Two radically different views have prevailed in this country from the outset in regard to the treatment of the Indians—the one represented by the word civilization, and the other by the word extermination. The first of these was entertained by the Pilgrim Fathers, and by the founder of Pennsylvania, and was carried out apostolically by John Eliot, David Brainard, and others, as well as by successful Indian missions of later date. But the effort has been constantly obstructed by the hostilities between the Indians and the white men, rendering the latter indisposed to send the Gospel, and the former to receive it. The only decided and comprehensive effort by the general Government, for the civilization of the Indians, is the peace policy inaugurated by General Grant, the results of which, in spite of all obstacles and opposition, have been unmistakably and increasingly advantageous. (1) As a class, the agents selected by the religious societies have been far more trustworthy and efficient than their predecessors, being themselves honest in their dealings with the Indian, and defending them from the frauds of ring speculators, and the temptations of the liquor dealers. (2) The progress of the Indians in their industrial, educational and moral advancement has been very marked, as is shown by a tabulated and comparative statement of facts, prepared by the Board of Indian Commissioners, and recently published. (3) The agents—representing all denominations, and, therefore, not committing the government to sectarianism—have most directly and heartily co-operated with the religious efforts of the different churches for the evangelization of the Indians. As the only possibility of civilizing the Indians lies in their Christian enlightenment, the work of the religious societies, under the fostering care of the government, gives the highest promise of success. On the other hand, the policy of extermination has been tried from the beginning. In the earlier days the struggle resembled the border wars between England and Scotland, being mere temporary raids, carried on with little expense. But modern warfare puts another aspect on this contest with the Indians, making it vastly more costly in men and money. It is believed that not a single Indian has been killed by our army, at less than an average expense of a million of dollars, and of the lives of one or more white men. The War Department and the army are the natural representatives of this policy, and if the Indians are transferred to their care, the peace policy will be overthrown, and we fear that of extermination substituted in its place. This apprehension involves no reflection on the humanity of the officers and soldiers of the army, but the inference is justified by the history of the past, and by the fact that the business of an army is to destroy, and not to give instruction.