To be serious, fellow citizens, nothing can save Some resulting good. In the draft of a constitution us now but hearty prayers to Heaven to cause hofor the new state, (that is to be) of Alabama, there nest industry to be fashionable. Buy nothing but is a provision for the establishment of a state bank domestic; indulge one another as long as possible with branches--not more than one bank or branch-for, I repeat, we are mortgaged to those little into be established in a year; no bank to be establish-stitutions. ed except the state takes two fifths of its stock, and has a proportionate weight in the appointment of directors; no bank to go into operation until the whole amount of stock subscribed is actually paid in gold and silver, which cannot be less than 100,000 dollars; stockholders to be liable in their individual capacities for the debts of the bank.

Bank of the United States. The stock of this bank seems to be still rising-in the papers. Sales are said to have been effected at Philadelphia at 97.

Branch bank at Richmond. The president of this branch has failed for a large amount. Several commercial houses of the first standing are also said to have stopped payment in this city.

We have enormous reports about what has happened in Richmond; if half be true, Baltimore will not stand alone inspeculation!

The past and the present. Twenty or thirty years ago, if a man failet for 100,000 dollars, the people talked as fearfully of it as at about that time the old women did of the fulfilment of Love's prophecies,' who had determined that the world should come to an end before the close of the last century. But now, through the blessings of the "paper system" -the facilities which it afforded, and the speculations that it nourished, it is not decent for a man to break for less than 100,000 dollars; and if a person would be thought a respectable bankrupt, he ought to owe 2 or 3 hundred thousand, or more. If with this extent of credit it should appear that he had not been worth one cent for twenty years, and was not entitled to be trusted for a pair of shoes, so much the better!-it is an evidence of his qualities as a financier! And if, out of other people's money, he has given his wife 50 or 60,000, it shews his prudence in providing for his family." Qui capit ille facit,

posed by the Indian traders-the one has civiliza-States prosecuted it from considerations of gaintion for its purpose, the other, a continuance of indeed, the provisions in the laws regarding this the savage state. From the proceedings had on trade define its disinterestedness, by fixing the prothis matter, the question seems now nearly at is-fits desired from its prosecution, to as much only as sue, whether history shall give to our govern-shall sustain the capital employed. But one of the ment and us, the merit of an exertion to save, or the objects was, and yet is, to use this commercial of granting a license to destroy our aborigines. intercourse as a channel for the introduction of Humanity is deeply concerned in the decision more important matters. Hence the agents emand we trust, that the next congress will extend ployed at the several trading houses, as I learn from the means of the agents to do good, instead of the best authority, are duly instructed in the seve suffering the untutored objects of their present ral points which make up a view of civilized parcare to be devoured by interested and irresponsi-suits--and these are enforced upon the Indians by ble individuals. We feel disposed to say much as many means as can be got up for the purpose. on this question, and shall probably recur to it Lessons of respect for the government of the Unit shortly. [EDITOR. ed States and for its citizens, are inculcated; and Mr. NILPS: these are sustained by a system of fair and honoraSin, Whatever has relation to our Indians at able intercourse, conducted by agents who are period in their history like the present, when so bound under the two-fold obligation of an oath, and many circumstances are tending to introduce a bond in a penal sum of $10,000, for the slightest amongst them the principles of civilization and infringement on the round of duties which this cath christianity, must be interesting to the American prescribes; and the opportunities of detection in people generally-but especially to those benevo- any mal-administration of their trust are afforded in fent men, who braving the obloquy of the undertak-quarterly returns, which are made, as well to the ing, have gone into the very wilderness itself to en-secretary of the treasury, as to the superintendent lighten and improve the children of our forests, and of Indian trade, and which returns embrace an entire whose success, which has far exceeded even the and detailed transcript of every transaction,—the cost most sanguine expectations, is the best comment which can be made upon the undertaking.

