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fee's-.tinted K» true, tl*o Cist question' present
ed is ibis:
Do:vj tha c iss s! ito.l fill under tho provisions
of,lit* net of Congress referred to in the mes-
s i'iot Abstractedly considered, ns a iiitnc ques-
lion of statutory construction, I agree that tie-'
is a fit subject for inquiry by the judicial cum-?
rnitiec. Bat anodier question itnuieil.ately su
pervenes. The President, in the srnto ufos-
rage, telli you that ho lt:s already taken meas
ures to submit this question to the decision <>l
the judicial tribunals of the United States.—
With a knowledge of this fact, is it proper lor
vtsto give out* sanction to the use of the milita
ry force of die Union, during the dependency
of this judicial iitves.igaiionl I apprehend this
inquiry transcends tilts Ian. a.of the duties ns-
sajind to *iu j t hc: icy cotn.n.ilce. It would
belong more appropriately to a commute on
the stnto of thu repuclic, if such a committee
existed.
Excluding the ide i of the actual pendency of
a judicial inquiry winch h.v- been instituted mi
ller the orders of tlio 1’resident of the United
Sinter, Inn.elf, another question presents itself,
wbicli in niy view, eqt; illy transcends tha limits
of l ho duties which appropriately belong to the
judiciary committee, 1 slam it .thus:
Is tha resort to military force, before judicial
inquiry is had, an appropriate mode of deter
mining ilio rights of one of ills .sovereign states
of til.a confederacy? Tim question, sir, is now
coTOpnntivoJy on iiqxirtaut. The feeling of in
dignation, of uhho.rtince, which such a mens-
mo would excite, would bo so strong so univer
sal, that linpp ly for us no man in the times in
which we live, would dare to resort tr» it. Or,
if he had the audacity to do bo, ha would bring
down upon h.iuself the merited exec ration of
the whole American People. Bat wo arc es
tablishing, so f.iras may depend upon us, prin
ciples winch may affect the future destinies of
this .republic; and our experience has taught
its, how promp'ly precedents arc resorted to,
to sustain assumptions of power.
Another question, alike grave presents itself
to our consideration, and is equally beyond the
limi.s of the duties of any of tlio standing com
mit ee.s of this Iiottst).
If tho lino of conduct which the state aud its
ortlcor.s aro bound to pursue, is prescribed by
Attc—if the United States has a right to judicial
inquiry, as to tlio olivet and operation of that
law, on the case stated in the message, Jfits
nut the &-U<te of Georgia an equal right to suck
'll lisinl inquiry! W here is the evidence that
s.ny collision should tako place between die fc- t remove tho difficulty, by obtaining an instant
(lend.government and any of tho state govern- cession of that portion from the Indians, with
and a question oV such a nature oughi i distinct concession that the united St«Jtc>
rather to ho reterred to a .select than a stand- could not deprive Georgia ot tho rights winch
iuq committee. she had acquired under tlio termer treaty. Re-
Air. Jihnsun, of Kentucky, said, that lie j lying on there priuc.pies, and on her clear and
should not he in favor of referring the me
to a select committee. It ought to go to a stand
ing committee not appointed for the purpose
of considering the subject, hut originating be
fore tins matter It.id been agitated. On a sub
ject of the nature of tins, feeling would neces
sarily ho excited; aud he therefore hoped the
reference would he made to some committee
not likely to partake of any excitement that
might be felt in this instance. lie had hoped
that this question, hud been finally settled and
dismissed at the last session; nor did he ex
pect to have it again brought up at this session.
No man was u more thorough friend of the
rights of the states than him elf, or would go
further to preserve them from any encroach
ment on tho pari of the federal government,
when their governments conducted themselves
with a due regard to the other portions of the
confut'd aey. lie did not, however, approve
oi’custiiig such firc-hruuds us this into tho coun
cils of tho nation; nor did he wish, by making
such u mutter of more importance than it could
jus ly claim, to increase a sensation which ought
rather, if possible, to he allayed. The mes
sage ought to go to tho committee on Indian
affairs, whose ability to decide upou it couM
not be questioned. They would report, aud
tho subject, without farther trouble, would be
brought before the senato in its proper light.
