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Letters about 19th Century

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Rumsey Wing to January 6, 1872 . Since writing the above I have learned that previous to the arrival of the troops the Indians had burned several villages in the vicinity of Riobamba, and committed many atrocities and murders. They fled to the mountains at first sight of the soldiers, and are still reported as retreating in large bodies composed of men, women, and children. Practically the revolt is at an end, but I am as yet unable to ascertain what is to be the final issue so far as the Indians are concerned. Several of the reputed leaders have been captured, and will doubtless be shot at once. The troops are still at or near the field of disturbance. It is extremely difficult to secure reliable data, however, in a country so devoid of ail news facilities as this, and with the exception of the accompanying documents (1) no statement has thus far emanated from the government. It will be observed that the province of Chimborazo has been de clared in a state of siege. These disturbances have transpired at the very base of the historic “King of the Andes,” made famous by the researches of Humboldt, Boussingault, and other illustrious explorers. There has also been a collision between a small body of troops and a mob of Indians, near Otavalo, in the province of Imbabura, resulting in the death of several of the opposing parties. This affair, however, does not appear to have had any connection with the movement in Ohimborazo, but arose concerning certain Indian children being conveyed to a mission-school without the consent of their families, who do not seem to have understood the destination of the children; and contrary likewise, I am informed, to the policy and instructions of the government, which did not propose to enforce a compulsory education, but only to afford the means of a voluntary one. I may say that in this country the Indian has been utilized until he has become a necessity to its material development and improvement. Certain attempts have been made, and are being made, to instruct and Christianize him. In many respects, however, his present condition is a most unfortunate and unenviable one. In its every phase, and in all parts of the New World, the Indian problem seems to present extraordinary difficulties, to merit profound consideration, and to require a, patient, forbearing, and yet systematic and resolute policy. I have, December 23, 1871

From Rumsey Wing
To January 6, 1872 . Since writing the above I have learned that previous to the arrival of the troops the Indians had burned several villages in the vicinity of Riobamba, and committed many atrocities and murders. They fled to the mountains at first sight of the soldiers, and are still reported as retreating in large bodies composed of men, women, and children. Practically the revolt is at an end, but I am as yet unable to ascertain what is to be the final issue so far as the Indians are concerned. Several of the reputed leaders have been captured, and will doubtless be shot at once. The troops are still at or near the field of disturbance. It is extremely difficult to secure reliable data, however, in a country so devoid of ail news facilities as this, and with the exception of the accompanying documents (1) no statement has thus far emanated from the government. It will be observed that the province of Chimborazo has been de clared in a state of siege. These disturbances have transpired at the very base of the historic “King of the Andes,” made famous by the researches of Humboldt, Boussingault, and other illustrious explorers. There has also been a collision between a small body of troops and a mob of Indians, near Otavalo, in the province of Imbabura, resulting in the death of several of the opposing parties. This affair, however, does not appear to have had any connection with the movement in Ohimborazo, but arose concerning certain Indian children being conveyed to a mission-school without the consent of their families, who do not seem to have understood the destination of the children; and contrary likewise, I am informed, to the policy and instructions of the government, which did not propose to enforce a compulsory education, but only to afford the means of a voluntary one. I may say that in this country the Indian has been utilized until he has become a necessity to its material development and improvement. Certain attempts have been made, and are being made, to instruct and Christianize him. In many respects, however, his present condition is a most unfortunate and unenviable one. In its every phase, and in all parts of the New World, the Indian problem seems to present extraordinary difficulties, to merit profound consideration, and to require a, patient, forbearing, and yet systematic and resolute policy. I have
December 23, 1871

No. 114. Mr. Wing to Mr. Fish United States Legation, Quito, Ecuador, December 23, 1871. (Received Feb. 16, 1872.) No. 175.] Sir: For some days past there has been considerable…

19th CenturyDiplomacyReconstruction