and sale of every article, with the prices allowed for all articles taken in barter with the Indians. It cannot be matter of surprise that a people, Through those factories are vended implements of constituted as are the Americans, should feel a deep husbandry. Examples are furnished the Indians in solicitude in this great work.-A work which em- their various uses. Advices are proffered them, braces nothing less for its object than a redemption and encouragement held out for them to abandon from barbarism, of several hundred thousand hu- their vagrant propensities, and look to the soil for man souls, and not from barbarism only but from their support. Their corn and tallow are all reall that train of misery which follows after it. And ceived in barter, as well as furs and peltries. The here let it not be forgotten that the major part of importance of educating their children is enforced, the woes which afflict our Indians have been entail- and the schools organised, and now organizing in ed upon them by those, who, under the semblance several places, are pointed to as the nurseries of of civilization and bearing the benevolent name of every valuable acquirement for their children. A christian, have gone amongst them, and are yet spirit of attention to all this have been awakened, amongst them, scattering the plagues of the most Above all, the sale of spirituous liquor to the Indians, hurtful examples, till the very savages themselves or the bartering it with them in trade, is forbidden. have been shocked at their vileness and avarice. In a word, every branch of policy that can be purAnd how could this be otherwise, seeing as they sued has been entered through the U. States facto-" did the mounds of justice, and of humanity, of honorries, to lift the Indians into some higher respect for and of honesty broken down all round them, and themselves, and to a view of the benevolence of the white man striding over their ruins in quest of that government which is thus engaged to do them gain. good.

You have seen sir, doubtless the famous "scroll" But has any success attended upon all this underfrom St. Louis, published in the National Intelli- taking?-The affirmative is asserted-but for its gence, at Washington, entitled-"Objects of public confirmation, reference is made to the agents of interest with the people of Missouri, &c, &c." benevolent societies who have seen with their own and if you have, you must have been particularly eyes, and heard with their own ears.-And to these struck with several of its points, but especially with witnesses also, is reference made for the character the 4th division of the essay, entitled-"the proof that intercouse which has been, and is, to this tection of the Missouri fur traders." It is this di-day carried on with these unfortunate Indians, by vision on which I wish to offer a few remarks.

It is hardly worth while to state that the leading feature in this fur trading scheme, is gain—and that, of course, no one consideration of humanity, of policy, or of justice is included, so far as these have any relation to the Indians, about the civilization and improvement of whom, the generous writer has not thought it proper to say one single word, This single circumstance is sufficient to detect the texture of his views and in the exposition which he has thus indirectly made of them, he has given the American people too broad a view of the quantum of that avarice which prompted to the exhibition.

“fur traders”—I mean those who prosecute this bu siness for their own emolument.

But wherefore make any such reference?-Does not the object of the undertaking develope its own results?-Do "fur traders" care any thing about civilizing the Indians?-Have they ever made this any part of their business, in their intercourse with them? Nay, is it not unreasonable to expect so much liberality in the midst of so much selfishness?

Think you, sir, that an ingenious "fur trader". who knew his business well, could take much pains to induce an Indian to quit his trap, abandon his spear, and resort to his plough and his hoe?-No question but such an effort would disqualify him at once in the opinion of his employer, and render him unfit to he employed by a company even in -the most menial departments of their trade. It is Ivery certain, I think, that such a fellow, who might

As to the mere matter of trade with the Indians, nobody ever thought the government of the United

See the note at the end of this article.

