James Bonwick

thumb| James Bonwick (8 July 1817 – 6 February 1906) was an English-born Australian historical and educational writer. Quotes The Last of the Tasmanians (1870) In the establishment of Australian colonies, the motive was either the convenience of Government in ridding England of a social curse and incubus, or the cupidity of men of enterprise. The weal of the Native was not contemplated . . . . With the organization of Spanish empires in America it was otherwise. The idea was not one of mere conquest and lust, but, strange to say, of assumed Christian feeling and benevolence. Alas! to carry out that principle, the steel armour accompanied the linen cassock; the clanking of swords mingled with the exhortation of preachers; the smoke of ruined cities rose with the perfume of the censer; and the shrieks of victims entered the portals of heaven, in company with hymns to the gentle Jesus. . . . If there was a Cortez, there was a Las Casas. Ch. XIV (pp. 370–1) External links Category:Memoirists from Australia Category:Historians from Australia Category:Memoirists from England Category:Historians from England Category:1817 births Category:1906 deaths