Ans: The Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 was passed by Congress as one provision of the Compromise of 1850. The harsh terms of the act angered many Northerners and contributed to the sectional division over slavery that led to the American Civil War.
This passage expresses some of the negative attitudes that English settlers had towards American Indians.
First, the quotes serve to highlight the fact that colonists did not feel particularly bad for the deaths of the natives, as they show no empathy towards them. They were most likely indifferent to the loss of culture and the disruption of family life that this caused as well.
Moreover, it shows that they knew the reasons why the Indians were dying (smallpox), but had no interest in taking any measures to prevent it.
Third, they show a sense of entitlement over the lands of the indigenous people. As most of them have died, and the population cannot defend itself, they have no problem in taking their land forcefully.
Finally, by comparing themselves to the Spanish, they also show awareness of the destruction and chaos that colonial powers have created in other places, and are thankful that they did not have to engage in a difficult war with the Native Americans.
This reference came from a comedian named Will Rogers, he used it do describe President Herbert Hoovers stimulus efforts during the Great Depression.