be thus kind to the Indians, should be denounced as on the eve of being won, by the power which whis a traitor: he certainly would not be deemed honest. key supplies. This article tolls the poor Indians It is submitted to you sir, and I hope to receive wherever they are taught to believe it can be found, some thoughts on this subject, whether the great regardless of the fairer policy and greater justice business of such "fur traders" as the St. Louis wri-which they know awaits them at the government ter wishes our government to recognize, would not agencies. Whiskey, with an unimproved Indian, is be for making even the old Indians strong with the great absorber of all other considerations. drams of exciting whiskey, and turning out the From this state of things some have inferred the children at the most tender ages, not to go to school, the necessity of withdrawing the government agen not to cultivate the earth, not to study the excel-cies. But my conclusion is the reverse of that. I lencies of civilized life, but to trap the beaver, to am never for vielding the good to the bad-even mark the deer, to spear the otter, whilst the invi-though a scuffie is implied in favor of the good. gorated and mature Indians, alive to the liberal re- No! rather drive from the Indian country every wards which are make in whiskey would roam fear-individual whose policy tends to oppose the march lessly thro' the forests, and fostered by such gene-of civilization, than give the Indians up, in a body, rous men, feel no reluctance in scalping, in fits of to be perpetuated in their savage propensities. And inebriation, the helpless and way-faring emigrant or in this course will the government be borne out by stranger. nineteen-twentieths of our entire population. The Think you sir, the government system, or a sys-proclamation, that civilization advances, and that tem worked by men whose business it would, of Christianity is spreading itself over the waste places of course, be to make all the money they could out of the deserts, will be more gratifying to the great body the Indians, looks most like to do the Indians good, of our population, than for it to be proclaimed that and to promote the peace which it is so important fur traders in the Missouri are getting rich-ways to preserve as well amongst the Indians themselves are opening, at the expense of Indian improvement, to as between the Indians and our frontier inhabitants? connect the trade of the West with Canton," &c. Has it occurred to you, to enquire into the causes Such, however, is the march of private enterof our frequent wars with the Indians? If not, look prise, and such is its advantages over the plain and at the subject when you please, from the earliest just policy of the government, as to make it desiraperiods in our history to the present day, and you ble, I believe I am warranted in saying it, for those will find that out of every six wars, Indian wars I who manage it for the United States to withdraw. mean, of all descriptions, five of them have origi-Hope has been kept alive in the minds of those who nated in the vexatious policy, and conflicting are so clamorous for the enjoyment of the fur trade, interests, of avaricious private traders. I know it by the annual prolongation of the government sysis agreed that their interest leads them to keep In- tem for several years past, whilst the vigor of prodians at peace- and so it does. But what of that, secuting it by the government agents must have when the means by which their trade is sustained, felt a corresponding depression. This is proven by -by fraud, by debauchery, in a word by the ever- the following extract of a letter from a gentleman lasting use of whiskey, tend so directly to war. Ul-of talents, to his friend in this quarter, who, I underterior views, or distant benefits, seldom occur to a stand, is high in the confidence of the government, fur trader." If an Indian has a good pack of bea- as well on account of his virtues as his talents:ver, the trader will not fail to get it from him upon "But I hope for better things-and, although we the best terms he can, as to price,-and he always are left for another year powerless and unprotect succeeds better in the accomplishment of that ob-«ed from the malice and galling insults of every ject when he can make the Indian drunk. As to "renagado trader; although the agents of the go. the effects this drunkenness may produce, or is like-vernment are still subjected to the derision, and ly to produce upon the peace of the neighborhood, the trader is generally found to be willing to hope for the best. But he will use the readiest means to get the beaver.

"the open opposition of the traders, without any "official power to compel those people to treat the

institutions of government with becoming respect, still I look forward confidently to the next conIt seems to me that any system which shall throw "gress for better regulations. Under that hope I the Indians into the hands of private enterprise, shall content myself, as well as I can, to serve out includes in it an obligation on the Indians to be another year; still using personal influence, inthe agents for its promotion. If so, and whilst they "stead of that which ought to belong (but does not) are so used, they cannot, in my opinion, be civiliz-to my official station, to support the character of ed. The interests of the "fur traders" must be to "government, and cause its policy to be respected keep them savages. "among the Indians."

