Speech of Mr. Frelinghuysen, of New Jersey, Delivered in the Senate of the United States, April 6, 1830, on the Bill for an Exchange of Lands With the ... and for Their Removal West of the Mississippi

The Bill to provide for an exchange of Lands with the Indians residing in any of the States or Territories, and for their removal West of the river Mississippi, being under consideration, MR. FRELINGIIUYSEN spoke as follows :MR. PRESIDENT :I propose an amendment to this bill, by the addition of two sections in the form of provisos. The first of which brings up to our consideration the nature of our public duties, in relation to the Indian Nations; and the second provides for the continuance of ouc future njgntiations, by the mode of treaties, as in our past intercourse with them. The following is the amendment: Provided always. That, until the said tribes or nations shall choose to remove, as by this act is contemplated, they shall be protected in their present possessions, and in the enjoyment of all their rights of territory and government, as heretofore exercised and enjoyed, from all interruptions and encroachments. And provided also, That before any removal shall take place of any of the said tribes or nations, and before any exchange or exchanges of land be made as aforesaid, that the rights of any such tribes or nations in the premises shall be stipulated for, secured and guarantied by treaty or treaties as heretofore made. The first of these sections discloses the real object sought by this bill, seemingly composed of harmless clauses. It supposes that the design of the system of which the present bill forms but a part, is really to remove all the Indian tribes beyond the Mississippi, or in case of their refusal, to subject them to State sovereignty and legislation. The Hon. Senator, (M r. WHITE,) who yesterday addressed the Senate, found it necessary so to consider it; and to anticipate and endeavor to meet all such objections to this course of policy, as he deemed worthy of a refutation. Sir, I prefer that this latent object should be put fully bef
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