This indeed appears just, even generous, for the Red Man no longer has rights that he need respect, and the offer may be wise, also, as we are no longer in need of an extensive country.

Clearly, Chief Seattle's tone, within his 1854 Oration, had become by necessity conciliatory about white encroachment upon his people and their lands. Yet his words remain wistful and poignant, reflecting, as they do on just how much current Anglo presence and domination have permanently interfered with his peoples' long-cherished customs, beliefs, traditions, and practices. None of these possess either the least value or importance to whites themselves, who have without hesitation or remorse, imposed themselves and their own beliefs and practice upon Seattle's people and numerous other Native American tribes. In view of all that, Chief Seattle also notes, sadly but matter-of-factly: "the Red Man no longer has rights that he need respect."

Seattle...
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