Speech #500009172

Vincent remained with the natives more than two years. and was treated by them with the utmost kindness and hospitality. sharing the shelter of their rude dwellings and their scanty food. which during the winter of 188787 was barely sufficient to avert starvation. It would seem not only just but expedient to testify our sense of the generous hospitality of those poor arid ignorait people. who. while suffering from want and hunger. performed such a signal act of humanity. So long as the enterprise of our people carries them into this dangerous sea such casualties will occur. and the assistance of the inhabitants of the Asiatic and American coasts will continue to be essential to the escape of our shipwreceked mariners. [he Secretary of the Treasury. in his last annual report. states that-"It is highly advisable that a moderate sum be used in purchasing suitable articles. to be sent by the next revenuecutter visiting those waters. as a reward to the natives who. in a condition very near starvation. sheltered and fed Vincent and his unfortunate companions." The committee recommend the passage of the accompanying bill and preamble.