Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1830-11-25

hnss, the consultations Of friendship deaied access
t. their bosoms, their worst passions iomented--
s. the last best relief Of suffering man, the bright
beams of hope extingushed-the injustice OF the
measure is exceeded by the cruelty which accom-
paDies its infliction.
compare this course Of treatment with that
adopted BY WIN Penn. when Indian wrongs
were measured by no other standard, and Indian
rights redressed bv no other appeal than that pro-
vided for the white man-when no invitations
were given to 8. win upon them in the line OF
their own prejudces," to their own destruction
when none were permitted to minister to their
evil propeusities, which they share with the rest
of mankind:-but penalties were inflicted Tor
leading them into temdtation, and they received
especial and paternal protection from the wlles
of their more sagacous neighbors.
ave are still at fault in our searches to de-
tect the lurking humanity Of the contemplated
proceedings.
g But, perhaps the cad-thoush in violation
Of Justice, treaties, and established laws-ln OPP
position to to the wishes of one of the parties
in manner cruel as in principle without excuse
perhaps the end will vindicate the motive, and
sanctify the means. Is separation from the
white man a measure OF humanity towards the In
dams? Who created the contact, and who rem
dered it disastrous? Did the Indian leave his
forests to seek the white man, or did the white
man cross the waters and penetrate the wilds.
to force himself upon the happy retreats OF the
Indians? Has the contamination OF the savage
infected with barbarOus habits, the sons OF Flu
rope? Or, has the evil communication of the
European manners corrupted the simplicity.
without enlightenihg the ignorance OF the savases
If authentic history be not all fable, they were,
| for the most part, guileless, generous, conlld-
ing people; given, fatally given. as it seems to
hospitality-amiable and grateful in the extreme
firm in their friendships. and not inexOrabe IN
their hate. They seem to have been proriden-
TALLY blessed with many of the gospel virtues.
without having been visited by the glad tidings of
its name. If these virtues have indeed been ex-
changed for opposite qualities, it is because OF an
association which the natives neither desired nor
sought. Feeble, then is the pretext for their re-
mo val, founded in the supposed corruption occa
stoned by those who insist upon a separation.
But possibly they will be- happier elsewhere.
Their fancied heaven is perhaps hey ond the hills,
or on the borders Of the distant waters. There
their boundless desires may expand without re-
straint. There they may roam at pleasure over
interminable plains, unmoested by the vicinity
Of the white man. Will it really conduce to
present or future happiness to be withdrawn from
living God? to be restored to primeval habits,
with an exposure to all the imputed horrors of
savage life? If, as Christians, we could believe
it: if as citizens of happy country, living un-
der the benign influence of mild and equal laws,
we could admit the moral propriety of the course
proposed. still there are natural difficulties which
| are absolutely insuperable. Ynu must teach them
to forget the lessons of civilization which YOU
have taught them. You must give back their
comparative purity with their absolute ignorance.
You must re.invigorate the sinews which YOU have
deprived of strength, and replace the courage
and activity that would pursue and delight in the
gigantic pastimes of the wilderness.
'.SupfoSe them, however, removed. and hap
DIV: engaged like their ancestors 10 the occupa-
tons, and breathing like them the atmosphere of
state of Ma ure; stripped of the garb with which
civilization had clothed them. and YET happily
blind to the consciousness of their own naked
ness, what security is there against the farther
encroachments of the white man? Wherever
temptation leads, cupid,v will follow: and as
casuists have discovered new species of huma-
nity in the removal beyond the mountains, future
casuists will find newer still in removal be-
you'd the waters.
- Besides, these are no longer savages. The
propensities for the life designed for them. have
vanished with their capacity to enjoy 1t. They
have. if Official reports becretlited. every thing
which can distinguish them as civilized men,
they have schuols, aud churches. and printing
presses: government and laws. They are herds
men. agriculruraii,t>, mechanics. SC. They
have attained the last slari,p, test which marks
the broad line between civilized and savage life
respectfor the female Character, tenderness far
the female pers "a, and proper separation of
their pursuits They not. As Lord Chatham
once expressed it, the canniba savage thirstins
for blood. torturing. numbering. devouring, drink
ing the blood Of his mangled victims" 1t will
be remembered that the burst of eoquence to
which have alluded, was uttered in reply TO
similar plea in the name Of humanity. Every
succeeding President has proclaimed their i'm
provemeGt in the arts of civilized life. Ancient
customs have been abolished We are distinct
ly informed '.that it may be doubted whether
any considerable portions of the civilized world
present specimens of equal Improvement in the
same space Of tines The question is whether
these men. sour brethren by every tie that can
sanctify human nature" shall be deprived of
what they have: and driven by force or fraud
as some of their ancestors were by the boOd