President's Message. The object of the tariff is objected to by some as unconstitutional; and it is considered by almost all as defective in many of its parts. [21st CONG. 2d SESS. While the chief object of duties should be revenue, they may be so adjusted as to encourage manufactures. In this adjustment, however, it is the duty of the Government to be guided by the general good. Objects of national importance, alone, ought to be protected; of these the productions of our soil, our mines, and our workshops, essential to national defence, occupy the first rank. Whatever other species of domestic industry, having the importance to which I have referred, may be expected, after temporary protection, to compete with foreign labor on equal terms, merit the same attention in a subordinate degree. The power to impose duties on imports originally belonged to the several States. The right to adjust those duties with a view to the encouragement of domestic branches of industry is so completely incidental to that power, that it is difficult to suppose the existence of the one without the other. The States have delegated their whole authority over imports to the General Government, without limitation or restriction, saving the very inconsiderable reservation relating to their inspection laws.This authority having thus entirely passed from the The present tarifl taxes some of the comforts of life States, the right to exercise it for the purpose of protec- unnecessarily high; it undertakes to protect interests tion does not exist in them; and, consequently, if it be too local and minute, to justify a general exaction; and not possessed by the General Government, it must be ex-it also attempts to force some kinds of manufactures, for tinct. Our political system would thus present the ano- which the country is not ripe. Much relief will be derimaly of a people stripped of the right to foster their own ved, in some of these respects, from the measures of your industry, and to counteract the most selfish and destruc- last session. tive policy which might be adopted by foreign nations. This surely cannot be the case: this indispensable power, thus surrendered by the States, must be within the scope of the authority on the subject expressly delegated to Congress. In this conclusion, I am confirmed as well by the opinions of Presidents Washington, Jefferson, Madison, and Monroe, who have each repeatedly recommended the exercise of this right under the Constitution, as by the uniform practice of Congress, the continued acquiescence of the States, and the general understanding of the people. The best, as well as fairest mode of determining whether, from any just considerations, a particular interest ought to receive protection, would be to submit the question singly for deliberation. If, after due examination of its merits, unconnected with extraneous considerationssuch as a desire to sustain a general system, or to purchase support for a different interest-it should enlist in its favor a majority of the Representatives of the people, there can be little danger of wrong or injury in adjusting the tariff, with reference to its protective effect. If this obviously just principle were honestly adhered to, the branches of industry which deserve protection, would be saved from the prejudice excited against them, when that protection forms part of a system by which portions of the country feel, or conceive themselves to be, oppress The difficulties of a more expedient adjustment of the present tariff, although great, are far from being insurmountable. Some are unwilling to improve any of its parts, because they would destroy the whole: others feared. to touch the objectionable parts, lest those they approve should be jeopardied. I am persuaded that the advocates of these conflicting views do injustice to the American people, and to their Representatives. The general interest is the interest of each: and my confidence is entire, that, to ensure the adoption of such modifications of the tariff as the general interest requires, it is only necessary that that interest should be understood. What is incalculably more important, the vital principle of our system-that principle which requires acqui escence in the will of the majority--would be secure from the discredit and danger to which it is exposed by the acts of majorities, founded, not on identity of conviction, but on combinations of small minorities, entered into for the purpose of mutual assistance in measures which, resting solely on their own merits, could never be carried. It is an infirmity of our nature to mingle our interests I am well aware, that this is a subject of so much deliand prejudices with the operation of our reasoning pow. cacy, on account of the extended interests it involves, as ers, and attribute to the objects of our likes and dislikes to require that it should be touched with the utmost cauqualities they do not possess, and effects they cannot tion; and that, while an abandoninent of the policy.in produce. The effects of the present tariff are doubtless which it originated-a policy coeval with our Governoverrated, both in its evils and in its advantages. By one ment, and pursued through successive administrations, class of reasoners, the reduced price of cotton and other is neither to be expected or desired, the people have a agricultural products is ascribed wholly to its influence, right to demand, and have