INDIANS

We give in this paper the proceedings of the United States Senate in relation to the removal of the Indians.- It will there be seen that every proposition recognizing the rights of the Indians, or the validity and binding force of solemn treaties, has been voted down. Every attempt to prolong their tranquility or to stay the uplifted arm of oppression, has been met with as prompt and decided a negative, as if it did not involve in its consequences the dearest rights of man,-as if inability to resist aggression was a sufficient justification for authorizing it--yes, with the same apparent recklessness of consequences as if they neither felt accountable for their votes to their constituents, or their God. But let it be remembered that these are the proceedings of the Senate, the members of which are required only once in six years to surrender their authority into the hands of the people. In the other house we hope for better things.- They will hardly venture to disregard the will of those who have clothed them with authority, and who may at no distant period have an opportunity to express, through the ballot box, their approbation or disapprobation.

We hope that our readers will give these several votes a careful examination-their feelings, which revolt at injustice and the oppression of the weak and defenceless[sic] will make the proper comment.--Rochester Obs.

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The Indian Bill, as it passed the Senate, is now fairly before the House. Mr. BELL, Chairman of the Committee on Indian Affairs, has supported the provisions of the bill in a speech of great length and wide excursion. A large number of the ablest men in the House were seen taking copious notes, and a powerful debate is confidently anticipated. We hope the bill will not be made a party question.

If there ever was a question propounded of our National Legislature, which imperiously demanded an exemption from all party influence, it is that which is now pending. This question is too solemn, too full of moral responsibility, to admit the trifling display of party strength. Let political distinctions be displayed upon proper themes; but upon a question involving the faith and honor of our nation, and the rights and happiness of another, every man ought to give such a decision as he would not hesitate to carry in his hand to the bar of God. Let the unerring voice from within be heard; let the sentiments of thousands, expressed in their earnest memorials, be heard; let the opinions that are coming to us from other continents and climes, be heard; let the sacred sanctions of those whom we most honor among the glorious dead, be remembered; let the righteous verdict of an impartial posterity be anticipated. If there be a listening ear turned to these oracles, we fear not the result-the decision will be one upon which Justice and Humanity will set their brightest seal. But if sectional interest and party spirit shall be allowed to predominate, not only will the first principles of equity be violated, and all that we most venerate in the memories of our forefathers be profaned, but the pavement will be laid upon which this nation will travel down to disgrace and ruin!
Amer. Spec. May 15.

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The Memorial of the Cherokee Legislature, recently presented to Congress, will convince the public that the men who penned that document perfectly well understand their rights, and are prepared to mantain [sic] them, by sound argument against the bewildering sophistry of our Executive constructions. It is a gratuitous piece of impudence for our Government to set themselves up as conservators over men so perfectly well qualified to take care of themselves. All they ask of us is to let them alone. ----Id.

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The Indians.---The bill which has passed the Senate of the United States, for the removal of the Indians, provides that the President shall lay off so much of any territory belonging to the United States, west of the Mississippi, as he may deem necessary, for the reception of such Indians as may choose to exchange the land on which they reside, and remove thither; which territory is to be forever guaranteed to them, and their heirs and successors. The Indians are also to be paid for the improvements on their lands and aid is to be given them in removing, and for their support and subsistence the first year thereafter.

The bill is mild in its language; and were the Indians at liberty to pursue their own inclinations, unawed by the unjust and oppressive laws of Georgia, and secure of the protection of the United States, whether they stay or go, there is nothing on the face of the measure, which would particularly alarm their friends. But when the pretensions which have been avowed, and the course which has been pursued, by Georgia; the language employed by her Senators during the debate on the bill, and the rejection of every amendment which was offered by its opponents, are taken into consideration, there is no room to doubt, that if the bill passes the House of Representives [sic], no choice will be left to the Indians, but to abandon their country, or be subjected to every species of persecution which may be calculated to dishearten and drive them to despair.
West. Rec.

"Poor Devils"- The papers tell us, that Mr. Senator Forsyth, of Georgia while pleading for the removal of the Indians, frequently spoke of them under this contemtuous [sic] appellation.--Something of a same spirit has also shown itself elsewhere. It has been pretended, for instance, that the mere circumstance of a "few naked savages dancing upon land," could never ensure them a title to it.

But such barefaced pretences [sic] will never do. The "savages" it seems, whether naked or clad, have had their land guaranteed by treaty with the United States; and whether the Indians are "poor or rich" the pledge must be redeemed, or the nation dishonoured [sic]. It will avail the oppressors nothing to asperse the character of the oppressed. It is by adding insult to injury; a thing, by the way, which is very customary with unprincipled men.
Western Rec.

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This transcription from the Cherokee Phoenix is presented as part of the historical record, and includes historical materials that may contain negative stereotypes or language reflecting the culture or language of a particular period or place including terminology that may not be deemed appropriate today. While an effort has been made to verify the transcription against the original text, complete accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Researchers are urged to match the transcription against the original article to authenticate exact quotes. Issues of the Cherokee Phoenix are available on microfilm. Please check your local library for availability or to inquire about interlibrary loan of a microfilm copy.

Send comments or questions to: George Frizzell
Special Collections . Hunter Library . Western Carolina University . Cullowhee, NC 28723 . 828-227-7474