Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1839-04-18
From the Providence Journal.
THE OREGON TERRITORY,

fTOW WC ITUCWCUCG CUuTNW
THE OREGON TERRITORY.
1t is matter Of no little surprise, ibac
public attention has not been more strong
ly attracted towards that vast and magni-
fcent territory, stretching from the Rocky
Mountains to The Pacific Ocean, aud from
the AID to the 10th parallel of North lati-
Jude, blessed with all the advantages Of a
salubrous climate and fertile soil, waler-
ed by large naviSable rivers with unequal
led facilities for the fur trade and fisheries,
and far more than all, 80 situated, as 10
command with great advantages the rich
est commerce Of the world, the East In
dies.--the Oregon Territory, will, at no
far distant period, assume an importance
that has been little dreamed of. The
commerce of the Pacific Islands, which
are fast progressing in civilization, will be
alone OF inconccivable value, and from mo-
other point can that commerce be carried
on with such facilities as from the coast of
the Oregon. In fact, both from its intey-
nal resources aud from its favorable posi-
liOu in regard to other countries, the Ore
gon Territory is marked for great and
prosperous country. Nothing is wanting
but population with the industry and an
terprize which has characterized the har.
dy pioneers of The Western States. and
cities will spring up in hundred places;
ships will ascend the magnificent CoIum<
bia River, and leave upon its banks the
productions ofevery climate, receiving ia
return the rich rurs, The fish. and the agri-
cultural productions Of that country.
England, upon whose vast dominons
the sun never sels, and over whose inter-
esls the spirit of ambition and territorial
conquesls watches with as seepless an eye,
has long since known and appreciated the
vast importance Of the Oregon Territory.
II is the point wanting to complete her
commercial asccndancy. With Gibralta
and Malta she Cain control the Mediterra-
mean: Bermuda aud Trinidad, jamaica
and her North American possessions, fur
nisIl her strongholds, from which her fleets
can sweep the Atlantic. and return in safe
ty; New Holland, a continent ia itself, Sc
cures 10 her the Southern Ocean, and her
vast possessions in India. give her the
trade of the East. She lacks place
which will command The rich and increas-
ing commerce Of the Pacific Ocean, u
commerce which is daily growing in ex-
tent and importance, and which ifprope,ly
pursued, would probably yield richer
return than any which floats upon the
Ocean.
That place is the Oregon territory; and
although it belongs 10 The United States
by every claim which is acknowledged by
civilized naions as constituting sovereign-
ty, ov discovery, by occupation, and by
solemn treaty, still England has determir-
ed to possess it, and unless prompt and
decisive measures are adopted by our Cow
ernment she will have it. Already, lhro'
an immense and powerful chartered COM
pany, )the lIudsonBay Company sheis
making rapid strides towards that object.
The HUDSON Bay Company have erected
fors and trading houses within our limits,
and are continually Introducing large
quantities of goods within. the Jurisdiction
of the U. Staies.ofic without'paying
any duties. They AIRY on an immensely
profitable trade, both with Englaad and :
with theSanlwirh IsTantTs. and have OBJ
tanned a great influence over the Indians.
In the mean timef our own Government :
are taking no mems 10 maintain or:eyen
assert our sovereignty over This territory,
and in few years England will lay for-f
,nal claim to the whole Of it-and after
holding tie subject for years entangled ia
The web of diplomacy. (her citizens all the
while enjoying possession of,he country
>Gr. oh al
"fMaine,. some'province of less value
We are led TO these remarks from reading
a petiion flor copy Of which we are in Z
debted TO Gov. Knighr) of a number Of the
in the territory, askin. for thcpro
lection aud Legislation of Congress1
No proof Of Respectabaity--Ae young & s
woman brought before the Boston Police,
alledged in proof Of her respectablity,that
she was acquainted will, tsail The ]awyerxs