demanded, that it be so modiand by another, the reduced price of manufactured artified as to correct abuses and obviate injustice. cles. The probability is, that neither opinion approach. That our deliberations on this interesting subject es the truth, and that both are induced by that influence should be uninfluenced by those partizan conflicts that of interests and prejudices to which I have referred. are incident to free institutions, is the fervent wish of my The decrease of prices extends throughout the commer. heart. To make this great question, which unhappily so cial world, embracing not only the raw material and the much divides and excites the public mind, subservient to manufactured article, but provisions and lands. The the short-sighted views of faction, must destroy all hope cause must, therefore, be deeper and more pervading of settling it satisfactorily to the great body of the peothan the tariff of the United States. It may, in a mea-ple, and for the general interest. I cannot, therefore, on sure, be attributable to the increased value of the pre-taking leave of the subject, too earnestly for my own cious metals, produced by a diminution of the supply, and an increase in the demand; while commerce has rapidly extended itself, and population has augmented. The supply of gold and silver, the general medium of exchange, has been greatly interrupted by civil convulsions in the countries from which they are principally drawn. A part of the effect, too, is doubtless owing to an increase of operatives and improvements in machinery. But, on the whole, it is questionable whether the reduction in the price of lands, produce, and manufactures, has been greater than the appreciation of the standard of value. feelings or the common good, warn you against the blighting consequences of such a course. According to the estimates at the Treasury Department, the receipts in the treasury during the present year will amount to twenty-four millions one hundred and sixty-one thousand and eighteen dollars, which will exceed by about three hundred thousand dollars the estimate presented in the last annual report of the Secretary of the Treasury. The total expenditure during the year, exclusive of public debt, is estimated at thirteen millions seven hundred and forty-two thousand three hundred and eleven dollars; and the payment on account of pub. lic debt for the same period will have been eleven millions three hundred and fifty-four thousand six hundred and thirty dollars; leaving a balance in the treasury, on the first of January, 1831, of four millions eight hundred and nineteen thousand seven hundred and eighty-one dollars. emergency, to put afloat a powerful Navy of new ships almost as soon as old ones could be repaired. The modifications in this part of the service suggested in my last annual message, which are noticed more in detail in the report of the Secretary of the Navy, are again recommended to your serious attention. In connexion with the condition of our finances, it af The report of the Postmaster General, in like manner, fords me pleasure to remark that judicious and efficient exhibits a satisfactory view of the important branch of arrangements have been made by the Treasury Depart the Government under his charge. In addition to the ment for securing the pecuniary responsibility of the benefits already secured by the operations of the Postpublic officers, and the more punctual payment of the office Department, considerable improvements, within the public dues. The revenue cutter service has been or-present year, have been made, by an increase in the ac ganized, and placed on a good footing; and, aided by an commodation afforded by stage coaches, and in the freincrease of inspectors at exposed points, and the regula.quency and celerity of the mail between some of the most tions adopted under the act of May, 1830, for the inspec-important points of the Union. tion and appraisement of merchandise, have produced Under the late contracts, improvements have been promuch improvement in the execution of the laws, and vided for the southern section of the country, and, at the inore security against the commission of frauds upon the same time, an annual saving made of upwards of seventyrevenue. Abuses in the allowances for fishing bounties two thousand dollars. Notwithstanding the excess of exhave also been corrected, and a material saving in that penditure beyond the current receipts for a few years branch of the service, thereby effected. In addition to past, necessarily incurred in the fulfilment of existing these improvements, the system of expenditure for sick contracts, and in the additional expenses, between the seamen belonging to the merchant service has been re-periods of contracting, to meet the demands created by vised; and, by being rendered uniform and economical, the rapid growth and extension of our flourishing country, the benefits of the lund applicable to this object have yet the satisfactory assurance is given, that the future re been usefully extended. venue of the Department will be sufficient to meet its exThe prosperity of our country is also further evinced tensive engagements. The system recently introduced, by the increased revenue arising from the sale of public that subjects its receipts and disbursements to strict regu lands, as will appear from the report of the Commissioner lation, has entirely fulfilled its design. It