In any arrangement that could be made, to pass From this may be gathered the languishing conthe destiny of our Indians from the care of the go-dition in which the government agencies are pervernment, into the hands of men who want them mitted to remain. Nor does this state of things only as catchers of game, I must think the welfare come of any thing but the oppressive and counterof the Indians would be involved, and the progress vailing influence which the traders have carried in of their civilization and general improvement stop-amongst the Indians, by the poisonous and fatal ped. Already is the benevolent intercourse, conceived and carried on by the government, ready to die, by the pressure which private enterprise is allowed to carry in upon it. So conflicting are the two schemes of public and private intercourse, the one doing all the good that it can, and the other all the evil, that, from the best authority, I find the result to resemble a little war. All the evil feelings which traders can inspire the Indians with against the government, by representing it as pedling with them, and acting as spies over them, are called up-and a great victory over the government policy appears

agency of whiskey, and bad example. These things will not be remedied till this influence is put down; nor till such wholesome helps are afforded the congenial agencies, and such power imparted to them, as shall enable them to sustain, unresisted and effectually, that dignified and honorable intercourse which shall impress them at once with respect and affection for the government that directs it.

In relation to the views of the secretary of war, they certainly bespeak, in many parts of them, that intelligence which is accorded to him by the American people. All his designs towards the Indians

are of the most benevolent character. He is inca- not be viewed but as a reproach to us. The letter pable of indulging towards them any other feelings which is now offered for publication, however, dist than those of the kindest sort. If any thing could closes, at least, one exception to the too general satisfy me that the organization of a fur company apathy which has prevailed upon this important would best promote the welfare of the Indians, it subject: we here have an instance of a poor, friendwould be the opinion of this gentleman. I have great less black man, yielding to the feelings of that berespect for it. But even his opinion has failed to nevolence and charity which wishes well to all convince me, I cannot see how it is possible for men, and simply following the impulses of appremen, whose object is exclusively gain, to promote hended duty, embarks, without patronage or any civilization, which implies any thing and every prospect of human aid, in the arduous labor of enthing, except the hunter state; to keep the Indians deavoring to turn these neglected children of the engaged in which, must, and of course would be forest "from darkness to light, and from the power their principal care. The business of a company Satan unto God:" and we here see that the labors of would be to divert, even the Indians who have left this humble instrument, in the Divine band, have the chase, from their agricultural pursuits, and to been eminently blessed. What important reflec engage them to join their less civilized brothers in tions is this view and these facts calculated to intheir hunting expeditions. What a war would such spire-and how shall we excuse ourselves, as Chrisa policy make upon the plan of civilization, which tians, for so long neglecting a field, in which so fit implies agriculture, and the arts, and letters; as ne-tle labor appears to have yielded such abundant cessarily so, as do sunshine, and rain, and the regular recurrence of the seasons, the perfection of the products of the earth.

fruits?

T.

Extracts of a letter from the Indian agent at Pigun,
Ohio, dated June 30, 1819, to his friend in Bala-

more.

If the Indians within our military posts, and these are very extensive, had a code of laws adjusted to their capacity, and made, as far as possible, to con- "I have just returned home after a long tour. form to their modes of council, to be administered amongst the Indians under my care. A great reby their old men, under the direction of humane formation has taken place amongst the Wyandotts, and intelligent governors, who should have power through the instrumentality of a colored preacher to put their veto on any thing and every thing they named Stewart, About 61 of these Indians now might not approve, great good would result to them. make a public profession of Christianity-many And this will be a necessary resort before the scheme more of them appear seriously inclined, and they of civilization can be considered complete. This, all seem attentive. I have encouraged Stewart to coupled with a judicious, a wise,and benevolent com- open a school as soon as possible; but we have no mercial intercourse, dignified in all its operations, means to forward it.- He has been three years and unshackled-and with schools of instruction amongst the Wyandotts; is of the methodist proscattered over the country; the introduction of the fession, and from the account which I received from press, and other branches of the arts, the great ob-himself, appears to have been led to embark in this ject would be realized in less time than it will take, labor, by a Providential intimation. He was marwithout such aids, to exterminate the race. Twentyried about nine months ago to a woman of his own years would not be required to civilize these our color they are plain people, very poor, and in need brothers, under such an order of things-and who, of almost every thing, I think them deserving, and as an individual, having liberal feelings, would not the Indians have become much attached to them." cheerfully forego his love of gain, and fonduess for the character even of a "fur trader," to see such a body of Indians made happy under the mild influ ences of our happy government? Let us to workgi-ous." They are as follows: 1. A change from then, and lose time in accomplishing this great ob. ject.

