ren in Africa. At the same
time, they have conferred an equal benefit on the world. They supply a
demand for labor which can not otherwise be met, and their products not
only clothe the civilized world, but also are the life-blood of its
commerce.

It is not necessary to the discussion of this topic, that we should show
_what_ are the laws of nations, applicable to the different races
enumerated by Mr. Adams; though it is manifest to the most casual
observer, that the laws applicable to them are radically different. What
would be thought of a minister at the court of St. James, who should
propose to carry out with Great Britain, the same course of policy we
pursue towards the Indian tribes; or of the English minister at our
capital, who would exact from us the concessions required of the rajahs
of India, or the chiefs of Australia? The radical difference is this:
among civilized and Christian nations, the law recognizes a perfect
equality, and requires an entire reciprocity; but between an elevated
and a degraded or inferior race, this inequality is recognized, and an
influence and a superiority is accorded to the one, which is denied to
the other. This is well illustrated by our present intercourse with
Mexico, and should we establish a protectorate over that unhappy
country, for their good and our own, it would be in strict accordance
with these principles. With some nations we have diplomatic intercourse,
on terms of perfect equality and reciprocity; others we treat as
inferiors, and assume over them some degree of control, while we
nevertheless recognize them as legitimate governments. But there are
other nations or races, with whom we form no diplomatic relations, and
whose governments we do not recognize. In this latter class are included
most of the inhabitants of Africa, and of Hayti; or in other words, the
_negro race_. The reason is, that those nations performing their duties
to the human race, according to the ordinance of God, are to be
recognized as not needing our assistance, or requiring our guardianship;
those fulfilling only in part, should be considered in a state of
tutelage, but those that fulfill none, or but few of these duties,
require to be made subservient to the superior races, in order that they
may fulfill the great ends of their existence. This subordination has
existed in all times, among all nations, and with all races. But as soon
as any race became so developed as no longer to require it