gives full asof the General Land Office, and tlre documents accom- surance of the punctual transmission, as well as the secu panying it, which are herewith transmitted. I beg leave rity, of the funds of the Department. The efficiency and to draw your attention to this report, and to the proprie-industry of its officers, and the ability and energy of can ty of making early appropriations for the objects which it tractors, justify an increased confidence in its continued specifies. prosperity. Your attention is again invited to the subjects connect- The attention of Congress was called, on a former occaed with that portion of the public interests entrusted to sion, to the necessity of such a modification of the office the War Department. Some of them were referred to of Attorney General of the United States as would render in my former message; and they are presented in detail it more adequate to the wants of the public service. This in the report of the Secretary of War, herewith submit-resulted in the establishment of the office of Solicitor of ted. I refer you, also to the report of that officer for a the Treasury; and the earliest measures were taken to knowledge of the state of the Army, fortifications, arsen- give effect to the provisions of the law which authorized als, and Indian affairs; all of which, it will be perceived, the appointment of that officer, and defined his duties. have been guarded with zealous attention and care. It But it is not believed that this provision, however useful is worthp of your consideration whether the armaments in itself, is calculated to supersede the necessity of exnecessary for the fortifications on our maritime frontier, tending the duties and powers of the Attorney General's which are now, or shortly will be, completed, should not office. On the contrary, I am convinced that the public be in readiness sooner than the customary appropriations interest would be greatly promoted by giving to that offi will enable the Department to provide them. This pre-cer the general superintendence of the various law agents caution seems to be due to the general system of fortifica. of the Government, and of all law proceedings, whether tion which has been sanctioned by Congress, and is re- civil or criminal, in which the United States may be incommended by that maxim of wisdom which tells us interested; allowing to him, at the same time, such a compeace to prepare for war. I refer you to the report of the Secretary of the Navy for a highly satisfactory account of the manner in which the concerns of that Department have been conducted during the present year. Our position in relation to the most powerful nations of the earth, and the present condition of Europe, admonish us to cherish this arm of our national defence with peculiar care. Separated by wide seas from all those Governments whose power we might have reason to dread, we have nothing to apprehend from attempts at conquest. It is chiefly attacks upon our commerce, and harassing inroads upon our coast, against which we have to guard. A naval force adequate to the protection of our commerce, always afloat, with an accumulation of the means to give it a rapid extension in case of need, furnishes the power by which all such aggressions may be prevented or repelled. The attention of the Government has, therefore, been recently directed more to preserving the public vessels already built, and providing materials to be placed in depôt for future use, than to in creasing their number. With the aid of Congress, in a few years, the Government will be prepared, in case of pensation as would enable him to devote his undivided attention to the public business. I think such a provision is alike due to the public and to the officer. Occasions of reference from the different Executive Departments to the Attorney Genral are of frequent occurrence; and the prompt decision of the questions so referred, tends much to facilitate the despatch of business in those Departments. The report of the Secretary of the Treasury, hereto appended, shows also a branch of the public service not specifically entrusted to any officer, which might be advantageously committed to the Attorney General. But, independently of those considerations this office is now one of daily duty. It was originally organize !, and its compensation fixed, with a view to occasional service, leaving to the incumbent time for the exercise of his profession in private practice. The state of things which warranted such an organization no longer exists. The frequent claims upon the services of this officer would render his absence from the Seat of Government, in professional attendance upon the courts, injurious to the public service; and the interests of the Government Documents accompanying the President's Message. could not fail to be promoted by charging him with the general superintendence of all its legal concerns. [21st CoNG. 2d SESS. ing in their hands the means of furnishing the local paper currency through their own banks; while the Bank of Under a strong conviction of the justness of these the United States, though issuing no paper, would check suggestions, I recommend it to Congress to make the ne the issues of the State banks, by taking their notes in decessary provisions for giving effect to them, and to place posite, and for exchange, only so long as they continue the Attorney General, in regard to compensation, on