With great respect, I am, sir, your

FELLOW-CITIZEN.

NOTE BY THE EDITOR OF THE REGISTER.

Some of these objects may well be called "pro-di

the territorial to the state form of governmentgood, if the change is rightfully made. 2. An adjustment of the land titles derived from the late Spanish government, in Upper Louisiana--the soonP. S.-This scheme of improvement is intended er it is done the better. 3. The protection of the to apply only to the Indians within our military posts Missouri frontier very proper, and accomplishing as as to the rest, however well I wish them, I appre-rapidly as any one should desire. 4. The protection hend the time has not yet arrived for the introduc. of the Missouri fur traders—as given at length below, tion of such a policy among them. But it will come 5. Working the salt springs-right enough, under by and bye, for their relief also, as it has already rightful, regulations. 6, The working of the lead for the relief of those who are within our [what mines-like the former, to be encouraged. 7. A natiaught to be] civilized limits. onal road to Washington City! How many years have we been engaged in making a national road only to the head waters of the Ohio? When will it be finished? Is Respected friend--I take the liberty to enclose to it established that congress can make national roads? thee, for publication, some extracts from a letter "We" are inclined to say “aye”—but president Madiwhich I have received from the Indian agent in son rejected the bill for internal improvements, and preOhio, who has under his care the Wyandotts, Dela-sident Monroe, in his inaugural speech, nearly pledged wares, Senecas and Shawanoes, residing in the west-himself to do so, if such a bill were presented to him. ern parts of that state, and to whose meritorious 8. A post road to New Orleans—as soon as possible. And benevolent exertions, these long-neglected and 9, Post routes throughout the territory-which will injured people owe much of the security and comforts which they possess.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE WEEKLY REGISTER.

The very limited exertions which have been made by the people of the United States to introduce the comforts of civilization, and the blessings of the Christian religion, amongst the aborigines of the Country in which we now enjoy so many favors, can-1

be established as fast as they are needed. 10. A post route between St. Louis and Louisville by the way of Vincennes-very probably right and necessary, and if so it will be established. 11. A port of entry at St. Louis-time enough yet, and until some way is devised to prevent smuggling up the river-Is it imdialogrespected that sea-ccssels will arrive 4! St.

Louis? 12. A canal between lake Michigan and the
river Illinois-necessary and proper, perhaps, wheit ▲
FW other canals are made, &c. &c. 13. A canal to
unite the Mississippi with lake Superior!-a little
whale hence!!! We like, however, such bold
sketches for futurity, and hope to live to see all
these things, and many more as splendid works
accomplished.

The following is the 4th proposition-
"The protection of the Missouri fur traders.

taking furs from our continent to carry to China, to St. Petersburg, and to Moscow

The American government alone has been blind to the value of the fur trade, to the necessity of incorporating a company, and protecting their operations: but the report of Mr. Secretary Calhoun n nounces a new order of things, and begins to pro claim that the time is coming to an end when American traders are to be killed and robbed with impunity, when the national government shall enter The establishment of military posts at the Falls the lists as a pedlar to deprive the old inhabitants of .of St. Anthony, and at the Mandan villages, is the their accustomed commerce, and when Russians and first step towards yielding this protection The se-Englishmen should annually carry off near two mi)cond will be in the abolition of the United States' lions of dollars which belong to Americans." factories; and the third in the incorporation of an American Fur company.

