The Indian Question

ith the exceptions of North Carolina and Georgia. The Indian title to more than one hundred millions of acres had been purchased, opening for settlement one half as much country as is contained within the limits of the thirteen original States. A judicious policy for disposing of those lands, and establishing governments therein, had been devised and put in operation, and population was moving rapidly to the westward, and appropriating the fertile soil along the Ohio River. The Iroquois and Cherokees alone of the important Indian communities, remained within State jurisdiction, and the territory over which they exercised control had been determined and defined in treaties. The constitution made all existing treaties binding upon the new Government, and declared them to be "the supreme law of the land." It also gave to Congress authority to regulate trade and intercourse with the Indian tribes, and conferred upon the Executive and Senate the power to make and ratify Indian treaties. In fine, it confirmed and continued the relations which had existed between the treaty Indians and the Government under theConfederation, and pointed out a course of action which might be followed in future negotiations. It virtually took from State management the Indian population within State limits, for Congress and the treaty- making power could, by the exercise of the authority which the constitution conferred, entirely destroy State supervision. State control ove...