the to be redeemed with specie. In times of public emergensame footing with the heads of the several Executive De-cy, the capacities of such an institution might be enlarged partments. To this officer might also be intrusted a cogni- by legislative provisions. zance of the cases of insolvency in public debtors, espe cially if the views which I submitted on this subject last year should meet the approbation of Congress-to which I again solicit your attention.. These suggestions are made, not so much as a recommendation, as with a view of calling the attention of Congress to the possible modifications of a system which cannot continue to exist in its present form without occasional collisions with the local authorities, and perpetual apprehensions and discontent on the part of the States and the people. Your attention is respecfully invited to the situation of the District of Columbia. Placed, by the Constitution, under the exclusive jurisdiction and control of Congress, this District is certainly entitled to a much greater share In conclusion, fellow-citizens, allow me to invoke, in of its consideration than it has yet received. There is behalf of your deliberations, that spirit of conciliation a want of uniformity in its laws, particularly in those of and disinterestedness which is the gift of patriotism. Una penal character, which increases the expense of their der an overruling and merciful Providence, the agency administration, and subject the people to all the incon- | of this spirit has thus far been signalized in the prospeveniences which result from the operation of different |rity and glory of our beloved country. May its influence codes in so small a territory. On different sides of the be eternal. Potomac, the same offence is punishable in unequal degrees; and the peculiarities of many of the early laws of Maryland and Virginia remain in force, notwithstanding their repugnance, in some cases, to the improvements which have superseded them in those States. vernment. ANDREW JACKSON. REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR. WAR DEPARTMENT, DEC. 1, 1830. To the President of the United States. Besides a remedy for these evils, which is loudly cal ed for, it is respectfully submitted whether a provision, authorizing the election of a Delegate to represent the SIR: I have the honor to make known to you the wants of the citizens of this District on the floor of Con- operations of this Department during the present year, gress, is not due to them, and to the character of our Go-and to offer such suggestions as appear to me necessary No portion of our citizens should be without to be presented. The Army, at the different positions it a practical enjoyment of the principles of freedom; and has occupied along our western and southern frontiers, there is none more important than that which cultivates has been engaged in preserving quiet in those quara proper relation between the governors and the.govern ters, and has fully succeeded. Fears were entertained of ed. Imperfect as this must be in this case, yet it is bea serious rupture with some of our northwestern tribes of lieved that it would be greatly improved by a representa. Indians; but the presence of a military force, and the extion in Congress, with the same privileges that are allow-ercise of a proper discretion on the part of those to whom ed to that of the other Territories of the United States. The penitentiary is ready for the reception of convicts, and only awaits the necessary legislation to put it into operation; as one object of which I beg leave to recal to your attention the propriety of providing suitable com pensation for the officers charged with its inspection. the trust of reconciling them was confided, has had the effect to prevent it, and peace has been the consequence. Similar apprehensions have recently been entertained of the Indians who reside on our southwestern boundary, and precautionary steps have been taken to prevent any acts of hostility. The vigilance, intelligence, and discretion, of our officers, induce a belief that, by their exertions, these distant tribes can be retained at peace with cach The importance of the principles involved in the inquiry, whether it will be proper to recharter the Bank of the United States, requires that I should again call the atten-ether. tion of Congress to the subject. Nothing has occurred to lessen, in any degree, the dangers which many of our citizens apprehend from that institution, as at present or ganized. In the spirit of improvement and compromise which distinguishes our country and its institutions, it be comes us to inquire whether it be not possible to secure the advantages afforded by the present Bank through the agency of a Bank of the United States so modified in its principles and structure as to obviate constitutional and other objections Occasional interruptions have arisen from maranding parties, who range through the forest, and, at points distant from our posts, commit depredations: these acts, in turn, produce retaliation. It is important to prohibit these aggressions, if possible, though no other plan can be suggested that what has already, heretofore, been presented, viz: an authority to employ a detachment of mounted troops. These, ranging through the country at irregular periods, would do much more towards preserv ing peace with our Indian tribes, and quiet along our borders, than could be effected