and religious nation of people on but, from what I have seen, I can readily conclude that earth-except, indeed, the nation of New England. These but a very small portion of the real Indians are in a Boston writers are not a people to work for nothing and state of improvement, whilst their lords and rulers are find themselves. No, sir, entertain no doubt but they white men, and the descendants of white men, enjoying are well paid for all “ their labors of love" in the cause of the fat of the land, and enjoying exclusively the Govern Cherokee sovereignty. ment annuities, upon which they foster, feed, and clothe the most violent and dangerous enemies of our civil institutions. While the smallest intrusion (as it is called) by the frontier citizens of Georgia on the lands occupied by the Cherokees, excites the fiery indignation of the fanaties. from one end of the chain of concert and coalition to the other, do we not find an annual increase of intruders, from these philanthropic ranks, flocking in upon the poor Cherokees, like the caterpillars and locusts of Egypt, leaving s barren waste behind them? Yes, sir, these are the intruders who devour the substance which of right belongs to the poor perishing part of the Cherokees. They divide the spoil with the Cherokee rulers, and leave the common Indians to struggle with waut and misery, without hope of bettering their condition by any change but that of jouing their brethren west of the Mississippi. The Cherokees receive large annuities from this Government; they have a rich treasury, and their northern allies understand giving a saving direction to their fiuancial disbursements. These northern intruders are numerous and influential among the Cherokees. One religious board to the North (of whom "William Penn" is chief secretary) furnishes the southern tribes of Indians with upwards of twenty stationary missionaries, besides superintendents, mechanics, &c. &c., chiefly composed of our northern friends. No doubt, sir, but President Ross himself, with all his official subordinates, has long since found it expedient to yield the chief control of the purse and the press (which you know are said to be the strength of uations) to his more skilful and eagle-eyed friends and allies. But for these annuities, we should not have been encumbered, throughout the session, with memorials from Maine to Steubenville, in Ohio. These self-interested re- The inhumanity of Georgia, so much complained of, is porters of the state and condition of the Cherokee In. nothing more nor less than the extension of her laws and dians tell you they are already a civilized and christianized jurisdiction over this mingled and misguided population whe people. Abounding in the necessary comforts of do- are found within her acknowledged limits. And what, I mestic and agricultural life, their civil, political, and re- would ask, is to be found in all this, that is so very alarming ligious advancement is ostentatiously compared with the Sir, I have endeavored to tear the mask from this subject, whites in some of the States; and, for proof of their state- that the character and complexion of this opposition might ments, they refer you to their hireling letter writers, and be seen and known. The absolute rulers of the Cherotheir magazines and newspapers; and the statements drawn kee country, like other men, love office, distinction, and from these sources are relied on by a certain portion of power. They are enjoying great and peculiar benefits. the community, in and out of this House, in preference to They do not like the idea of becoming private citizens any testimony, whatever may be the merit of the source It is with great reluctance they yield up their stewardship. from which it emanates. Now, sir, I will tell you how far these statements are to be relied upon. I have carefully and repeatedly examined all these magazines and pam They know they have not been faithful to the interest of the poor degraded Indians. They know the great mass of their people have been left to suffer in want and igno MAY 17, 1830.] Removal of the Indians. [H. OF R. rance, whilst they have spent their substance in forming, there. Georgia became a member of the confederacy which foreign alliances with an enthusiastic, selfish, and money eventuated in our Federal Union, as a sovereign State, alloving people. These men, when incorporated into the ways asserting her claim to certain limits, which, having political family of Georgia, cannot calculate on becoming been originally defined in her colonial charter, and subseat once the Randolphs of the State. And if they join the quently recognized in the treaty of peace, she has ever western Cherokees, they cannot carry with them their since continued to enjoy, except as they have been circumpresent assumed sovereignty and rule. They will there scribed by her own voluntary transfer of a portion of her terfind equals in many of their pioneer brethren. The Cad-ritory to the United States, in the articles of cession of 1802. mus of the Cherokees, George Guess, and many others, Alabama was admitted into the Union on the same footing are already there. Yes, sir, these western Cherokees are with the original States, with boundaries which were prein the full enjoyment of all the blessings of their emigrating scribed by Congress. There is no constitutional, convenenterprise, and there is but one opinion among them as to tional, or legal provision, which allows them less power their relative comfort, and prospect of future blessings. over the Indians within their borders than is possessed by All the various emigrants to the West so far agree as to Maine or New York. Would the people of Maine permit authorize the assurance that no iuducement could be offered the Penobscot tribe to erect an independent Government to them strong enough to bring them back again. The within their State? And, unless they did, would it not be the Cherokees and Creeks are charmed with their country, and duty of the General Government to support them in reto the many things which attach to their comfort in it. sisting such