CHAPTER XXVI.
containing the metaphysics of indian-hating, according to the views of one evidently not so prepossessed as rousseau in favor of savages.
"The judge always began in these words: 'The
backwoodsman's hatred of the Indian has been a topic
for some remark. In the earlier times of the frontier
the passion was thought to be readily accounted for.
But Indian rapine having mostly ceased through regions
where it once prevailed, the philanthropist is surprised
that Indian-hating has not in like degree ceased with it.
He wonders why the backwoodsman still regards the
red man in much the same spirit that a jury does a
murderer, or a trapper a wild cat—a creature, in whose
behalf mercy were not wisdom; truce is vain; he must
be executed.
"'A curious point,' the judge would continue, 'which perhaps not everybody, even upon explanation, may fully understand; while, in order for any one to approach to an understanding, it is necessary for him to learn, or if he already know, to bear in mind, what manner of man the backwoodsman is; as for what manner of man the Indian is, many know, either from history or experience.