through any augmentation of our posts. The num Va It is thought practicable to organize such a bank, with the necessary officers, as a branch of the Treasury DeI regret to say that desertions from the Army are not partment, based on the public and individual deposites, of less frequent occurrence than heretofore. without power to make loans or purchase property, which ber, for the present year, will exceed one thousand. shall remit the funds of the Government, and the expen- rious efforts have been made, and many theories suggestses of which may be paid, if thought advisable, by allowed,to arrest an evil so injurious to the operations and cha ing its officers to sell bills of exchange to private indivi- racter of an Ariny. None have succeeded! The bene duals at a moderate premium. Not being a corporate volent intention of the act of Congress of last winter, body, having no stockholders, debtors, or property, and which took from the offence the penalty of death, and in but few officers, it would not be obnoxious to the conobedience to the spirit of which all past offences of the kind stitutional objections which are urged against the present were by you directed to be forgiven, has had no restrainbank, and having no means to operate on the hopes,ing, no salutary effect. I am not an advocate for the severfeats, or interests of large masses of the community, itity of penalties. The hope of reward, more frequently than would be shorn of the influence which makes that bank the fear of punishment, operates beneficially upon manformidable. The States would be strengthened by hav-kind. A resort to both might be serviceable. While 21st CONG. 2d SESS.] Documents accompanying the President's Message, 1 to uniformity in the discipline of our militia may be expected. The able report of the Board of Examiners at the last commencement, which accompanies this report, will present in detail the progress and advantages of the institution. penalties corresponding with the nature of the offence might be imposed upon delinquents, the faithful and good solcher should be cheered with the expectation of reward. To this end, an authority to make some reasonable compensation to those who obtain an honorable discharge should be granted. In conformity to this opinion, I By the act of 1818, the President of the United States would take occasion to suggest, that, while some ade- is authorized to confer upon the graduates of this acadequate penalty be imposed for so gross a violation of duty my the appointment of brevet lieutenants. Already there as that of abandoning a service voluntarily assumed, it are 87 supernumerary officers thus created, who canmay also be provided that the soldier who serves faith-not now be provided for in the line of the Army, In fully, and is honorably discharged, shall receive, at the June next there will probably be 33 more added, which termination of his enlistment, one hundred and twenty will produce an excess of 14 over the number authorized. dollars. Let him receive, instead of his present pay, four The law prohibits brevet appointments of a greater numdollars per month, retaining the residue, payable at the ber than 106--one for each company; of course, upon a reaend of service. The difference in expense thus created sonable calculation, but few, if any, of the cadets, after to the Government, for the five years of enlistment, would June, 1831, will be entitled to a brevet commission. I be but sixty dollars; which increase, it is hoped and be would respectfully suggest whether some rule different lieved, will be more than compensated for by a saving in from the present be not necessary to restrict for the futhe expenses which are incurred under the present sys- ture lieutenant appointments, retaining only so many as tem of restraining desertion. The amount retained should might supply the probable vacancies which occur within be forfeited if, at any time, the soldier desert the the year. The number of promotions to the Army from service. It might operate as a strong incentive to good this corps, for the last five years, has averaged about 22 conduct, and would serve as a fund at the close of his en- annually; while the number of graduates for the same perigagement, by which to establish him in some advantage- od has been at an average of 40. This excess, which is ous pursuit. By the present mode, he retires from the annually increasing, has placed 87 in waiting until vacanArmy dependent and poor as he entered; and often, in-cies shall take place, and shows that, in the next year prostead of returning for a time to his family, enters the Ar-bably, and in the succeeding one certainly, there will be my contrary to his inclination, induced only by his pover an excess beyond what the existing law authorizes to be ty and wants. Dissatisfaction takes place, and desertion commissioned. There will then be 106 supernumerary brevet second lieutenants appurtenant to the Army, at an Repeated efforts have been made to arrest this grow-annual expense to the Government of $ 80,000. ing evil; and they should be continued, so long as there is a hope of remedy. The loss to the service is not so material. The great fear is, that, in peace, the practice may become so frequent and familiar as in war to lose that odium which should attach to so aggravated an of fence. follows. In the Engineer Department, important operations, as regards the internal improvement of the