If the United States’ government were wrong,
or if the government of Georgia were wrong,
die sen no would clearly understand it, arid the
proper means for rectifying the difference could
then he pointed out. There had been in
stances ot' uittvforesicu on the part of die fede
ral powers upon the states, which called for re
dress; even tho state represented by him lint!
been much oppressed; their laws hid been
nullified by a system of judicial procedure un
warranted and unprecedented. But never had
any collision between tho federal and state au
thorities appeared m so appalling or so danger
ous a l.ghl as, at tint view, it did in this case.
If lie thoroughly understood tho massage, here
a Collision of he military fo.ee of the United
States with that of Georgia was threatened, and
the hand of one citizen was to he raised against
another in deadly strife.
This was a state of tilings to bo dreaded, and
she shuns it/ If sho meets the investigation a t almost every risk to bo^ivoided. Ho would
which ilie President tells you lie lws 'directed
to bo instituted, aro her officers to have a fair
and an impartial trial—tho privilege which is
allowed to tho veriest culprit, or are they to
•encounter it under the pi cvmus'denuuciations
Of tlio, President and Congress of tho United
•S tiies, with the Army to bjtck them?
If ts another subject of grave and interesting
inquiry, width every lodir of peace, every
f: uni to tho Union, will delight to pursue,
whethersomo other move may not he devised,
by which ibis d,faculty may bo adjusted,' with
out uifuying u .sovereign stale of ill.s Union a-
li'imsi the Confederacy, either in tho forum or
tho held. If happily such a measure be de
vised, all Will agree that it ought to bo resorted
<o, and yet tho questions necessary to its deter
mination are beyond the sphere of the duties of
any standing committee ot this House.
Thore is yet a remaining question, full of im
portance to every member of this confederacy.
The President of die United St tics has tins
nnunccd to us his construction of ati act ol con
gress, and has alleged the violatiotr of that act
by the offjeers of tlio State of Georgia, acting
within her limits, and under the authority of
her laws. He Ins declared his resolution to
carry that act iu.o uffect, 'according to the: con
struction which lie has given to it, by tho use, if
it shall become necessary, of all the moans at
his disposal. Ho has disiinc ly announced to
us ins determination,- us an ultimate resort, to
avail himself of the military arm of tlio Union.
On a quostiou of contested right, between
the United States and the Stnto of Goorgia,
which is already in a train of judicial investiga
tion, before tho tribunals of the Union, under
li:s immediate orders, the President of tho U-
nited Stares considers himself authorized and
bound, under a sense of higher obligations than
any which you can impose, to send the Army
of the United States into the limits of the Stato
of Georgia, to coorco her submission to his
will—to his interpretation of the laws of the U-
uiicd States. Sir, if such an exercise of power
may find the color of justification, under exist
ing laws, dues it not become us, us tho guardians
of tho rights of tho States, by soma dear und
explicit uct of legislation, to take from such an
exercise of prerogative, the shadow ofpretencel
I submit, then to tho Senator from Missouri,
and to this House, tho question, whether this
message, thus involving an inquiry materially
SJflecting the rights of the States and of the Un
ion, and the powers and duties of the President
of tho Uuited States, ought to bo referred to
any of the ordinary standing committees of this
House. Aud, believing, as I do, that a com
mittee specially constituted for tho purpose of
this inquiry, will most effectually accomplish the.
object which every uuo should desire to attain:
the ascertainment of truth—the administration
of justice—iihd, the preservation of the Consti
tutional rights of the States und of tho Union: I
move that the message of the President of.tlic
United States and tlio accompanying documents,
be referred to a select committee.
