Cherokee Phoenix

FOR THE CHEROKEE PHOENIX

Published March, 27, 1828

Page 2 Column 4a

FOR THE CHEROKEE PHOENIX.

INTERMARRIAGES.

This nation owes to its character and safety, the establishment of a systematic policy, to preserve both.- The exercise of sovereignty must necessarily embrace, and touch many, and various objects and interests, but the interests of individuals must sometimes be surrendered and give way to the interest and existence of a nation. These observations are drawn from the contemplation of our present intermarriage laws with citizens of the adjoining states which is extremely defective, inasmuch as every species of characters are privileged to marry our citizens, usually to the injury of the woman, and a source of affliction to the parent. In this observation I am aware, I may touch feelings, that may vent themselves into severe remarks, and perhaps end in a settled animosity. But this consequence I disregard in the knowledge that no respectable white man, will consider it personal to himself, or respectable parents be found to disapprove a better policy, for the better security to his offsprings matrimonial connection, which perhaps is the most important object in the esteem of all classes of society, however defective their prudence and judgment might be in their selections. Far be it from me to cut asunder the ties of Love, or to part those who are now happily or unhappily united in destiny by marriage. But I entertain a wish to establish such laws as will be calculated to exclude the thief, the robber, the vagabond and the tippler, and adulterer, from the privilege of intermarrying with Cherokee women, and thereby rendering their existence wretched, and inflicting a deep rooted and corrupted ignorance among our people.

How can this be done? By enacting law for the establishment of an office, with a discreet officer to superintend it, requiring all such citizens of different states, to bring good and sufficient recommendation for good character 'c. in writing, and to give bond and security, countersigned by a citizen of this Nation, to pay to the Treasurer of the Nation, not less than $100 or more than $500, should the said person so giving bond 'c. be different in character than recommended, his marriage should then become null, and be expelled from the nation as a Base intruder. And also making it the duty of said officer to give a faithful account of his superintendency and the number of licenses issued, and to whom, and the names of the Cherokee women so married, according to the law, yearly to the legislature of the nation.

SOCRATES.