Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1873-04-16
Gbf FIREMAN.
MONTPELIER, VT,
WEDNESDAY. APRIL Is, 1873.
The Great West.

There comes now and then a reminder
that it is not such long time after all, since
Christopher Columbus discovered America
Though in fact it in often less a reminder
than an apprehension of hitherto unknown
fact, for most American youth regard
Christopher Columbus and Adam, if not on
the whole cotemporaneous with each other,
vet so nearly so that the one discovered
America as soon as possible after the other
was the first man.
We have so many large cities, and such a
large national debt, and know 50 much about
art, that of design especially upon the pocket
rather than canvas however, thai we are
become in our own minds European and
medieval if not quite oriental and antique
What realization is there of the fact that
much less than hundred years ago this
valley was in truth bowling wilderness
The Indian to New England people. is a
mere tradition a man, in their mind, whom
1t is feasible to civiIize by running him
through some MoOres Indian charity school.
One class gets its impressions Of him by 81
dwelling upon his possibilities, while yet
another class, by investing him with
qualities mainly the work ola great novelist's
imagination, have an ideal of fine, uncultured
manliness and nobility far removed from the
bald truth The reis ious element IF the
Indian character has been grossly overrated
by many OF our good deacons and other clergy.
who seem to think that the main occupation
OF LO is the observance of clouds and hark-
ening to the winds with devotional intent.
The noble red man as known to our Dor
derers and pioneers is, however, a very IN
poetical reality and very dangerous one.
The truth that there have been abuses toward
the Indians, that there is much allowance to
be made for them, has nothing to do with
the simple question OF how they shall be now
dealt with. 1t is too late to remedy what
we may call the faults and misioings of our
ancestors, even if we feel callei to sit in iudg-
ment upon them. Nor does the s0rrowui
fact that there is, along our borders, class
of men who maltreat the Indians, class
inherent right to be untamed and savage,
allow us to adopt policy that shall let the
Indians themselves deal with their ASA ants
as their revengeful spirit may move them.
For this reason: the great West, of whose
vastness we have here little conception, is
filling up rapidly with peaceable, industrious
citizens families that 90 meaning to be quiet
and to make there permanent and happy
homes; people to whom the vice and heather
ism of the low class of frontiers men and
gambling adventures are an abominati0n
These people must be protected; they are the
very ones who suffer most keenly from Indian
revenge and lawlessness.
The rapid settlement of the vast territory
between the States bordering the Mississippi
and the Pacific is a certainty. Some method
must be ado pied that will make it safe The
United States has the power to do that. We
doubt not that what has been called the
peace policy, contains the elements of the
better solution Of the problem. But it must
be possible always to supplement it all with
a swift and sure punishment for any treache-
~ towards its spirit by those with whom it
Still further, if there is to be peace poll
cy, it must go squarely on the basis of up
right dealing with the savages. No desire
or longing of settlers for reservations must
be allowed to urge the government into ask
ing of the Indians to give up that which has
been assigned them.
few hundred troops in the Tule lava
beds do not fifty represent the power of thi.
nation. 1t should deal firmly with it's OWL
citizens forbid their disturbing acknowl-
edged rights, however savage the men who's
rights they are, and SO protecting the savage
from unjust demands, and insuring him de-
cent Treatment, rely to visit Indian
RIDES with swift uniShm3nt and ext ermina
zion if need be, upon their beginning war
flare themselves.
AS to the Modoc matter there is now NJ
doubt a necessity for putting the whole lot
of treacherous rascals out of the way.
Whatever the original merits of the contro
Versy, their treachery not on " compels, but
richly deserves their determination.
There has been enough talk; the abund-
ant use Of c1ld lead on this hostile tribe vii
reilly insure the success of peace policy
with those willing to be friendly if it is for
their advantage. Seeking peace by the
sword is no new idea, anu is oftsntimes a
good one.
1t must for the safety of thousands of
quiet settlers, be understood that the United
States government shall have its law sd
preme and undisputed throughout the west
ern plains and mountains, and that no b0r
derers, Indian tribes, or Mormon prophets
shall break that law. This nation is power
full enough to carry that out, and the pro
lection of its citizens and its own good name