the Nation of school-
masters, blacksmiths, mechanics, and others. He continued to occupy that position
till 1826. In 1827 he was associate chief with William Hicks, and president of the con-
vention which adopted the constitution of that year. That constitution, it is believed,
is the first effort at a regular government, with distinct branches and powers defined,
ever madeand carried intoeffect by any of the Indians of North America. From 1828
until the removal west, he was principal chief of the eastern Cherokee, and from
1839 to the time of his death, principal chief of the united Cherokee Nation.
In regard to the long contest which culminated in the Removal, the resolutions
declare that "The Cherokees, with John Ross at their head, alone with their
treaties, achieved a recognition of their rights, but they were powerless toenforce
booney] JOHN ROSS — THE KETOOWAH SOCIETV 225
them. They were compelled to yield, but not until the struggle had developed the
highest qualities of patience, fortitude, and tenacity of right and purpose on their
part, as well as that of their chief. The same may be said of their course after their
removal to this country, and Which resulted in the reunion of the eastern and west-
em I Iherokees as one i pie and in the adoption of the present constitution."
Concerning the events of the civil war and the official attempt to depose Ross from
his authority, they state that thes 'currences, with many others in their trying
historj as a people, are confidently committed to the future page of the historian.
••It is enough to know that the treaty negotiated at Washington in