The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1849-10-30
T H E r E 7 U B Lie.
W ASH | N G TON:
TUESDAY MORNING, OCTOBER 80. ls4s.
The Florida Indians.

The Florida Indians.
| The policy adopted by General TAYLOR,
upon the announcement of the late out
RACES perpetrated on Indian river by d
party of Seminoles, was assailed with as
much violence and acrimony as any other
act Of this Administration. 1t mattered
little to such papers as had, like the Union,
proclaimed undying hostility TO the Presi-
dent and his Cabinet, no matter what face
the future may wear-whether the inca
sures of Government were wise or foolish
they had sworn an oath, and must needs
condemn or lay perjury on their souls.
From all such, opposition was to have
been expected-an opposition which bad
measures cannot make more inveterate or
good ones assuage.
| From kindred considerations, misrepre-
sentation and abuse might also have been
looked for from those who, hoping to profit
by the breaking out of another Florida
war, endeavored by clamor and exaggera-
ton to precipitate the Government upon
retaliatory acts which would have led IN
evitably TO one. But apart from those
whose censrre was foredoomed on the
altar of party or self-interest, there were
many patriotic citiZens-especially those
residing near the scene Of massacre-who,
giving way to the excitement of the hour,
criticized the plans of Government with
less asperity, it is true, but with as little
Judgment.
The Disconnected of this latter class
must now perceive the injustice of their
hasty condemnation, whilst all good citi-
zens will rejoice at the prospect oil the
complete triumph of the measures adopt
ed and firmly adhered to by the President
and his Cabinet.
A little reflection, it seems to US, would
have saved disinterested censurers from
the modification Of having joined an out
cry which might have driven an admins
traton Of suppler mood upon impolitic and
dangerous remedies. Few If any of the
faultfnders had 1.-THE Of the knowledge
Of Indian character possessed by General
TAYLOR, and no one living had had larger
opportunities Of forming a correct Judg-
ment upon matters relating to the tribes in
Florida During his long, arduous, and
distinguished services in the last Florida
war, he had acquired a thorough know
ledge OF the country occupied by them;
his military experience enabled HIM to de-
eide knowingly upon the number and de
scripton of troops required for the protec-
ton Of the surrounding country; whilst
from personal observation and acquaint-
ance he was prepared to determine upon
the best course to pursue to free the State
, of Florida from this troublesome part OF heT
population. Yet the Government had nc
: sooner Indicated plan of operations than
it was assaled with reproaches, and It's
measures denounced as lmbeclle and M
sufficient. There was not scrlbbler Of
.. them all who did not imagine himself a
more consummate general and more ac
q complished tactician than a President who
! had defeated these very Indians in pitched
o battles, and driven them, sword in hand
!, through swamp and everglade.
: In the matter OF these Florida Indians
c General TAYLOR might have, with reason
= hoped that his measures would have beer
Il tested by their results. II would not have
been asking much of the Opposition, no
!. to PREJUDICE him in this IN all othel
) things He was entitled to the confidence
: OF all parties in the conduct of affairs o
}, this nature. But neither his services, hi'
!. experience in Indian warfare, nor his sue
. cesses in Florida, procured him mo
% ment's exemption from the heartless, true
;. ulent, and predetermined condemnation
p with which every act, and word, and mea
t. sure OF his has been met. He can do no
T. T. thing, say nothing, which is not attacked
y with tie same ruthless and vindictiv,
= spirit The Opposition is marshaled un
le der banner on which IS emblazoneC
T. war to "the bitter end, and on the re
?, verse, emo matter what face the futur,
ID may wear" II wages a contest in tn,
70 temper which gives no quarters; and, con
is demning as it does in advance, it vii
make no amends though the wisdom 0