Page:Face to Face With the Mexicans.djvu/365

Rh integrity of her countrymen. The war seemed to have been one of the exigencies of the times and our neighbors fit subjects for spoliation.

But did not Mr. Bancroft present his honest convictions, he would repudiate that boasted freedom of speech of which every American citizen is proud.

It is well, however, to have both sides of the question, and if this historian appears too severe to the average American mind, we have the writings of a sweet and gentle woman, which frankly take up the wrong-doings of her countrymen after the conquest of California. Let every American read for himself Helen Hunt Jackson's pathetic story of Ramona, and deplore the wrongs that were heaped upon the Temecula Indians, as well as other native races, who lived in California at and after the time of the conquest. How her generous nature revolted at the injustice of her own countrymen; and ere she closed her eyes in their last sleep, she presented her views in so eloquent a manner as to produce a deep and powerful impression throughout this great nation.

Her Century of Dishonor likewise unfolds a pitiable story of the course of our government towards the Mexican Indians. Her last words ever penned were the outpourings of her spirit in the form of a prayer to President Cleveland in behalf of the Indians. May it be good seed sown in good ground which shall come forth and produce abundantly in future generations!

Another thought is here suggested, which has already taken form in the minds of many eminent writers, such as David A. Wells, Joaquin Miller, Solomon Buckley Griffin, and numberless others, equally well known. The proposition is, that every banner, cannon, or other trophy captured during that unhappy contest be returned to Mexico. It would be but a just though tardy reparation of a great wrong.

If the matter were placed before Mrs. Cleveland, and the power given her to do as she in the goodness of her gentle heart and purity of purpose thought best, we are sure of one thing this Queen of