[Knickerbocker’s History of New York, Complete by Washington Irving]@TWC D-Link book
Knickerbocker’s History of New York, Complete

CHAPTER V
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Now as the savages (probably from never having read the authors above quoted) had never complied with any of these necessary forms, it plainly follows that they had no right to the soil, but that it was completely at the disposal of the first comers, who had more knowledge, more wants, and more elegant, that is to say artificial, desires than themselves.
In entering upon a newly discovered, uncultivated country, therefore, the new comers were but taking possession of what, according to the aforesaid doctrine, was their own property--therefore in opposing them, the savages were invading their just rights, infringing the immutable laws of nature, and counteracting the will of Heaven--therefore, they were guilty of impiety, burglary, and trespass on the case--therefore, they were hardened offenders against God and man--therefore, they ought to be exterminated.
But a more irresistible right than either that I have mentioned, and one which will be the most readily admitted by my reader, provided he be blessed with bowels of charity and philanthropy, is the right acquired by civilization.

All the world knows the lamentable state in which these poor savages were found.

Not only deficient in the comforts of life, but, what is still worse, most piteously and unfortunately blind to the miseries of their situation.

But no sooner did the benevolent inhabitants of Europe behold their sad condition than they immediately went to work to ameliorate and improve it.

They introduced among them rum, gin, brandy, and the other comforts of life--and it is astonishing to read how soon the poor savages learn to estimate those blessings--they likewise made known to them a thousand remedies, by which the most inveterate diseases are alleviated and healed; and that they might comprehend the benefits and enjoy the comforts of these medicines, they previously introduced among them the diseases which they were calculated to cure.


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