WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1854
485
most eloquent eulogium that will ever be pronounced on their virtues, and the most truthful record of their wrongs which can ever be obtained, will be found to fall far short of the reality. Sir, let us cast our thoughts back some centuries ago. When from the rock of Plymouth an Indian chief descried the white sail of the Mayflower approaching, he fixed his eye upon it, fancy- ing that it was some spirit of the deep coming towards him; and little did he anticipate that the wrongs of his people were then commencing. We came like the serpent into the garden of Eden, insidiously, when no danger was apprehended, with suggestions of ki~dness and of friendship. The white men were received by the Indians, were supplied with the articles which they needed. The serpent was believed, and the peace and happiness of a world destroyed by that confidence; and, sir, when the Indian nations received the first white man here, they were betrayed and ruined. Over-confidence has destroyed them; and though, under Providence, great benefits have been conferred upon humanity, and I rejoice in it, it furnishes no reason why we shall continue the wrong and perpetuate the injury. Sir, the Israelites in their exodus, when bitten by serpents, looked upon the symbol in the wilderness, and were healed; but the Indians have found nothing to heal the injury which has been inflicted upon them by the white man. A Redeemer was given to the world, but the Indians have as yet found no Saviour. They have no salvation to look to but in the justice of this Government. Is it not time that justice, tardy justice, be done? [At this point the honorable Senator yielded the floor, at the request of various Senators, and the further consideration of the bill was postponed until to-morrow.] Wednesday, February 15, 1854. Mr. President, unable as I was yesterday to proceed in my remarks to the Senate, I regretted perhaps more than any other individual, the necessity I was under of claiming the indulgence of this body. Though suffering to-day, I am determined, if able to maintain my feet, that I will conclude my address; not because I believe the subject one of such extreme urgency that there is any great necessity for pressing it, but there is an anxiety to have it disposed of felt by the gentlemen who have it in charge; and as far as I can contribute to the gratification of that anxiety, I feel bound to do so. I had spoken, sir, more particularly yesterday of tho ·e tribes of Indians embraced within the Territory of Kansas. It would
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