ecutive department could make it; and that a wise and vigorous pursuit of the same ends will finally solve that Indian problem which in the past has so often proved a trouble, and also sometimes a disgrace, to the American people.
Not as a matter of justice, but as a matter of fact, the rapid development of the country puts before the Indians the stern alternative of civilization, or destruction by conflict. Wise and human statesmanship will see to it that the Indians do not stand in the way of that development, but become part of it, and benefited by it. This is the “Indian problem” in a nutshell. And I do not hesitate to declare my firm conviction,—a conviction springing from much study and some practical experience,—that the Indians can be civilized, at least sufficiently to secure an orderly, harmonious, and prosperous neighborhood with the white race.
But to bring about this result all over the country requires not only the proclamation of general principles, but steady and judicious work in detail. To this work I have been devoted for four years, and the warm interest I take in the Indian race will induce me to aid it in whatever way I can, as a private citizen, as long as I live.
It is a singular thing, but not a rare one, that we are impugned in our best motives and actions by those whom an identity of general purpose should make our friends. The most discordant sounds are produced by different people playing the same mel-
