"The present policy of
the Government is but a continuation of the same progressive
change by a milder process.
The tribes which occupied
the countries now constituting the
Eastern States were
annihilated or have
melted away to
make room for the whites.
The waves of population
and civilization are rolling to the westward, and
we now propose to acquire the countries occupied by the red
men of the South and West by a fair exchange,
and, at the expense of the United States,
to send them to land where their existence may be prolonged and perhaps
made perpetual.
Doubtless it
will be painful to leave the graves of their fathers; but what
do they more than our ancestors did or than our children are now doing?
To better their condition in an unknown land our forefathers left all
that was dear in earthly objects. Our children by thousands yearly
leave the land of their birth to seek new homes in distant regions.
Does Humanity weep at
these painful
separations from everything, animate and inanimate,
with which the
young heart has become
entwined?
Far from it.
It is rather a source of joy that our country affords
scope where our young population may range unconstrained in body or
in mind, developing the power and facilities of man in their highest
perfection. These remove hundreds and almost thousands of miles at
their own expense, purchase the lands they occupy, and support themselves
at their new homes from the moment of their arrival.
Can it be cruel in
this Government when, by
events which it
can not control, the Indian is made discontented in his
ancient home to
purchase his lands, to
give him a new and extensive territory, to
pay the expense
of his removal, and
support him a year in his new abode?
How many thousands of our own people would
gladly embrace the opportunity of removing
to the West on such conditions! If the offers made to the Indians were
extended to them, they would be hailed with gratitude and joy.
And is it supposed that the wandering savage has
a stronger attachment to his home than the settled, civilized Christian?
Is it more afflicting to him to leave
the graves of his fathers than it is to our brothers and children?
Rightly considered, the policy of
the General Government toward the red man is not
only liberal, but generous.
He is unwilling to submit to
the laws of the States and mingle with their population.
To save him from this
alternative, or perhaps utter annihilation, the General
Government kindly offers him a new home,
and proposes to pay the whole expense of his removal and settlement."
Transcription courtesy of Civics Civics
Online.
U.S. National Archives & Records Administration,
700 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20408
