Pratt

If the gentleman had not got off the subject, I might make a reply. The object of the bill is to abolish slavery; this is the object set forth. I wish to say a few words in relation to the powers of this territory. The people of the states of Missouri or Illinois have no better right to legislate for orphan children, for vagrants, or for the protection or regulation of runaway Negroes found in the territory, in a state of slavery, than the territory of Utah has.

As long as we know that these Indians here are objects of traffic—seen in droves, lariated out, proven here before the court the other day—that there are Indians here who follow the business of stealing children, offering them for sale, and, if they cannot sell them, killing them, these facts are fairly before the United States court. These facts are actually known.

Mr. Calhoun reported that the Indians of this territory did devour each other and has suggested that Congress do something in this matter. They will not do it, and if we will not take it in hand—if we, who profess to extend liberty like ancient Israelites and bring them back to their former freedom—if we will not extend the hand of friendship, the race must come to an end. Degradation and ruin must ceaselessly reign until the last blood of Lehi is extinct from the earth.

I am not afraid of the United States confiscating my property because I take an Indian child, clothe it, and put it in a way to obtain an honest living. Many courts of the United States—none of them—are afraid that an indenture in some manner restricts that my own children be indentured by the United States. The case is a clear one and calls for humanity to save bleeding Israel.

Unless we take some measures to extend the means in our power to save this fallen race, I would expect their blood upon our heads and the vengeance of Almighty God. I am not afraid of Uncle Sam, though he has declared that freedom effectually is the provision of the bill. The bill got hastily up, but not altering and amending it is something this council possesses wisdom to do, in my opinion.

If you can place an Indian child in a position, by his serving 20 years, to receive schooling and learn some trade, instead of being shot for sport—if we do not lay the plan to come at these Indian children, the trade will continue by crossing the line. This trade is going on all the time in Indian country. Just cross the line, and the trade continues.