Mr. Holmes said that it seemed that part of
the message, in reality, belonged to the judici
ary committee; that another part belonged to
the committee on Indian affairs; and that ano
ther portion fairly belonged to the military
committee. There was another portion of this
message, which illustrated an opiuion which
Mr. Holmes had long entertained. Ho hud,
for a long time, considered, that there was a
deficiency in the standing committees, and that
l onothci ought to be added to those which al
ready existed iu the senate: A committeo to
decide upon all questions between the States
and the United States, wor ld, ho thought, be
a valuable addit:cn; and it would very proper
ly receive the name of the Committee of the
States. He would only say that he w as sorry
give up, dearly us he held tho rights of tho
states, almost any poiui, before he would con
sent to array tlio United States against the in
dividual suites. It was from such a coullict of
powers that tho uumn was hereafter, if ever,
to be dissolved, He therefore repeated what
ho had stud before, that tho subject should be
furred to a committee not organized for the
purpose—not supposing, however, that any
committeo would not deal justly upon it; but
regarding die .probability tUai fotd'uig would Ira,
exci.cd, and strongly desirous that it should be
weighed vv.th calmness and deliberation. lie
did not fear thut’any great danger would arise
out of this matter—it was one of those sum
mer clouds which somotimes overcast the
brightest day; such had darkened our prospects
formerly, r.V had been dispelled, and so' it
would be, he trusted, iu this instance. What
lie principally feared, was, the moral efl'ect
which such a disagreement would havo upon
(ho country, and in'the viow of tho world.—
Further thun this, he thought thcro could bo
no fear: for it was not to bo supposed tint a
collision of a serious naturo could take place
betweeu tho general government and a state
sovereignty, on account of a strip of land hard
ly worth legislation; which, if found‘within lire
limits of Georgia, would bo roadily and fairly
purchased with tlio national treasure, and trans
ferred to Georgia
Mr. flurnton moved to lay tho message on
the table, and to print it; but withdrew his mo
tion at tho request of
Mr. Berrien, who said, If I did not believe,
Mr. President, .hat the observations of tlio sen
ator from Kentucky would receive an inter
pretation beyond that which ho would himsolf
give to them, I would not trespass on your
time, by tho vory brief reply which I am now
about to make. I rely, with dntiro confidence,
on tlio assurance which he has given to the
senato, that it was not lus intention, in this
stage of this inquiry, to express any opinion
on tho merits of tlio controversy between tho
state of Georgia ond tlio United States, and
tho equally explicit declaration, that ho did
not design to censure tho conduct of that
state in reference to this subject; but ns his re
marks seem to me to bo susceptible of such nn
interpretation, und as such a censure would be
at least uucallcd for and unjust, I feel myself
bound by evtiry consideration of duty, to vindi
cate tho state which I havo tho honor to re
present ott this floor.
Sir, if this measure is calculated to disturb
tlte harmony of our councils—if tho moral ef
fect of tlio agitation of such u question be one,
which every patriot should deplore—if, in the
languago of the senator from Kentucky, it is a
fire-brand thrown among us—I call upon that
honorablo senator, and on this Itouso to bear
witness, that Georgia is not tho actor on this
occasion—she has not revived this unhappy
strife—site lias acted uuder a law, passed ut n
moment when, by treaty, she had acquired
undisputed dominion over all tho lands within
her chartered lilhits—in conformity to princi
ples distinctly avowed-on this floor by hono-
rablo senators, who gave their sanction to
that instrument, by which this treaty was par
tially revoked. When, ot tho last session of con
gress, tho treaty with tfio Creek Iudians was
undor consideration,git was distinctly admitted
—no one ventured to assert the contrary—that
«o far as the rights of Gcorcja were concerned,
she had un absolute vosted interest, under the
treaty of the ludian Springs; which could not
be touched without her consent,
It was then said, and reiterated, that the
new treaty would secure to Georgia ail the
lands within her chartered limits; hut if, by a-
ny mistake, a small portion should be exclu
ded, the United States would make haste to
undeniable awl solemnly adjudicated right to
survey lands within her couriered limits, the
state of Georgia has proceeded to execute her
law. She h isjpct with obstructions from somo
Indian chiefs; and the President of the Unit
ed States, not edntent with having directed her
officers to be arrested, has conic here to me
nace her with the employment of the military
force of the union. If a resort to the judicial
tribunals was proper, and will bo advisable,
why threaten Iter with the use of military force?
