Restoring the rights of self-government, in part, to the
Marshpee Indians, of which our legislation has deprived
them for one hundred and forty years, passed the Senate of
Massachusetts yesterday, to the honor of that body, without a
single dissenting vote. Too much praise cannot be given to Mr.
Senator Barton, for the persevering and high-minded manner
in which he has prepared and sustained this act. With two or
three exceptions, but which, perhaps, may not be indispensable
to the success of the measure, it is all the Indians or their
friends should desire, under existing circumstances. The
clause reserving the right of repeal, is probably the most
unfortunate provision in the act, as it may tend to
disquiet the Indians, and to give the Commissioner a sort of
threatening control, that will add too much to his power, and
may endanger all the benefits of the seventh section. This
provision was not introduced by the Committee, but was opposed
by Messrs. Barton and Strong, as wholly unnecessary.
[_Daily Advocate_.
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