502 
lord Stanley’s letter 
at present adopted ; viz. to punish them for a violation of a law 
they are ignorant of, when this violation affects a European, and 
yet to allow them to commit this crime as often as they like, 
when it only regards themselves ; for this latter course teaches 
them, not that certain actions, such, for instance, as murder, 
&c. are generally criminal, but only that they are criminal 
when exercised towards the white people, and the impression, 
consequently excited in their minds is, that these acts only excite 
our detestation when exercised towards ourselves, and that their 
criminality consists, not in having committed a certain odious 
action, but in having violated our prejudices.” 
Many instances have come under my own per- 
sonal observation, where natives have sought re- 
dress both against one another and against Euro- 
peans, but where from their evidence being una- 
vailable no redress could be afforded them. Enough 
has however been now adduced to shew the very 
serious evils resulting from this disadvantage, and 
to point out the justice, the policy, the practicability, 
and the necessity of remedying it. 
In bringing to a close my remarks on the 
Aborigines, their present condition and future 
prospects, I cannot more appropriately or more 
forcibly conclude the subject than by quoting that 
admirable letter of Lord Stanley's to Governor Sir 
G. Gipps, written in December, 1842; a letter of 
which the sentiments expressed are as creditable 
to the judgment and discrimination, as they are 
honourable to the feelings and humanity of the 
minister who v 7 rote it, and who, in the absence of 
personal experience, and amidst all the conflicting 