Hus she yet refused to submit herself to judi
cial arbitrament? If arms are tube used, why
resort to tho miserable farce of a judicial trial?
.Since Georgia has not yet resisted the civil
authority of the United States,'why agitate the
councils of tho union, by anticipating a con
flict, which however unequal, may neverthe
less be fatal to the happiness of this confede
racy? I. call upon tiro senator from Kentucky
to hear witucss, th :t this is not tlio act ot
Georgia. I ask hun to reserve his opinions
for tho full investigation of this case. If, on
that investigation, it shall not appear, that the
executive government of the United States
could at any time have terminated this unhap
py controversy, by an net of perfect justice to
Georgia, to tlio Creek Indians, and to the U-
nited States—1 call upon him to say, under
the influence of what motive this subject has,
in this form, been thus obtruded on the harmo
ny of our councils. I agree that ii is a fire
brand—1 repea: to him, Georgia has not
thrown it—1 truit the reference'to a select
committee will prcvial.
Air. Benton obsm veil, that, on the first hear
ing of the- message; he iir.d thought 'ho judicia
ry committee a peeper reference; but ou .fur
ther consideration, of the various questions in
volved in that document, he was disposed to
agree w til Llto gcutleulan from Georgia, that
tho proper course would be to rofer it to a sc-
iuci committee, lie would, therefore, with
draw tin; motion tie hud made.
Al:. llarrison sa t), that as there were a great
livcrsity ofopjnicrisVou tho subject, and as it
seemed to inti that) the message, having but
once been rcjtd, Wits not thoroughly under
stood, and as jhe thought even tlio gentleman
from Missouri! was not altogether correct in
his coucepiioiij of it! character, lie would a-
gain move to !»y it on the table; but he. again
withdrew the motion at the request of
Mr Johnson, of Kentucky, who said in-ex
planation, that, so'far from taking upon him
self to bestow ceusure on the government of
Georgia, lie had not intended to express any
opinion upon the lim its of the case. He cer
tainly did not sufficiently understand the sub
ject to take stiles. His design, in inovins».»ho,
reference to a stand mg committee, was, that a
more unbiassed decision might be obtained.—
As to the subject in dispute; he hoped some
adjustment would bo speedily made, so that
the line of the disputed territory nvght bo run;
and that mi appropriation might then bo made
by congress, and the land bought up, that they
might have done with the mutter.
Mr. Harrison then renewed his motion to lay
the message and accompanying documents on
the table; anti, having been solicited by Mr.
Berrien to withdraw it, without consenting,
♦lie question was taken on the morion, and de
cided in the negative—ayes 18—nays 26.
Mr. Berrien renewed his motion to refer the
subject to a select committee, which prevail
ed, twenty-five having voted in tlio affirma
tive. „''
The committeo was ordered to consist of
five members. The senato then proceeded to
ballot; aud, on canvassing the votes, it appear
ed that Messrs. Benton, Berrien, Van Buren,
Smith, (South Carolina) and Harrison wore c-
lectcd. - •
THE SAME SUBJECT
In the House of Representatives, 5th instant.
Air. Forsyth moved tlte reference of this
communication, to a committee of tho whole
houso on the state of the union. Ho said that
ho rejoiced that, at length, tho strange circum
stances of tills caso had been presented to the
house in such a form, as to compel the render
ing of a solemn decision between the execu
tive and the stato of Georgia, and that it was
called for, at this time—not by ihcm, for they
had been demanding it lor years past—but that
now the cull canto from ihc executivo. He
could not, however, us a representative of
Georgia, consent to sit end quietly hear the
charges brought fo< ward in this communication
against tho authorities of that state. They had
done nothing which violated'tlio constitution of
their country. Ho would say this in tho faco
of tiie exocutivo.
[Here some member called Mr. Forsyth to
order, hut the speaker decided that ho was not
out of order;]
Air. Forsyth then proceeded to say that he
also rejoiced to perceive, that tho chief magis
trate, in the execution of what ho conceived to
be his duty, had not, this time, mado his appeal
to military force. Ho denied, however, the
existence of thb constitutional authority to em
ploy such force, cither in the present caso, or
in uny other which hud occurred within that
state; and ho rejoiced to see that tho executivo
had now thought proper to resort to tho civil
authority.
