uman family has ever been subject to one
great law. It is this: Inferior races disappear in the presence of
their superiors, or become dependent upon them. Now, while this law
shall not stand as a defence for our fathers, it is satisfactory to
feel that no policy could have civilized or even saved the Indian
tribes of Massachusetts. The remnants that linger in our midst are
not the representatives of the native nobility of the forest two
centuries ago. Nor did Williams or Eliot, by kindness or religion,
ever command the fierce spirits of Miantonomo, Canonchet and Philip.
Nevertheless, let history exalt these men. Let it speak truly of
their genius, their courage, their patriotism, their devotion to their
race, and, as for Massachusetts, she shall be known and read of all
from the dark day when the colony of Plymouth had not ten efficient
men, to this auspicious moment when within our borders a million of
free and happy people speak the language and glory in the descent of
the Pilgrim Fathers!

The existence of Massachusetts is properly divided into three parts.

First, as a colony from the settlement of Plymouth in 1620, to the loss
of the Massachusetts charter in 1684. Second, as a province from the
charter for the Province of William and Mary in 1691, to the
Declaration of Independence in 1776. Third, as a State from 1780 to
the present time. As a colony, the civil rights of our ancestors were
those of British subjects, but their political and religious privileges
were much greater. As a province their civil rights remained,
religious freedom was extended, while their political privileges were
materially limited.

The occasion, these services, this monument and inscription, connect us
with the colony. We are not here so much reminded of the men who fell,
as of the sacrifices and sufferings of the colonies in 1675 and '76.
The period of King Philip's War was the most trying and perilous in our
history. The Revolution was a struggle for freedom; the contest with
Philip was for existence. Philip contemplated the extermination of the
English in America, while King George only desired their subjugation to
his authority. Nor was the latter ever so near the accomplishment of
his design as was the former in the autumn of 1675.

Massachusetts has seen no other such winter as that which followed.

"Morn came, and went--and came, and brought not day,
And men forgot their passions in the dread
Of this