He was indebted to his own loyal bearing for the confidence he inspired amongst the natives. In later times liis conduct was not imitated. The slaughter of any black, whether suspected or not to havei been implicated in some deed of violence against life or property — indeed of every black found by the avenging band— became a common practice under the assumed sanction of government ; when bodies of native police were let loose by tht^ir liardeued officers to sla}^ any and every black who could be hunted down. To whom this sin is chiefly due it may be difficult to pronounce, But that it has been a sin crying aloud to the covering heavens, and the stars the silent witnesses, can be denied by none who know the comse of Australian history. It is true that when a black man was shot his country- men did not distinguish between the slayer and others, and that they endeavoured to retaliate upon any white man. But it is equally true that this savage kw talionisj which smites the innocent instead of the guilt}' , was the practice of dissolute whites who were, in early days of settlement, the border pioneers. It is sad, but true also, that sons of Enghsh gentlemen have linked themselves with the atrocious practice, and have not been ashamed to glory in it, to the liorror of their auditors,^ But not thus did Philhp act. In June, 1788, he offered a free pardon ti> any one giving information as to a native reported to have been killecl by a convict ; but he obtained none. In July there were further collisions, although even while the relations between the t^YO races were Ijecoming hostile, there was a family of natives in one of ihe coves of the harbour, wMch was continually visited by the convicts in the most friendly manner, although none of the family would venture | into the settlement. In August a i>arty of natives landed from their canoes in a threatening manner, menacing a sailor who resisted theii* successful attempt to Idll and carry off a goat, Pliillip followed them, but could not identify the rubbers among the natives he encountered. In this manner, without any common language for intercourse with the natives, unable ♦ "Our Antipodes/' p> Londcjti : Beiitk*y. ISoo. 111. Colonel Ci. i Mumly. Third Eilition.