Mr. Forsyth here denied that the governor
of Georgia was guilty of transcending the au
thority vested in him by the law. He actod
under the sovereignty of liis state, and hud ex
ercised only that discretionary power which
was vested in him by her laws. Ilo had acted
uuder rights exercised in every part of the U-
aion, and which had never been resisted, ex
cept in tho case of Georgia alone.
Mr. Forsyth said that it would bo easy to
dilate ou this subject; but he perceived that
there existed in respect to it somo sensibility
in the house, and ho would forbear.
- Mr. Poicell, of Virginia, inquired whether
the gentleman from Georgia anticipated any
legislation in reference to the communication
just received! and whether it would not be
more expedient to refer it to one of the stand
ing committees of the house, rather than to a
committeo of the whole.
Air. /’or jy/A* replied, that since the inquiry
had been so directly put, he would trankly re
ply, that lie did not anticipate any legislation:
aiid he insisted that no legislation in the casts
could be necessary or proper. Ho considered
the executive as asking tho opinion of this
houso in relation to certain rights of the state
of Georgia. If the opinion of the house should
bo affirmative of those rights, no other act titan
a declaration of such opinion, need ensue.—
Very false impressions were entertained on this
matter. It was only for the United States to
will, and her will would bo instantly obeyed.
There was nothing to be apprehended if the
general government did not interfere, and, un
der the semblance of protection, stimulate tho
Indians to a resistance of the authority of the
state. All the difficulties which had existed
from the beginning of this business, had been
created by this interference. Those unfortu
nate beings would long since have done their
duty to tlio country, and to themsolves, if it
had not been for tho base interference of infa
mous white men, who exercised an influence
over them. Was it not sufficient to refer
to the scene which had taken place at this ve
ry spot during flic last winter—to tlio base
and infamous conduct of thoso who came with
the Indians, under the prctenco of protecting
them? There could he no need of any furthor
legislation on the subject. If the rights of the
Iudians had been violated, existing laws provi
ded an amplo remedy, and tlio cuurts of the
United States were open to them.
Air. Webster said, on rising,-that he was not
much concerned what course this communica
tion should take, or whether it should bo refer
red to one committee or another; but he was
not contented that it should be supposed, ci
tlier hero or elsewhere, that thcro existed an
entire unanimity of opinion with the gentleman
from Georgia on this subject. The gentleman
from Georgia must know that there wore two
sides to this question between Georgia and the
United States; and he would tell the gentle
man from Georgia that thore existed two opin
ions ulso, not only on that question, but on the
conduct which that gentleman designated as
“base and infamous.”
This, Air. Webster said, was strong lan
guage, but it was not argument. The gentle
man Imd told tho house that nothing had pre
vented every thing going right in Georgia but
tiie interference of the general government.—
The gentleman denounced such interference,
saying, in effect, “hands off for tlio present:
leave the Indians to tlio remedy of tiie courts.’*
But, Air. Webster said, ho would tell that gen
tleman, shat if there were rights of tlio Indians,
which the United States were hound to protect,
that there were these in this house and in tlio
country who would take thoir part. If we
li-tvo- botmel-ounwlvoi l»y any treaty to dO cer
tain tilings, wc must fulfil such obligation.—
High words.will not torrify us—loud declama
tion will not deter us, from the discharge of
that duty. For myself, said Air. Webster,
the rights of the parties in question shall be
fully aud fairly examined, and nono of them
with more calmness than the rights of Georgia.