This speaks for itself, and is partially replied to in the essay to which this note is added. The The citizens of St. Louis petitioned congress for views are large, but it is not necessary to treat of these objects in the winter 1815-16. Their petition them now; and we shall only say of the idea of incorhas remained three years unattended to. Mr. Cal-porating a company to carry on the fur trade, that houn reported in favor of the same objects last win- if congress shall ever so far lose sight of what is ter; the session of congress was too short to act owes to the constitution, as to pass an act for the upon his report; and to counteract it, Mr. Thomas purpose we shall be almost ready to wish that may L. M' Kenney, superintendant of the Factory sys-be the last congress held under our present constitem, with a salary of $2000 a year, stationed at tution!-What! shall a certain set of unknown, i Washington city, writes in the National Intelligen-responsible individuals, build forts, and make war cer, and pretends that the Indians will be cheated if and peace, as the British corporations do, and withthe factories are abolished. At the same time the in the territory of the United States? Annihilation factory system itself is pregnant with facilities for is always in the march of such companies-look at cheating both the Indians and the government, the East Indies, and behold the proceedings of the without the possibility of detection on the part of North West and Hudson's bay companies! Can conthe superintendant. Independent of that, the fac-gress grant exclusive privileges to any set of men? tory system is, in its nature, degrading to the gov- The case of the bank seems to prove it- but it is verment, and in its operation unjust to the inhabi-hardly likely that another violation of the constitutants of the Missouri territory. Degrading, because tion will speedily take place. The people are justly it exhibits the American, government to the Indians alarmed at the idea of a power vested in congress under the charter of a pedlar, and unjust, because to grant acts of incorporation, except within the "ten -it takes from the people of the country a branch of miles square," and will not permit its exercise. commerce which nature had given to them, which they had followed with great profit, and the monopoly of which by foreign hands is not the less odibecause the American government is the monopolizer.

ous,

National Interests.

Address of the Philadelphia society for the promotion of domestic industry, to the citizens of the United States. No. XIII.

our belief, however, that the main root, whence branch all the evils we suffer, is the neglect of furnishing full employment to the productive labor of the country.

National wealth does not consist in land, people, or the precious metals, but in the possession of products or values, created by labor.

The establishment of the military posts, and the abolition of the factories, will go far towards giving Philadelphia, July 5, 1819. protection to the fur traders; but the incorporation FELLOW CITIZENS-Various causes concur to proof a company, with an exclusive privilege for a limi-duce the present unhappy state of affairs. It is ted time, is the only thing which can place the traders on the safe and commanding ground which the magnitude of the object requires. The courses of the Missouri, the recesses of the rocky mountains, and the region of the Columbia river, are too remote, their access environed by too many perils to be explored successfully by the genius of individual enterprize, The united capital and energies of a A country with an extended territory, and a regular company are alone competent to such un-scattered population, must be poor and feeble. dertakings. Protected and united by a law of incor-Such is Spain at this moment, and such was this poration, the Missouri traders would immediately country when in the state of colonies. push their operations to the Pacific ocean-send the furs of the rocky mountains to Canton-bring back the rich and light productions of the East Indies, and convert the Columbia and Missouri into a channel for that rich commerce which has given to "If the same Omnipotent Power, which made every power that has possessed it her day of pre-" the world, should at this time raise out of the eminence among the nations of the earth. The ocean and join to Great Britain, an equal extent British and Russian governments have incorporated" of land, with equal buildings, corn, cattle, and companies of fur traders in North America. The other conveniences and necessaries of life, but no N. W. and Hudson bay companies have numerous" men, women, nor children, I should hardly beforts and garrisons, filled with troops and artillery,lieve this would add either to the riches of the and command the interior of our continent. The people, or revenue of the prince." And againRussians have a fort mounting a hundred guns upon That paradox, therefore, in old Hesiod, the North West Coast of America, commanded by a “mov "nov nadés, or half is more than the whole, civil and military governor; from which the power-" is very applicable to the present case; since no ful protection of the Emperor is extended to some thing is more true in political arithmetic, than (housanda of his, subjects, who are employed in " that the same people with half a country, is more

There is a paper in the Spectator, No. 200, that contains some excellent reflections on this subject, which, as they cannot be better expressed, we shall extract in full.

66