Cherokee Phoenix

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Published January, 15, 1831

Page 1 Column 5c

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What are the people of the United States to do in regard to the Indian Question? Is the subject on which a writer in the National Intelligencer, over the signature of 'William Penn', lately placed before the public an able, spirited and appropriate article, every way worthy of serious attention. The same writer, in a series of numbers formerly published in the Intelligencer, reviewed the past history and present condition of the Southern Indians, and the policy pursued towards them by the government of the United States. This subject, in consequence of the late act of Congress, and the attempt to survey and appropriate the Cherokee lands by Georgia, is daily assuming an aspect, of more serious importance. Every individual among us -- each citizen in every section of the Union, -- when they so plainly perceive that weakness is the only pretext for oppression, and that too towards those whom we have promised to protect, should in some measure make the case his own, and not be slow in expressing the indignation he feels at such tyranny and oppression.

The author of the article above alluded to, forcibly points out the difference in expounding and complying with contracts and treaties with the Indians and other neighboring powers -- showing that in all our dealings and intercourse with them, they are actually treated more like brutes than like men. 'Once establish the position',says the writer, 'that the Indians are to be treated as men, as human beings, and the Cherokees have gained their cause instantly'.

We publish the following paragraph in the hope that all may have an opportunity to profit by the suggestion.

'It is extensively supposed that petitioning does no good, and owing to the prevalence of this supposition, many thousands have neglected to petition in behalf of the Indians last winter. But this is a total mistake. A few more spirited memorials, supported by the personal influence of men distinguished in the community for their integrity, and patriotism, would probably have defeated the Indian Bill.'

And is not the reason for adopting this course now much more urgent? -- and have not the Southern Indians arrived at a much more fearful crisis?

Rutland (Vt.) Herald.