country, have been in successful progress. The advantages to our commerce from the improvements which have been made in the navigation of the Mississippi and Ohio rivers, have already been sensibly felt; and great good to the community at large is to be anticipated from further efforts. The experiments begun, and, in some respects, completed, show, that, at an inconsiderable annual expense, the Ohio river may be cleared of its bars and shoals, so as to afford a convenient and safe navigation at those seasons of the year when, heretofore, it has been considered impracticable. Recently, by an order from the War Department, the whiskey part of the ration has been taken away, with a view to ascertain how far a theory frequently introduced might be practically productive of benefit. Time has not been afforded to test the experiment; but little confidence is reposed in the attempt. If the plan suggestedthe giving enlarged compensation to the non-commissioned officers-which every soldier may aspire to be-shall This subject well merits the attention of the Governfail to produce a remedy, I know not what other can be ment. These rivers pass through an immense and fertile attempted with any reasonable prospect of success. In region of our country, the products of which contribute espeace the soldier is not stimulated by that buoyancy which sentially to advance our commercial interest. An inconin war induces him to aspire to promotion through gal-siderable expenditure from the public Treasury will have Jantry and good conduct. To be a non-commissioned officer is all that he can hope for or expect. To place this class of officers on a more advantageous and respect able footing, for the purpose of exciting a spirit of emula tion amongst the soldiers, might prove highly serviceable. The subject, being one of importance, is at least worthy of consideration and experiment. Connected with the Army is the Military Academy at West Foint. The beneficial effects which have been produced to the country already, and the more enlarged ones which are in prospect from this valuable institution, render it matter of importance that it should be maintained upon its present liberal plan and principles. The educating of two hundred and fifty young gentlemen, selected from every State in the Union, cannot fail to carry with it general advantages and benefits correspondent to the demands it produces on the Treasury. But, apart from this, the education obtained there being of a military character, the benefits diffused through every section of our country cannot but prove highly salutary when it shall again be involved in war. The information which is acquired there is carried to the several States: these young men become officers of militia; and, in time, through the means thus afforded, something approaching Usu the effect to give security to a commerce which at pre- Documents accompanying the President's Message. done, is of infinitely greater consequence than any apprehension of charge which it may occasion to the Trea sury. [21st CoNG, 2d SESS. paramount constitutional right. Surely this cannot be correct according to our notions and system of Government; and, if wrong, the act of 1802, from the moment The breakwater situated at the mouth of the Delaware the laws are extended by a State over Indian territory, river is another valuable improvement, which, within the must cease to be operative. Reciprocity is always fair last year, has been rapidly progressing. The work has and just; and hence the law which would make it penal already risen above the water, and furnished evidence for a white man to tread unlicensed upon soil held of its importance to our commerce. During the vio-through Indian occupancy, should equally restrain the Inlent gale of last September, several vessels which lay un- dian from entering upon the domain of the white man. der the protection of this work were preserved. The So far as existing treaties operate, the United States posforce of the sea being broken by its opposition, they sess the power to concede this or any other privilege, bewere enabled to keep at their moorings, and to ride out cause treaties, whether well or ill made, are the supreme the gale in safety. Fifteen other vessels in view, not pos- law of the land; but they should be such as are permitsessing the advantages of this position, were driven on ted to be entered into by the Constitution, and which do shore, and lost, or gotten off at much expense. A few not affect the rights of a State beyond what her consent years will complete this valuable work. The attention in becoming a member of the Union has sanctioned and it has received since it was placed in charge of the authorized. Every thing beyond this is usurpation. Quartermaster's Department by your direction, and the advantages already derived from it, give proof of the propriety of its completion, and of the numerous benefits it must afford to commerce. At this heretofore hazardous part of our coast navigation, a security will be afforded which, in a few years, may occasion a saving of property which will amply compensate for the cost incurred in its construction. The Ordnance Department is progressing as rapidly as the means afforded will permit, in arming the militia of the States, and in preparing the necessary guns and carriages for garnishing the different fortresses of the country. It is worthy of consideration whether the