Read at the meeting in Boston, May, 1883, for the consideration of the
condition of the Indians in the United States.
AMESBURY, 4th mo., 1883.
I REGRET that I cannot be present at the meeting called in reference to
the pressing question of the day, the present condition and future
prospects of the Indian race in the United States. The old policy,
however well intended, of the government is no longer available. The
westward setting tide of immigration is everywhere sweeping over the
lines of the reservations. There would seem to be no power in the
government to prevent the practical abrogation of its solemn treaties and
the crowding out of the Indians from their guaranteed hunting grounds.
Outbreaks of Indian ferocity and revenge, incited by wrong and robbery on
the part of the whites, will increasingly be made the pretext of
indiscriminate massacres. The entire question will soon resolve itself
into the single alternative of education and civilization or
extermination.
The school experiments at Hampton, Carlisle, and Forest Grove in Oregon
have proved, if such proof were ever needed, that the roving Indian can
be enlightened and civilized, taught to work and take interest and
delight in the product of his industry, and settle down on his farm or in
his workshop, as an American citizen, protected by and subject to the
laws of the republic. What is needed is that not only these schools
should be more liberally supported, but that new ones should be opened
without delay. The matter does not admit of procrastination. The work
of education and civilization must be done. The money needed must be
contributed with no sparing hand. The laudable example set by the
Friends and the American Missionary Association should be followed by
other sects and philanthropic societies. Christianity, patriotism, and
enlightened self interest have a common stake in the matter. Great and
difficult as the work may be the country is strong enough, rich enough,
wise enough, and, I believe, humane and Christian enough to do it.