CHAPTER VIII.
RELATIONS OF GREAT BRITAIN WITH THE INDIANS.
The subject of this chapter involves matters so controverted
in some of their bearings as to require most candid
treatment in strict conformity to historic truths. It has
often been affirmed, and it has generally been allowed to
pass unchallenged as if it were a well-established fact, that
the British, as represented by their Government, have
always been more just and wise in their dealings with
the savages, and in the treatment of them, than were the
English colonists here, and than the United States Government
has ever been down to the present year. We are
reminded that Great Britain has always had and still
retains immense Indian territories here, over which she
exercises administrative control; and that this has always
been peaceful. As in sharp contrast with our own hostile
relations with our Western tribes the fact is brought to our
notice, that, within the three years last past, our latest
Indian foe with his band sought and found refuge in British
America. Indeed, it has been claimed that the British
have been substantially discreet and generous guardians
and benefactors of the Indians, protecting them from
outrage and oppression, distributing among them bounties,
and prudently leaving them to follow their own mode of
life. Put in this positive and unqualified form, it would
seem as if some huge blunder or some grievous injustice
on the part of our Government was the sole cause of
disadvantage in which we are thus placed when compared
with our mother country.
