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Show WMMISSIONEB OF INDIdlY AFFAIRS. 9 generous regard of the government. They are more and more devo- I tmg themselves to agricultural pursuits, and using every effort and means in their power for the general diffusion of the blessings of edu-cation and the Christian religion amongst them. The great drought of last year almost entirely destroyed their crops, and subjected them to much trial and suffering, which, however, they bore submissively ' and with commendable fortitude. But this calamity has not been without a blessing. It impressed them with the importance of a closer and more general attention to the cultivation of the soil for a subsistence, resulting in more enlarged agricultural operations the present year, the immediate benefits of which they have already ex-perienced. The difficulties between the Choctaws and Chickasaws, explained in former reports, will, it is hoped, be effectually adjusted and settled by the convention which was entered into with the representatives of the two tribes in this city the past summer; subject, however, to the ratification of their councils, as well as the President, and Senate of the United States. This instrument, if so ratified, will, it is he-lieved,. put an end to the galling relations of the Choctaws, in which the Chickasaws have been held, under and since the convention of 183'1. It will give to the latter independent jurisdiction and the right of self government, which they have so earnestly sought to obtain for years past, while it will simplify the relations of the two tribes with each other and with the government; and secure other important objects and advantages not only to them hut to the United States. By the convention referred to it is provided that the western end of the Choctaw countrv shall he o~enedto the ~ermanenste ttle-ment of thcso~ithrrnL 'omrkrllrs, ~itcflitawxa nd SI;L.~~o ther Indians, within re scribed limits. as thr Uuitcd States mav determine to locate therein, and it is gratifiing to know that some if these Indians have expressed an anxious desire to place themselves under the protection of the government, and to accept of permanent homes in the country alluded to. The Seminoles, under the treaty of 1845, hold the same undesirable and injurious relations to the Creeks, which the Chickasaws have to the Choctaws under the convention of 1837. They form a small dis-trict of the Creek nation, and are entitled to a voice in its general council ; but are in so hopeless a minority, and so discontented with the arrangement, they will take no part in the proceedings of that body. They do not consider themselves subject to the laws passed by it, and are thus practically without government or law. The ueces-sary result of such a condition is seen in their idle, dissipated and reckless habits. They not only thus suffer themselves, hut present a vicious and injurious example to the less well disposed among their brethren of the other tribe. Without the speedy application of some remedy, this state of things is likely to lead to serious consequences. I would again suggest that, in justice to the Seminoles, they should have a separate country and jurisdiction, with the right of self-gov-ernment. They are entitled to these privileges on the same grounds as the Chickasaws, and placed in an independent position, with the right and responsibility of governing themselves, they would gradu- |