Cherokee Phoenix

From the Savannah Georgian

Published December, 3, 1828

Page 3 Column 2a

From the Savannah Georgian.

THE CHEROKEES AND GEORGIA

How terrible thy tenderest mercies are!

Not being able to endure that the Cherokee Indians should live in peace and independence upon their own lands, within their own limits; and yet desiring to avoid the disgrace which must attend their compulsory removal, it is now proposed to extend all the laws of the State over them! to subject them to the operation of those laws!! and to secure to them immediately all civil rights!!!

The following law of Georgia will show the value of the civil rights to which we are to be introduced, and the benign spirit which actuates those who are to extend them to us. The document is brief, but very significant. It presents another remarkable view of this very remarkable and very interesting case.

Royal Tyranny might advantageously take a leaf out of the Repulican [sic] code containing such a statute.

'An act to prevent the testimony of Indians being received in Courts of Justice.'

'Be it enacted, 'c. That from and after the passage of this Act, no Indians, and no descendant of an Indian not understanding the English language shall be deemed a competent witness in any Court of Justice created by the Constitution or Laws of this State.

'Assented to 26th December, 1826.- G. M. Troup' (Governor.)

I leave these things for the present, without further comment, to the solemn reflections of every honest man who feels an interest in the honor of his country.

OUTALLISSI.