After some of the people of Georgia strenuously recommending force, it is diverting to notice the following expedient to obtain the Cherokee lands, contained in the Southron, a new paper established in Milledgeville, Ga.  We can assure the Editors that such a plan will not avail them anything, for, we hope the Cherokees have more important business to perform than to be receiving white and black stones.- Such a course is unnecessary, for they are not ignorant of the means of conveying their wish to remove-if the majority of them have a mind so to do.

 There is indeed one measure which might, if fairly executed procure from the Cherokee tribe an immediate acquiescence in what is said to be the wishes of the General Government.- Let the General Government send intelligent, firm, and perfectly upright men into the Nation, summon the whole male population above 21 years of age, explain to them the wishes of the General Government; the necessity of their removal to lands not claimed by any state; offer them a just equivalent for that removal; then give to each male Indian a black and white stone, and direct him to put the white stone into a box, which will be handed to him, if he is willing to remove, a black one if he is not. Hand the box round, and if the white stones exceed the black in number, make immediate preparations and remove the whole. This would be just to the Indians; and unless the state of the tribe is misunderstood, the majority would be in favor of removal. Care should be taken to prevent the use of threats or any species of intimidation by the present rulers.  The voter should be under no dread of consequences of voting contrary to the wishes of the chief men. The vote given by each  Indian should not be known, even to his neighbor.

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