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4 HISTORY OF The American Indians were the original proprietors of the soil. At the discovery of America by Columbus in 1492^ the entire American continent was the birthright, and by the uni- versal law of nations, the property of the Indian. The whites then were eminently intruders in founding settlements upon the shores of the western world; but the policy of aggran- dizement which characterized the maritime powers of Europe, recognized no other law than might makes right/' and con- sequently had no conscientious scruples against the acquisition of territory, even by an offensive and unjust war. It was the Spaniards in particular, who have left an indelible stain upon their national character, by their ignominious and cruel war- fare waged against the Montezumas of Mexico, and the Incas of Peru. The English, although far from being guiltless, nevertheless pursued for themselves a more judicious, and at the same time a more humane policy. They opened a successful commerce with the Indians — they attempted to introduce some of the arts of civilization from Europe, and all the vices, especially that glaring monster, intemperance, which sounded the death knell to so many of the tall trees of their race. This evil increased with such fearful rapidity, that the Indians at last themselves became startled, and knowing their utter inability to withstand the temptation, demanded of the whites what the whites now demand for themselves,* that no liquor should be brought amongst them. The following speech was delivered by the great Chief Hendrick, at the Congress held at Albany in 1754, of which Benjamin Franklin was a member : 'Brethren—There is an Affair about which our Hearts tremble and our minds are deeply concerned; this is the selling of Rum in our Castles. It destroys many of our Old and Young people. We request of all the Governments here pre- ^ Maine-law men.