Aborigines of Van Diemen's Land, 1830-1840 - Page 244
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[Page 244]
to me, at least appears inconclusive and unsatisfactory. I insert Mr Hall's production from "Murray's Review"with the Editors's remarks thereupon.
(Here insert the Article)
Mr O'Halloran has since published an account of the affair, still more inexplicable than Mr Hall's explanation. The Major screens himself under positive instructions given him in writing by Colonel Gawler. Surely under British Law every one is considered innocent until it is otherwise proved in a Court of Justice. Have the Aborigines of South Australia surrendered their independence to the British Crown? If they have done so ostensibly, did they fairly and fully understand what such a treaty conveyed? If they have not made concessions, then they can only be regarded as "Alien enemy enemies", then and no legal or just process can they be put arbitrarily to death.
I am aware of the difficulties under which British Governors labour under in the Southern Colonies, and that