History of the Indians, of North and South AmericaGoodrich, Samuel G. (Samuel Griswold)
History
History of the Indians, of North and South America
Goodrich, Samuel G. (Samuel Griswold)
Indians of North America -- History; Indians of South America -- History
Their settled country is divided into four districts, each of which,
every two years, elects two members of the national council, which is
called “The General Council of the Cherokee Nation.” They have three
chiefs, whose approval is necessary for the passage of a law; though
an act, notwithstanding their veto, may be passed by a vote of two
thirds of the council. They have, also, judicial, and other appropriate
officers. By the treaty of the 6th of May, 1823, it is stipulated that
the United States shall pay, annually, $2,000 for ten years, to be
expended, under the direction of the president, in the education of
their children, in their own country, in letters and the mechanic arts;
also, $1,000 towards the purchase of a printing-press and types. By
the treaty of December 29, 1835, the sum of $150,000 is provided for
the support of common schools, and such a literary institution, of a
higher order, as may be established in the Indian country. To this is
also added an education fund of $50,000, making, in all, a permanent
school-fund of $200,000, only the interest of which is used.
From the last report of the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, it
appears that the Cherokees are steadily advancing in knowledge and
civilization. Many of them are said to be men of decided talents and
learning. The constitution and laws of the nation are printed and
circulated among the people. Education is popular among them, and it
is probable that they will adopt the suggestion of the agent in their
territory, and divide their lands into farms, as individual property.
Some unhappy feuds have existed, and, to a certain degree, still
exist among them, which have resulted in the death of two or three of
their prominent men, especially John Ridge and Elias Boudinot. Their
principal chief is John Ross, a man of fine appearance, of considerable
ability, and a gentleman.
According to the last report of the American Board of Commissioners,
the mission among the Cherokees consists of eighteen persons. There are
five churches, comprising two hundred and thirty members, twenty-six
of whom have been added within a few months. The temperance society
organized there reckons among its members at least 1,560 Cherokees.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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