Page:History of Australia, Rusden 1897.djvu/370

 842 DKSTRLTCTION OF THE FITTECT. the native^/' but the latter had beeu ** ungrateful and treacherous" at the South Creek and Lower Hawkeshury.^ On the same day outrages occurred at two places three ■ miles apart. A settler was murdered at one. At the other" a settlor and hiB man were burnt m a hut. ttnl a party of tnili- e« from thence, first fuither reaentineut people iemo ti from to follow thcin, ami .South Cieek, vrhei'C A (letacliinent has until some of them tttry to take post at the Branch, and to drive the iiatu i asHuring them that if the murflerera wer« given up all ehotihl cease; however, the velocity with whi<;h these one plaee to another put it on t of the giiartrs power since then they have hegnii their depredations at the they ha^•e iinfoi tiniately nnirdered two stock- keepers, heon Bent to that tjuarter^ hut I am sorry to say that are killed there in no hope of their being quiet." By a general order (30th April) detachments of military were distributed for protection agamst the *' uncivilized insurgentR." No settler was to allow a native to approach ' hin premiBBS *' until the murderers are given up." Any settler liarbouring '' any native* wan to be prosecuted, and all settlers were '*re([iured to assist each other in repelling those viHitH." The old truth that the stronger animal over- comey or outlives the weaker has lately been puffed into importance as a new theory under the name of ** survival of the littest." ^^ The anmhilation of a race was in New South Wales secured by an inversion of the doctrine. No peace was lioped for imtil the most active and daring could he killed, and, the littesi being swept away, the decay of ] the miserable remnant would leave the land to the de- fitroyer. The detaclnnents entered upon their work. The Gfurftc tells that Yarragowby and others were assaulted in the mountains. Four or five are said to have fallen. In Ma}^ 1B05 Major Johnston was sent to the scene. A native was caught. A noted chief, Miisquito, was seen. He boldly declared to his enemies that the natives would con- tinue their warfare, and **made off'' through the forest. Of Mr. Marsden's persuasive powers a questionable use WHS made. Several natives were committed to the gaol at Farramatta. Marsden prevailed upon the prisoners to deal insidiously with Masquito. They did so, and the dreaded | •* It has weU been asked — ** Fittest for what? *' Colonel Blood and Sir ^ iRitac Newton weiv contemporaries* and a struggle l>etweeii them would hfiVti rxtiiiguishwl Neu-ton. But who would tleeiu the soldier- thief the mteMtr
 * TheH* UarlmritieB culling forth aBaistauee, I ♦liiec