Saint Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1867-1983, 1877-03-29
CANroNMENr, RENO, w. T. Feb

CANroNMENr, RENO, w. T. Feb. l9.
To the Editor Of The World: r
SIR: In late letter which appeared
in the Caurehman Bishop Whipple takes
occasion to denounce the present Sioux
war and invokes the sympathies of the
American people in behalf of the sava-
ges, who, he maintains, have been most
unjustly treated BY the whites, and
more particularly by the Government,
in the matters which have led to the
present difficulty. The Bishopis, with
out doubt, correct in his statements
which he has made of Sioux grievances,
and no one is entitled to "a more respect
full attention from. the public, not only on
account Of his character as a Christian
gentleman and his high standing in the
Church, but Of his intimate acquaintance
with Indian life and manners. He has
seen much Of them, and for MANY years
his voice has been raised in their favor
and his influence exerted m their be-
half. But, when all the circumstances
are considered, we cannot agree with
him, or any one, in an unqualified con-
demnation of the Cove nment regard
ing its proceedings with the Indians, or
cast on it all the odium Of the present
Sioux war. The Indians have undoubt-
edly suffered great injustice at the hands
Of the whites. They have been the
victims Of oppression, outrage and cru
city: they have, in fact, endured what
an uncivilized people have invariably
experienced when so unfortunate as to
collide with superior race.-what the
early Gauls and Germans met from their
Roman conquerors, what the Hindoos
met from the English, what the native,
of South Africa met from the Dutch. the
same fate, in fact, that has ever attend.
ed the weaker race under like circum.
stances. Now, while no one can deny
that the American Indians have suffer-
ed great wrongs during the last centu-
ry, it does not follow as a necessary
consequence that the Federsi Govern
ment Is accountable therefore. On the
contrary, venture to assert that at no
time 10 the past, in any country, or by
any government, has so humane and
liberal policy been pursued tow ard the
aborigines as has been adopted by our
Government toward the Indians. After
the termination Of wars conducted on
their part with the most vindictive cru
city, the survivors of the bell,gerept
tribe have been protected, fed and cared
for as wards OF the nation. Annuitie.
granted to them have been faithfully
paid. provision has been made for their
welfare, and consistent effort has been
exerted to introduce among them the
arts Of civilization and the truths of
Christianity. The wrongs InA.cted upon
them are owing to causes beyond the
control of the Government: they are in.
herent in the nature of the question.
The proper disposal Of the Indians pre-
sen,s practical problem to Congress
without precedent in history. There
exists within the limits Of the United
States two races distinct from one an
other, and each considering itself with
in lis own territory entirely indepen-
dent of the other. The Uovernment
has-wish. I think, mistakes policy
encouraged this idea of independence
entertained By the Indians, by making
treaties with them and thereby recos-
nszing them in measure as so MANY
nations. As The tide Of emigration Aows
toward the West there is inevitable en-
croachment on land occupied By the In
disns and guaranteed 70 them by treaty,
their rights are violated, their lands Ia
ken from them, they engage. On their
part, in predatory excursions, murder
end theft, aud finally the difficulties be-
come serious. The frontiersnen in
woke The intercessioa of The Govern
ment. and an 1ndian war ensoes.-
While the polcy Of msking treaties
With the.ssvsses Is followed. thar can