Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1870-02-07

terms. The plan of the government now
is to concentrate the red men upon suita-
bic reservations and supply them with
means for engaging in agricultural aud
mechanical pursuits. and obtaining moral
and educational training, 1t is TO lay
aside the rifle, protect the Indians against
the evil effects of whskey, spectators,
dishonest agents, bad white men of what
ever kind, show them that the govern
ment is their friend, and aid them i'll cs-
tablshing homes governed by the intluen-
ces thai control in christian and civilized
homes. -.-.
In CARRYING ont these measures the gov
ernment has called to its aid members OF
the Society of Friends. Much to the sur
prise of those who laughed at the adop-
ton OF this Quaker policy, it has already
shown its wisdom by its fruits, has received
the endorsement of General Parker, and
is TO be continued with greater vigor than
ever. The recent appointment of John
d. Lang of this State and County. rs one
ofthe Commissioners TO aid in the fulfill
ment of the governments plans. is a sa-
gacous step in that direction. Mr.. Lang
is prominent member of the Society of
Friends. is blessed with wealth and liberal
culture, aud has that broad intelligence
and kindly sympathy with humanity which
adapt him to the successful discharge OF
the duties devolving upon him by his APP
pointment should he conclude to accept.
The appointment is entirely unsolicited on
his part, and its acceptance is u matter yet
to be decided Mr.. Lang has already had
large experience in dealing with the In
dams, and is thoroughly full of faith in
the justice and expedieney of the peace
policy which the government Is trying.
In 1912, after the Cherokees, Choctaws,
and Seminoles had been removed from
their hunting grounds in the South to the
plains that lie toward the setting sun, MIR.
Lang was one of commission sent by the
Society of Friends at a general meeting
in Philadelphia, to examine the state of
the western Indians and see if anything
could be done to alleviate their condition.
In pursuance of this appointment, which
was purely benevolent, he visited twenty
tribes between the Mississippi and the
Rocky Mountains, slept in their wigwams,
ate with them, heard their complaints,
gave them counsel, and had an excellent
opportunity to acquire knowledge of the
Indian character and an acquaintance
with their wrongs and wants. When he
told them what his business was, and that
he did not visit them to do them injury but
good, and reasoned mildly with them
about the evils that threatened them and
the proper course for them to pursue, he
found respectful attention and tender
hearts, even the sternest warriors melting
into tears as they told the story Of their
removal from their loved hunting grounds
and the graves of their fathers, and the
wrongs which the white man had subse-
quently inflicted upon them. 1t is fact
worthy of especial prominence that Mr..
Lang's membership with the Friends was
a passport to the confidence of the Indians
and Il pledge of security wherever he went
among them. They had all heard by some
means the story of William PENIS deal
ing with their race, and hence represen
tative of the Friends was trusted and
believed. because they had found honor
and humanity in that sect, and understood
its principles to be justice and kindness.
He found that there is much of nobility in
the Indian character which, under favor
able circumstances, might be developed.
That experiment has now commenced, and
the result thus far is as favorable as antic-
ipated. If the policy of reclaiming the
Indian from barbarism and making
civilized being of him shall succeed in
overthrowing the policy of determination,
it will bless the red man and save the ma
ton from barbarous task and lasting
stain. We trust the Administration may
be successful in its endeavors to substitute
kindness for the sword and lift the savage
to the common scale of civilization.