Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1854-05-18
Qur Indians.

BY our Indians, we mean those of the aborigincs
who still suhsst within the limits of the United States
and their territories They are (but by what right we
do not pretend say ours to govern ours to Danish
ours to rob, ours 10 do with as We please Only OF
late does it appear that they are to become ours
to cvlize and elevate in the scale of being-we should
perhaps rather say Thar there is prospect of
such thing.
The attention of Congress has recently been directed
to this subject by an able report from MIR. OsR. of
South Carolina, who al this time Chairman of the
Committee on Indian Affairs. more humane and
liberal policy in regard to the Red man recommend.
ed. Instead of being down.trodden and crushed by
the onward march Of Saxon civilization, he NAV hero
after stand chance of prOiting by the superiority of
his conqneror. Although not one of those political
sen'lmenlallSts who weep as they eIclam, " Lo the
poor ndian we are yet rejoired that reform is be-
gun IN our territorial regulations, which may by DOS
sibiliiy, result in chrlstanizng and Amercaniznr IN.
scattered remnants Of this unfortunate branch of
Adams race.
Mr. ORR has manifesed zeal and Judgment in his
eIertions TO effect this laudable ocec That ne has
selected this comparatively quiet field of labor during
the present noisy session is honorable TO him in the ewes
of all good and sensible observers.
The following extracts from Mr.. ORns report will
exhibit the drift Of his plan of aineoration:
' 1t conrempaies the abrogation Of their tribal er
!slence, ana gives 10 every member of the band M
independent personal and pulcal individuality. by
changing tile arbitrary will as law. Of chiefs and s,
chcms, Tor The laws of the United States anil nrnt.c
lion 10 HE ana property which they aurr The coun.
c llreS are eStngnSed, and appeals for ius,ce mr..
addressed to the Courts and Legislatures rather h,n
to the council house. 1t gives him a permanent home.
stead, III quantity dependent on the number in The
family, not to succeed in any event one section of
anu, by higher and more stable title than mere mr. |
,upancy Ills 'lodge is converted into dwelling. ,,
ma becomes So his CASTLE, protected from unlawfnI
'asiol Ills affections and the affections of his ch
lrrn VIII enl"Ine themselves around its enclosures
ma the Wild romance of rowing life will be dssipa
ed. When lie sees his little boys and girls arowing
Up IN tina. peaceful and happy home, it will stimulate
lim to industry. They must be fed and clo,bed md
dncated and this will encourage his thrift and econo
ny 10 meet these requirements of civilized 6. HE
arnlngs will be measured by his own Industry and
ispensed by his own voliiion When he soyys ,he |
eed lie will feel assured that he will not be moleseJ
reaping the harvest. Fierce cruelty and cold nag.
:ct will no longer be pracsed against his wifi. ond
is children. His kindness will cherish and his afc.
ons command them" N''NN
But that feature the system best adapted In tho
vizatlon OF the Indian is the permanent settlement
Their midst Of viruous and moral willie popnla. r
on Our pioneers will seek homes on the yirsin soil
The Indian country. carrying with them their fami
es thereby giving earnest to their purpose to tem-an
III manner compatible with the high du.
IS ana obligations OF citizens and christians" d