"Somewhat like human beings"

[eve_prime]

In the research I'm currently doing for my advisor, I keep coming across these pricelessly appalling quotations. Today's is from Georgia Sen. John Forsyth, speaking in 1830 on the desirability of uprooting the Cherokee people and "removing" them to Oklahoma (an event that did come to pass and is now known as the Trail of Tears):

"For the old and for the new States, this important object will be gained: a race not admitted to be equal to the rest of the community; not governed as completely dependent; treated somewhat like human beings, but not admitted to be freemen; not yet entitled, and probably never to be entitled, to equal civil and political rights, will be humanely provided for."

Except for the 4,000 who died en route, of course.