In my own course iu this matter, 1 shall not be
dictated to by any state, or the representative
of any state, on this floor. I shall not be
frightened from my purpose, nor will I suffer
harsh language to produce any reaction on my
mind. I will oxamine, with groat and equal
care, all tho rights of bods parties. Occasion
had boon taken, ou the more question of re
ference of this communication, ho would not
say for argument, but for the assumption of a
position, as a matter perfectly plain and indis
putable, that the government had been all in
tho wrong in this-question, and Goorgia all in
the right. For his own part, Air. Webster said,
ho did not care whether the communication,
did or did not go to a committee of the whole
ou tho stato of tho union, nor how soon it were
there, and was there taken up for discussion.—
When he went into that committee, lie should
go there, not in a spirit of controversy, nor yet
in a spirit of submission, but in a spirit of inqui
ry, calmly and deliberately to examino tho cir
cumstances of tho case, and to investigate the
rights of all parties concerned. But ho had
made these few remarks, to givo the gentle
man from Georgia to understand that it was
not by bold denunciation, or by bold assumption,
that tho inenibors of this house are to bo influ
enced in tho decision of high public concerns.
Mr. Forsyth said, that he had not, to his
knowledge, denounced the ltuuse or any gen
tleman in it; nor had he attempted to dictate
to the house, or to any member of it. It was,
however, perfectly natural; that a representa
tive from Georgia, tho government of which
was hero arraigned, should have, and, having,
should indulge, some feeling on this subject.
Tho honorable member from Massachusetts,
indeed, might very well be calm and unmoved;
he did not reside near tho sccno of action; tho
people of this stato were far removed, and had
no reason to dread the bayonot at thoir throats.
It was quito natural that tho gentleman should
be calm and dispassiouute, and prepared to tako
a cool and composed view of this subject; but
tho representative from Georgia did not feel
so. Wo feel very differently, said Air. For
syth, and wltcn I feel, I will not attempt to
conceal my feeling. Our rights Jiavo been vi
olated, and their violation has been made
known to this house; ond our appoal has not
been regarded. All we ask is, that the case
should have a fair investigation; and it is even
possible—possible, but not probable—that tho
gentleman from Alassachusetts, after such an
investigation, might feel witli us.
Tho gentleman from Alassachusetts, says he
will investigate tho subject; which implies that
he has not yet done so; but ho, (Air. Forsyth)
had examined it thoroughly. Ho was prepared
to go into .tho discussion of it in committee of
tho-whole;'to do so dispassionately, if it were
necessary, (for they too could- suppress thoir
feelings'wheu circumstances required) but if
not, they should and would express thoir feel
ings, notwitlistanding it might draw down upou
them tlio voiy dispassionate censure of the
gentleman from Massachusetts,
Air. Haile expressed a hopo that tho com®,
nication would go to committee of the vthnx
When a subject of this kind was touched iu
brated on other chords than those of the p ar 2
immediately concerned. Several of the'S
had already exercised their rights over the ll
dians within their chartered limits; and
sippi intended shortly to follow the cxa®n,
and ho could assure the gentleman from
giu that, if tlio bayonets of the general g ove J
raeut should on this account he turnod ag}!.,
any of the States, it would speedily
friends rallying round it. Ail tlio States,sit-j^
ed as Georgia was, claimed the sovereignty
ver the whole extent of their chartered li^
They had forborne as long as they could, a
the future destinies of the Indians, theirfu;*
location and civilization or thoir
must soon he decided on. Three great aS
tions wore involved: 1st, tiie 'powers of i
general government within tlio limits of a State
2d, the power of tiie States to legislate wiiL
their own chartered limits; and 3dly,the po
of the States ov'er tho Indian tribes. tlisSi
might, ere this time, have extended its
tion over tho Indians within its territory. °i['
had no right to do so, this Houso ought at o.o:>
to say so. He hoped there would he no ott*
siou to resort to a military force. Gcorra
certainly had a right to assert what she believe)]
to be her rights, and to speak her sentiments ui
on this floor. He hoped the whole matter wojj)
be heard and settled: for, should congress ai
journ without settling it, consequences were
likely to ensue, of great interest to many-)
the States.
