The Indian Murders

Victoria Daily Colonist, June 1, 1864

The news of the last wholesale massacre of our countrymen by the bloodthirsty savages has filled the city with a blaze of excitement, and a universal feeling prevails among all classes that the most prompt and energetic steps should at once be taken to obtain summary vengeance on the cowardly assassins. The reports are somewhat dubious as to the individuals and the number killed, but the painful fact is but too true and the country calls aloud for swift and stern retribution. There is no time for circumlocution or red-tapeism in dealing with this matter. It is the opinion of many of the most experienced in Indian affairs among us, that we are on the verge of an Indian war, and that unless the most vigorous and successful efforts towards the punishment of the villains are made the lives of hundreds instead of tens of white men may be sacrificed.

Unfortunately the hands of our Government are to a certain extent tied in the matter; the dreadful occurrence has taken place in another country, and our Government must fold its hand and await the action of the rulers of the neighboring colony. But, everybody demands, are we to stand idly by when dozens of Victorians are being murdered, and make no effort to avenge them or prevent further atrocities? The blood of our murdered countrymen calls loudly for signal and sweeping vengeance. It is mere folly to await the tardy action of the authorities. Let the citizens take the matter in hand at once – to-day! There are hundreds of bold, hardy spirits who would at once volunteer to march against the savage murderers; hundreds of rifles in the hands of Government, and hundreds of citizens who will cheerfully contribute liberally to charter a steamer to convey the volunteers to the scene of the thrice repeated atrocities, where let them not stay their hands till every member of the rascally murderous tribe is suspended to the trees of their own forest – a salutary warning to the whole coast for years to come.