appropriation applicable to this service should not be increased, so as to provide a suitable armament by the time the different fortifications along the coast shall be completed. For the forts which are finished, a million of dollars will be necessary; but besides these, others are in progress, and will shortly be completed. With the annual appropriation of $100,000 towards this purpose, it will require ten years to accomplish the object for those which are in readiness. Should we be blessed with peace, no injury will arise; but should war take place, the effects upon our country would be of a serious and prejudicial character. In all the disbursing branches connected with the War Department, I am happy to say that punctuality and fidelity have strictly, and almost without exception, been regarded during the year. A new era in the history of this country has, within a few years, arisen in relation to Indian affairs. Under the act of 1802, and the practices of the Government resulting therefrom, principles have been introduced, the correctness of which deserves serious consideration. By this act it is prohibited to any one to settle upon Indian lands, or to enter their territory; and, for its execution, the President is authorized and directed to employ the "military force" of the country. Under the authority confided by you, during last summer, I visited some of the Indian tribes, with a highly valuable auxiliary, General John Coffee, of Alabama, and made known to them their situation. With the Choctaws and Chickasaws, (the only tribes with whom we negotiated,) treaties were concluded. From all appearances, they were well satisfied with their own decision, and the course which we pursued towards them. If any different feeling has since been incited, it is the work of persons who have sought, through the channels of their ignorance, to persuade them to the belief that great injustice has been practised. I undertake to assure you, that, in all we did, the utmost fairness and candor were practised. We sought, through persuasion only, to satisfy them that their situatiou called loudly for serious reflection. Pending the negotiation, no secret meetings were had, no bribes were offered, nor promises made. Every argument adduced, or suggestion offered, was in open council, and in view of those whose rights were to be affected. Of this, abundant evidence exists, whatever may be said to the contrary. There was no motive to impose upon or to deceive them. Our instructions forbade us to do so, and our inclination, beside, was an ample restraint. The treaties concluded are ready for submission; and how far any practised injustice or want of liberality can be imputed, will be fairly judged of when their tenor and condition shall be disclosed. If a liberality ample and generous has not been regarded, our wishes have failed, and our judgments been mistaken. During this period I witnessed much of Indian character their progress, refinement, and march towards civilization, and can well say, that, in conducting the negotiation every thing was done to retain them in those pursuits which should tend to their advancement, and to which their situation could reasonably lay claim. Those who so zealously have espoused their cause, and who affect seriously to deplore their condition, are acting upon false premiIt is worthy of reflection how far this act (as circum-ses, or are moved by mistaken considerations of kindness. stances exist) is to be considered within the pale of the But, as mankind are found to differ even upon essential Constitution, and obligatory upon the authorities of the matters of faith, and their ultimate results, I can well imaGovernment. Before the States were members of this gine that, in reference to such a subject as the present, Union, they were sovereign. The United States Govern- honest differences of opinion may be expected, and wilt ment can legitimately exercise those rights only with arise. Yet, before a desire be adopted, earnestly, to rewhich the States parted under their general compact. tain these people at their present homes, we should be To regulate their internal municipal authority is a privi- careful not to receive mere impressions for facts, but ralege which has not been surrendered: Amongst those ther to hear the suggestions of truth and reason. rights is the indisputable one of controlling their citizens should look to the red men as they are, and not as oftenand governing them after their own mode, with this excep- times they are represented to be; to their inaptitude to tion, that a republican form of Government is to be secur- live under a well regulated system of law, and to the daned to each. The States, being independent and sove-ger and hazard of the experiment. A few of them are reign within their own limits, can admit no check upon well informed men, and capable of enjoying refined sotheir sovereignty, whether, in its exercise, it affects one ciety. These are the mixed Indian-the half breed, as citizen or another-the white or the red man. By cour they are usually termed. Scarcely any of the others tesy, the laws have been withheld from an interference speak our language, or are acquainted with the princi. with the Indians within a State; and that which hereto-ples of our Government. Little hope shonld be enterfore was mere courtesy is now insisted upon as a matter of tained, even by those most sanguine on the subject, that We |
