Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1883-07-27
WRONGS OF THE INDIAN,
From tho Commencement Grafton OF
w. II. Mckinney of Indian Terri.
tory, a Full-blOoded Indian Grad
uate, at Roanoke College, Va.

1t has been a misfortune for our race to
have been originally regarded as race
incapable of civilization, and that it has been
so treated ever since. This is the mistake
which the people of the United States have
made, and it matters not that for while this
great republic may prosper and nations
recognize her as the creates. in the world;
there is dark shadow, never theless, which,
like the ghost of Banquo, will not down
at. her bidding, but which will cross her
onward march, perhaps when least expected.
But do not understand me to say that the
indians alone were wronged they in turn
have violated the laws of nations. Ii was
wrong for them TO take arms against the
white settlers; 1t was wrong for them to
take vengeance on them in murJerous
retaliation. Where can we find q remedy
for the mutual wrongs of the past? Shall
we go TO another nation across the ocean and
lay our case before it? Shall we appeal to
the people Of other counties to do Justice to
our cause? No. | come to you to-day and
call upon you in the name of the Just One,
who as he was nailed on the cross exclaimed,
Father forgive them for they know not
what they do So must We also forgive
what injuries, what wrongs, our races have
done to each other.
Would to God that such institutions al
Raanoke, as Hampton, as the school ut
Carlisle were multiplied in the United
States: the condition of the Indians would
be more happy and more prosperous. For
years this college has directed our footsteps
In the paths OF knowledge and virtue. |
honor the name of such man us the founder
Of this institution who is dear to you all;
whose memory YOU cherish, and mourn for
his ioss whose lubors have done so much
for the South and the Indians. And can
tl,.,, q IL, l.; Ia,
the race roams over the western plains so
long will they remember the kindness with
which you and the citizens Of the town re-
ceived us into your homes. But the end OF
the race is uear; the remains of once pow
erlul tribes are now wandering upon the
Pacific coast and ere long, with all the
traces OF former life anu grandeur, will be
swept away from the face of the earth. l
appeal to you, ladies aud gentlemen: Will
you raise the standard of humanity in this
broad land; will you be true to the aims
aud purposes of our cause: Will you give
up your heart to the moving ald growing
impulses which are urging the world up TO
higher light, broader truth and brotherhood.
We need holy religion, higher type OF
craftsmanship, ii no5ler motive of Christian
union: the recognition of government as
coming from God and deriving all its sanctity
from the divine command. Let us engage
in the performance of our duties as men and
Christians. Then, when we shall appreciate
the glory and dignity of true human govern
ment, recognizing God us lis author and his
principles us the guiding light in administer
ing the affairs of nation, we shall cleanse
our land from the foul wrongs done to the
American Indian.
Thank God the time is coming, when no
race shall differ; all the tribes o! the earth
shall gather together at the great sound OF
the trumpet and hear the voice Of the uni
versa king as he welcomes them from every
cline and country, from every race and
condition; from East and West, from
North and South, with the glad benediction
"Well done, thou good and faithful SER
want