American watchman and Delaware advertiser. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1822-1828, 1824-04-27

Isuch circumstances. No ore viii be bold enough
to denounce him as visionary enthusiast, who, un-
der such auspices, will look with great confidence
to the entire accom- plishment of the object.
The civilization of the Indians has been viewed
as work Of great national importance, by many
whose talents and public services, have rendeie u.
lustrious the annals of our country. This was an
object of great socitude with Washington, and to
all who have succeeded him Prior to the passage
of the above law, the attention of Congress was in
vited to the subject, in almost every annual mes
sage from the Executive. If the policy OF this
measure we're considered merely as question OF
pecuniary interest, it is believed that but few would
hesitate to sanction it. That it nculcaes the most
friendly disposition, on the part of the Indians no
one, well informed on the subject, will venture to
deny.
They understood the motive Of the Government
and properly appreciate it. So far the benefits
OF this policy are extended, will this feeling be cher
shed and it affords the safest guarantee against iu-
tute wars. To say nothing OF the valuable lives
which have been lost, in the Indian conflicts have
had, how much treasure has been expended in our
defence More money was expended in protect
ing the exposed parts of our country, from Indian
depredations, during the late war, than would be
quired, if iudciously applied, TO secure the great
plan Of Indian civilization.
Shall we, from recent injuries indulge spirit OF
hostility against these unfortunate people? The
principles OF humanity, and the dignity OF our gov
eminent, forbid it, There is much in their coudi.
ton to excite our sympathies, men, and our pro
lection, as legislators They have been driven from
this wide domain, TO territory far less desirable,
and oflimited extent They are constantly reced-
ing, we are advancing.
The indians are not now, what they once were.
They have partaken Of our vices, more than our
virtues. Such is their condition, at present. that
hey must be civilized or eXterminated; no other
alternative exists. He must be worst than savage,
who can view, with cold Indifference, az extermina
ing policy All desire their prosperity, and wish
10 them brought within the pale OF civilization
The means which have been adopted, and OF which
the law IN question is the foundation seem the most
likely to obtain the desired result. They should
not, therefore, be abandoned. The passage of this
aw called for by many Of the people, in the
most populous and influential section. OF our coun-
iry.-Their wishes were made known in language
hat evinced deep in'eres-an int est not produ-
ced BY momentary excitement, but the result Of
much REFLECTOR, ard high sense OF moral duty. Il
nay be said empnatcally, that the passage OF this
'aw vas cai,et Tor by religious community. They
wtle convinced at The tness of the policy in
poiitlcsl point o. view, and, as CHI isans they et
The tut force OF the obligations which duly enoined
Their zeal wa. tempered By reason. No lanciu
g hen,es Of p0seytsm seem 10 have been india ged
They formed correct estimate Of the Importance
o Their undertaking, and pointed 10 the most ju-
'lcous means Tor the accomplishment of their
wishes Since the passage Of the law, hundreds, and
have been encouraged to contribute the
mite, ~ AID OF the wise policy Of the government
However the various denominations Of protesting
Christians may differ IN their creeds, and general
doctrines they all unite in their wishes that our In
dams may become civilized That this feeling al
most universally prevails has been declared in Ian
Hnate too uneqnivoca to admit OF doubt 1t has
been seen in their words, and in their actions.
The committee believe, that such demonstrations
are not to be regarded lightly that the National
Legislature will treat them with the highest respect
II sectaran zeal had had any agency TO produce
lhs general interest, II would be less entitled to ser
Gus consideration. But such a contracted feeling
seems 10 have had no influence more noble and
christian motive has been cherished All unite to
second the views o! the government, by melioratinp
the condition OF our Indians. They are laugh; the
nrst rudments Of education, the duties which ap
pertain to man as member Of civil society and his
accountability as moral agent, Repeal this law,
ana these eXertlons are not only paralyzed, but de
stroyec. The Indians will see, in such an act that
we feel less Tor their prosperity than our profes
sions have encouraged them to believe; and such
an Impression cannot TAIL to produce the most nu.
THUS consequences.
FROM the various lights in which the committee
have viewed the policy OF this law, they are convin-
Geo that It IS founded in justice, and should not be
repealed. They, therefore, submit to The House
the following resolution:
RESOLVED, That it is inexpedent to repeal the
aw making an annual appropriation of ten thousand
dollars tor the civilization OF the Indians.
e9
SPANISH AMERICAN PROVINCES.
The London Courier Of the 9Th March. contains