The Minnesota pioneer. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn. Territory) 1849-1855, 1850-08-22
COMMUNICATED.
Mr.. Sibiey's Speech.

On the "a OF tnlS month, MT. SlDlcy
made a speech in the House of Repre-
sentatives which should be read by every
Minnesotian, and indeed by every phi
lanthrppist in the Union. cannot ask
you tG publish tit is too long-but
hope you will publish this short notice
of. and these few extracts from it.
The bill making appropriations for the
Indian Department was under considc--
ration. MIR. Sibley, in commencing his
speech, adverted to the ground some
members had assumed in regard to the
right Of delegate of Territory, on
the floor of the House. 1t had been
contended that delegate had no rights
in the House, "save that Of addressing
it upon subjects strictly pertaining to the
Territory represented by him" He
combatted this position most success
fully, and maintained thai a delegate
had ali the rights of members from the
States, except that of voting. In the
course of his remarks, he said:
CATER all, what is an organized Ter
rtor, and what its political relation to
the General Government 1t is a
collection of citizens of the United States
upon the public domain, having individ-
ually, as such, all the specific and con-
stitutianal rights of other citizens resi-
dent in the states, and paying in the
same ratio their proportion Of the ex-
penses Of the Government Of the Union !;
but not being sufficiently numerous to
reach that standard which is entitled to
vote under the laws of the land, they
are debarred from that privilege, but
from no other. In other words, your
Territories are members of the national
family, not, indeed, arrived at maturity,
nor emancipated from patcrnal control,
but equally interested in the welfare Of
that family, with those who have ar
rived at full age, and equally entitled to
be heard on those subjects, which are of
Importance to all
This is the true relation Territoy
bears to the Union, and Mr.. Sbley's po-
sition in regard to the rights of delegates
is also true. BY the bold and able
course he has pursued. he has elevated
the character of a territorial delegate,
and placed it upon ground which can
not be shaken.
Disposing of this subject briefly, Mr. D..
S. proceeded to discuss "our relations
with the Indian tribes" and argued at
much length, exposing the bad policy OF
the government towards them heretofore,
and marking out the true policy by which
in his Judgment, their condition could be
ameliorated. He said: 81 believe the
first step to be taken for the improve
mcnt Of the Indians is to extend over
them the prote ction of laws This is
the whole truth of the matter. Law
and religion are the birthright of every
thing made in Gods image. Without
these life is worthless. Strange it is,
that the nation is shaken to its base by
a tornado of Indignation againt the bon
dage of one class of persons, while the
sarage, sloihfui, and totally useless condi-
ton of another excites no sympathy.
Why not, while we sympathize with the
black man, who is during life in subiu-
cation to the white, feel some pity for
the red man whose ignorance precludes
his cOmmuning with God, and prepar-
ing for eternity; 1t is our duty as Chris
tians to do all we can to civilize the In
dians--it is our policy as citizens to dc
the Same thing. Safety is one Of the
main elements Of social and political
organization. 1t is to protect each that
the power of all is united. And what
are the best means of protecting the
community against lawlessness and vio-
lence: How are masses Of men hello
together in social or political communi-
ties, and induced to observe good order
BY affection, fear, or power The lat
ter we have in abundance, but it shouIt
not be used when it can be avoided
affection is the cord, the most efiectua
of all others, by which people are bounC
together, and through which alone, gooc
order can be maintained, and eniir,
safety 20 the innocent ensured. Give
law to the Indians, and teach them civil
cation and the duties of life, as far al
practicable. and You win their affections
and at the same time perform duty t.
humanity and religion.
DO any suppose the white man ha
the affection of the Indian now becaus
he goes laughing and dancing about tn
street: Hear MIR. Sibley on this point:
''Sir, it is my sincere conviction, tina
Of all The Indians who have been re
moved west Of the Mississippi. there ar
very few who entertain kind feelings to
wards this government; nay more, VIII,
are not its secret or avowcd enemies
This is startling assertion, but it is NO
the less true. The reason is obvious {
any one who is the least acquainted wit
Indian character. This is to be foun,
in the defective manner in which trcatie
are negotiated with them, in the unfit