The present policy of the Government is but a continuation of the same progressive change by a milder process.  The tribes which occupied the countries now constituting the Eastern States were annihilated or have melted away to make room for the whites.  The waves of population and civilization are rolling to the westward, and we now propose to acquire the countries occupied by the red men of the South and West by a fair exchange, and, at the expense of the United States, to send them to a land where their existence may be prolonged and perhaps made perpetual.

Doubtless it will be painful to leave the graves of their fathers; but what do they more than our ancestors did or than our children are now doing?  To better their condition in an unknown land our forefathers left all that was dear in earthly objects.  Our children by thousands yearly leave the land of their birth to seek new homes in distant regions.  Does Humanity weep at these painful separations from every thing, animate and inanimate, with which the young heart has become entwined?  Far from it.  It is rather a source of joy that our country affords scope where our young population may range unconstrained in body or in mind, developing the power and faculties of man in their highest perfection.

These remove hundreds and almost thousands of miles at their own expense, purchase the lands they occupy, and support themselves at their new homes from the moment of their arrival.  Can it be cruel in this Government when, by events which it can not control, the Indian is made discontented in his ancient home to purchase his lands, to give him a new and extensive territory, to pay the expense of his removal, and support him a year in his new abode?  How many thousands of our own people would gladly embrace the opportunity of removing to the West on such conditions!  If the offers made to the Indians were extended to them, they would be hailed with gratitude and joy.

And is it supposed that the wandering savage has a stronger attachment to his home than the settled, civilized Christian?  Is it more afflicting to him to leave the graves of his fathers than it is to our brothers and children?  Rightly considered, the policy of the General Government toward the red man is not only liberal, but generous.  He is unwilling to submit to the laws of the States and mingle with their population.  To save him from this alternative, or perhaps utter annihilation, the General Government kindly offers him a new home, and proposes to pay the whole expense of his removal and settlement.

In the consummation of a policy originating at an early period, and steadily pursued by every Administration within the present century—­so just to the States and so generous to the Indians—­the Executive feels it has a right to expect the cooperation of Congress and of all good and disinterested men.  The States, moreover, have a right to demand it.  It was substantially a part of the compact which made