a measure! Would the people of New York The New England farmers, who have emigrated to the permit each remnant of the Six Nations within her bordfertile valleys of the West, would as soon consent to return ers to declare itself an independent people, under the proto the barren sand and sterile rocks of their native land, as tection of the United States? Could the Indians establish a western Cherokee or Creek would return to the sepulchre a separate republic on each of their reservations in Ohio? of his forefathers. And, if they were so disposed, would it be the duty of this Government to protect them in the attempt? If the principle involved in the obvious answer to these questions be abandoned, it will follow that the objects of this Government are reversed, and that it has become a part of its duty to aid in destroying the States which it was established to protect. Pages may be filled with the sublimated cant of the day, and in wailing over the departure of the Cherokees from the bones of their forefathers. But if the heads of these pretended mourners were waters, and their eyes were a fountain of tears, and they were to spend days and years in weeping over the departure of the Cherokees from Georgia, yet they will go. The tide of emigration, with the Indians as well as the whites, directs its course westwardly. I am apprised, sir, that principles of natural law and abstract justice have been appealed to, for the purpose of sustaining the pretensions of the Cherokee Indians. Whatever doctrines may have been advanced by theoretical writers upon this subject, the practical comment of all nations will sustain the doctrines contained in the message of President Jackson, at the commencement of the present session of Congress, which reads as follows: "Actuated by this view of the subject, I informed the Indians inhabiting parts of Georgia and Alabama, that their attempt to establish an independent Government would not be countenanced by the Executive of the United States, and advised them to emigrate beyond the Mississippi, or submit to the laws of those States. "Our conduct towards these people is deeply interesting to our national character. Their present condition, contrasted with what they once were, makes a most powerful appeal to our sympathies. Our ancestors found them "The condition and ulterior destiny of the Indian tribes the uncontrolled possessors of these vast regions. By perwithin the limits of some of our States, have become ob- suasion and force, they have been made to retire from river jects of much interest and importance. It has long been to river, and from mountain to mountain, until some of the the policy of Government to introduce among them the tribes have become extinct, and others have but remnants arts of civilization, in the hope of gradually reclaiming to preserve for a while their once terrible names. Surtuem from a wandering life. This policy has, however, rounded by the whites, with their arts of civilization, which, been coupled with another, wholly incompatible with its by destroying the resources of the savage, doom him to success, Professing a desire to civilize and settle them, weakness and decay, the fate of the Mollegan, the Narrawe have, at the same time, lost no opportunity to purchase gansett, and the Delaware, is fast overtaking the Choctaw, their lands, and thrust them further into the wilderness. the Cherokee, and the Creek. That this fate surely awaits By this means they have not only been kept in a wandering them if they remain within the limits of the States, does state, but been led to look upon us as unjust and indiffer- not admit of a doubt. Humanity and national honor deent to their fate. Thus, though lavish in its expenditures mand that every effort should be made to avert so great a upon the subject, Government has constantly defeated its calamity. It is too late to inquire whether it was just in own policy; and the Indians, in general, receding farther the United States to include them and their territory with and farther to the West, have retained their savage habits. in the bounds of new States, whose limits they could not A portion, however, of the southern tribes, having mingled control. That step. cannot be retraced. A State cannot much with the whites, and made some progress in the arts be dismembered by Congress, or restricted in the exer. of civilized life, have lately attempted to erect an indecise of her constitutional power. But the people of those pendent Government within the limits of Georgia and Ala- States, and of every State, actuated by feelings of justice bama. These States, claiming to be the only sovereigns and regard for our national honor, submit to you the interwithin their territories, extended their laws over the esting question, whether something cannot be done, conIndians, which induced the latter to call upon the United sistently with the rights of the States, to preserve this States for protection. much injured race. "Under these circumstances, the question presented was, whether the General Government had a right to sustain those people in their pretensions. The constitution declares that "no new State shall be formed or erected within the jurisdiction of any other State," without the consent of its Legislature. If the General Government is not permitted to tolerate the erection of a confederate State within the territory of one of the members of this Union, against her consent, much less could it allow a foreign and independent Government to establish itself "As a means of effecting this end, I suggest for your consideration the propriety of setting apart an ample district west of the Mississippi, and without the limits of any State or territory now formed, to be guarantied to the Indian tribes as long as they shall occupy it; each tribe having a distinct control over the portion designated for its use. There they may be secured in the enjoyment of Governments of their own choice, subject to no other control from the United States than such as may be necessary to preserve peace on the frontier and between the several tribes. |