Tn JRfiQ thft agitation on the subject of slavery began to
be felt, a strong antislavery party being organized in the na-
tion. There were stormy scenes also in that part of the coun-
try nearest the Kansas line. For several years white settlers
had persisted in taking up farms there, and the Cherokees had
in vain implored the Government to drive them away. The
office r at last sent to enforce the Cherokees* r ights and dislodge
the squatters was obliged to bjirnF^hglT cabins ove



before they wo uld stir, so persuaded were thev of the sup erior
right of^the white man ove r the Indian . "The only reason
the settlers gave for not heeding the notices was that they had
been often notified before to quit the reservation ; and, no steps
having been taken to enforce obedience, they supposed they
would be allowed to remain with like security in this instance."

" It is surprising," says the Commissioner of Indian Affairs,
" to see the growing disposition on the part of our citizens to
wholly disregard our treaty obligations with Indian tribes with-
in our borders ; and it is to be hoped that in future their rights
will be held more sacred, or that the Government will in every
instance promptly see that they are observed and respected."

In thftfiTOtjrfiar ftf tlift C\v\] War a large numb§]:,^ the



'^



286



A CBNTUBT OF DISHONOR.