Air. Webster rose to make one remarking
ply to the gentleman from Mississippi. Tin
gentleman, ho said, had reason to know thatK
(Mr W.) was disposod to uso all proper author-,
ty of the United States to extinguish Indian d
ties to lands within the States. But lie ana
tell the gentleman from Mississippi that &
States would uct on their own responsibility
and at thoir own peril, if they undortake loci-
tend their legislation to lands where the India
title has not been extinguished. If any such
measure was contemplated in the Stale which
tlio gentleman represented, Air. W. hoped tha
gentleman would lose no time in warning bis
friends against nmkinguny such attempt. Tin
relation which the United States held to then
tribes, of parental guardianship over these rets,
nants of m-ghty nu.ions now no more, ms]
a \ cry delicate relation. Its general, characte
was that of protection, and, while every fact
ty was given to the extinguishment of Iudiaa]
title, let not that circumstance bo so far presuta-
ed on, that tiie States should attempt to excrei*
authority within the Ind.au limits.. Any slid
course would be attempted ut their own respon
sibility. Air. W. concluded by saying that lit
was ready to . do all that could bo done to «•
Anguish the Indiuu title in tho States, ami pit-
ticulurly iu the States East of the M isstssippl
But tilts disposition, common to all parts of U(
country, should not he so far presumed upon j
that any State should undertake, of its on|
more motion, to exercise an authority over lie
lands to which the Indian title isguarautci-Jiy
treaties? See.
Air. liartlctt said, that lie' had not risen lit
the purpose of cutering on the general snhjcct,
but merely to suggest to tho gentlomin fain
Georgia, whether it would not be hotter to re
fer the communication to otto of tlio committee!
of the House. Before any thing like a correct]
decision could bo had, many facts must be in
quired into; and it would fucilitato tho debate
and the decision, if those facts should previous
ly be ascertained and reported to tho House b;
one of its committees. Should tho subject ge
into coir—littcc of the whole, before tliisiw
done, much room would be left for declamation,
and much time probably wasted, which migjt
otherwise be saved. He should suppose its
committee ou ,hc judiciary would be a vet;
proper relcrcucc.
Mr. Wright said, that, with the very imper
fect understanding which, the Houso now p«
sessed of tho papor to be referred, they wet#
not in circumstuuces to decide whether tbc
case was such as required legislation or uot--.
Eventhc present discussion ho considered pi*
mature; and, whh a view that evory tncmbe
might obtain a right understanding of ivlunk
communication was, he moved to lay it on the
table, nud-to print it.
This motion prevailed; and it was laid on lh#
table, accordingly.
GEORGIA AND TIIE UNITED STATES. .
Tho following messago was received fro*
the President of the Unifod- Statcs by hispr> |
vato secretary, in congress on the 8tU instant-
To the Senate and House of Representatives
of the United States. *
Washington, Stk February, 1827. J
I communicate to . congress copies of a let*
from tho Governor of the state of Georgia, re
ceived since iny message of the 5tlt instant, aw
of enclosures received with it, further conlir*
ntive of tho facts stated in that message.
JOHN QUINCY ADAMS-
Executive Department, Georgia.
Milledgemile, 27/A January, 1827-
' Sir: Ai the Officers of Georgia ongagw * I
tlia execution of thoir. duties near to
era boundary, by order.of the Legislative a 8 * I
executive authority of tho State, have suflcK 1 1
frequent interruption from tho Indians of * I
Creek Nation, accompanied with indig nlti 51
and insults sufficiently aggravated and aw *71
threatened with others of more violent and o»* I
rageotis character; and, as theire isf***?*
to believe that your agent of Indian aflaiR* I
tiie priino mover and instigator of tho sa® £ i I
have deemed it proper to lay before y°. u ",
enclosed papers in support of that belief, * I
to ask tbo favour or you to inform mo if that e I
fleer is so acting by your authority, » r *JJ1
your sanction and cuunteimncc. It w?>' *
thought painful enough that the United Sia^
whoso undoubted right it is, shall enter ® .
controversy with Goorgia on tho valid 11 ! “ l
treaties, and tlio lawfulness of boundaries, I
passes committed on the one side, or r'S 11 ^ I
sovereignty violated on tbo other, wd“ yl
remedial or redressivo measures demanded >
cither. . w I
It is not to bo presumod that tho Pros* 8 - I