The first is to meddle at the outset as little as possible with every native custom and institution and even prejudice; the next is to use every existing native agency you can; and the next to employ in the government service just as few Americans as you can, and only of the best.
Reid emphasizes the importance of respecting native customs and minimizing American involvement in governance during expansion.
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More from Whitelaw Reid
But, in the main, they are surprisingly orderly, and cases of serious violence among them are quite rare.
And next, shall we not probably fare best in the end if we try to profit somewhat by the experience others have had in like cases?
Isn’t it better to have the laws in some way take the matter out of their hands and make them work?
Public sentiment was against the sale of lands to the Yankees; “Get white laborers,” they urged, “and in a year you’ll make enough to be able to hold on to your lands.