Document 4: Senator Sprague's Speech to Congress (Modified)
Much has been said of the Cherokee being uneducated savages, as if that could allow us to break our treaties with them! Actually, it is certain that they have greatly advanced in civilization!
We see civilization in the very proof introduced by the gentleman from Georgia, who is trying to show the Cherokee as barbarians. He produced to the Senate a printed code of Cherokee laws and a newspaper printed on a Cherokee press! Is there another instance of such productions from any Indian nation?
I was surprised that with all his investigation, the gentleman from Georgia could find no more remnants of savage customs. The Cherokees till the ground for farming, manufacture for themselves, have work-shops, a printing press, schools, churches, and a regularly organized Government.
Mr. President, I am aware that their white neighbors desire the absence of the Indians. But let it be by their own free choice, not awed by fear, not seduced by bribes. Let us not force them by withdrawing the protection that we have promised in our treaties.
Source: Senator Peleg Sprague, “Speech to Congress.” April 16, 1830.
Guiding Questions - Answer these questions in your graphic organizer.
1. According to Senator Sprague, in what ways were the Cherokee people “civilized”? (Paragraphs 2 and 3)
2. How does the information in this speech compare to the thoughts of Lewis Cass in Document 3?
3. According to the information in THIS DOCUMENT ONLY, why did the U.S. Government pass the Indian Removal Act? (Hint: Think about what Senator Sprague is arguing in paragraph 4)
4. Find at least one quote from the document that supports your answer to Question 3.
We see civilization in the very proof introduced by the gentleman from Georgia, who is trying to show the Cherokee as barbarians. He produced to the Senate a printed code of Cherokee laws and a newspaper printed on a Cherokee press! Is there another instance of such productions from any Indian nation?
I was surprised that with all his investigation, the gentleman from Georgia could find no more remnants of savage customs. The Cherokees till the ground for farming, manufacture for themselves, have work-shops, a printing press, schools, churches, and a regularly organized Government.
Mr. President, I am aware that their white neighbors desire the absence of the Indians. But let it be by their own free choice, not awed by fear, not seduced by bribes. Let us not force them by withdrawing the protection that we have promised in our treaties.
Source: Senator Peleg Sprague, “Speech to Congress.” April 16, 1830.
Guiding Questions - Answer these questions in your graphic organizer.
1. According to Senator Sprague, in what ways were the Cherokee people “civilized”? (Paragraphs 2 and 3)
2. How does the information in this speech compare to the thoughts of Lewis Cass in Document 3?
3. According to the information in THIS DOCUMENT ONLY, why did the U.S. Government pass the Indian Removal Act? (Hint: Think about what Senator Sprague is arguing in paragraph 4)
4. Find at least one quote from the document that supports your answer to Question 3.