CHEROKEE MEMORIAL

The Cherokee nation has presented to Congress, an other Memorial on the subject of their political rights. It is a most able and lucid document, written by a 'full Cherokee', and would do honor to any statesman in this enlightened Republic. The language is plain, simple, energetic, and pathetically expressive; at the same time dignified, decorous, pertinent and respectful. It embraces a wide range of powerful argument in comparatively a narrow space, without circumlocution or waste of words and in every paragraph, comes directly to the point. We should be glad to publish it entire, but, for want of room, can hardly give even a syllabus.

The Cherokees urge their claim to territorial possession and self government, on the ground of immemorial inheritance, acknowledged independence, and the faith of treaties. They were in possession of their country when America was first discovered. They were considered and treated by the English either as a hostile nation, or as allies offensive and defensive.- They have always treated with the United States, as a distinct and independent Power. They are entitled to protection against the usurpation of an oppressive State; on the ground of treaties repeatedly concluded, and as often ratified, between themselves and our national government; as well as on the ground of proffers and promises by our national Executive. In confirmation of all this, they make a pertinent appeal to the Constitution of the United States, which, declares 'that all Treaties made under the authority of the United States shall be the supreme law of the land, and the Judges of every State shall be bound thereby, anything in the laws or constitution of any State to the contrary notwithstanding.'

They very feelingly, but with dignified language of self-respect, advert to the wrongs and spoilations of white intruders, and particularly to the domineering and aggressive spirit of a neighboring State; with the confident hope that our national government will not leave them unprotected, nor suffer a wanton infringement of their legitimate rights, in disregard or forgetfulness of the faith so solemnly and frequently plighted.

In conclusion they glance at their own progress in civilization; take a retrospect of the past ingeniously acknowledge the protection and fostering care, heretofore extended to them by our national government; and cast themselves upon the faith and honor of the United States for redress or wrongs and grievances.

We know not who can read this memorial without interest. It is a most weighty and powerful appeal of these magnanimous, and now enlightened sons of the forest, to the honor, faith, and integrity of our government, upon which they have, in every respect, a legal claim, both of natural right, and of solemn covenant. If their appeals are disregarded, we cannot doubt, that God will regard and treat us as altogether a

faithless nation, and, sooner or later, will pour down the vials of his wrath upon our guilty land. If the defenseless Indian is still pursued, robbed of his birthright, rooted out of his inheritance and driven from the graves of his fathers, it is infinitely easy for the Governor of Nations, by either or all of his 'four sure judgements,' to root out the people of this land, and to sweep the nation with the besom of destruction. The mighty and strong arm of the civil power, may wrest away the vineyard of Naboth; but the God of Israel, who never slumbers nor sleeps, will take cognizance of the wrong, and judge the destroyer with seven fold vengeance.

Boston Christian Herald.