Cherokee Phoenix

The Indian Question. This subject, so interesting to the friends of humanity and the foes of oppress

Published March, 26, 1831

Page 2 Column 5c

The Indian Question. This subject, so interesting to the friends of humanity and the foes of oppression is now before Congress, and the fate of the aborigines depends on the justice, the mercy ' the magnanimity of our honorable Senators and Representatives. Could the members of Congress but divest themselves of the baneful influences of party, there would be no danger, at this time, of trusting the question to their decision. But now, members of Congress are not what they ought to be, what the Constitution intended they should be. They do not speak the sentiments of their constituents, whom they ought to represent, but those of the Chief Magistrate and of his party. The removal of the Indians has always been a favorite project with the President, and though opposed by all the principles of justice, mercy and law, he sees in the measure a 'policy,' that justifies every thing, however tyrannical or unconstitutional.

Under the present state of party discipline in the United States, we are glad to see that other rights, excepting those of the Indians, are to be affected by their removal. The State of Missouri has rights, which may be regarded while the Jackson party would turn a deaf ear to the just claims of the poor Indians. The Legislature of Missouri apprehends, and certainly not without cause, great injury from the removal of the Indian tribes from Georgia, and Alabama to their territory and has remonstrated against the project, which to the members of the Legislature, appears calculated to disturb the peace and harmony of Missouri -- the course of her trade with Mexico, and the execution of her laws. Interest as well as the love of mercy, has prompted this remonstrance, and it is fervently hoped that Congress, in now considering this subject, will reconsider the cruel, unjust and disgraceful act of the last session, which, while it deprived the Indians of their rights, fixed stain of disgrace on our national character. Providence Journal.