Rutland herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1823-1847, 1841-10-05

the clam on the part Of tina, power, only goes
TO show, II that nj this day could be necessary,
the Unsuitable avatce, and the grasping dispo-
slton OF that ambitious nation.
They already possess in North America,
1875, 900 square mites, with population Of a
million and n half.
la South America, los 600 square miles
with population of 10000.
In the West Indies. $4,000 square miles.
with population ofone million.
In Africa, 100000 square miles, with pop
ulation Of $4,000
Ia Austral Asia, 500. 900 square miles, with
a population Of 100000
la Ceylon, 24.644 square miles, with pop
ulat,on of one million.
In Gibraltar and the islands of the Mcdit-
erranean, 5000 square miles with a popula-
ton Of 100000.
In and beyond H'ndostan, ,O96 ? Il square
miles with population of l45,6i2,5i7.
Here, then, are colonial possessions enough
to satisfy avarice and ambition itself Blu, no
that nation still interposes a claim to the
Oregon Territory, and would willingly shut
out the Un,ed States from the Pacific Ocean.
This unjust and impudent claim will never
be countenanced for moment by the Ameri-
can people. The Oregon Territory is ours by
right of discovery, by occupancy, and by
treaty. and not foot of il will be surrender
ed 10 Great Britain. so long as we possess
strong arms, firm and patriotic hearts, and the
necessary means to defend It.
Its possession is essential TO the United
States for the control of The Indian population,
in the rear Of our Western States; and its
value 10 us in a commercial point o. view at
this early day, can hardly be imagined, and n
longer delay TO occupy it, must and will be
productive OF lasting injury to the nation
On tins interesting and important subject,
then, our negotiations with Great Britain
should be Immediately renewed, and their pre-
tended claim should be formally relinauished.
BY the convention with Great Britain of
1918, it was stipulated, as it regards the ter
rtory west Of the Stony Mountains, and on
the north west coast, that any country which
may be claimed by either party, shall, with
its harbors, bays, rivers, &c. be fee and open
for the term of len years. to the vessels, ci,-
zens, &c. of both powers And by the con.
vention Of 1927, with the same power, tina, OF
1918 was indefinitely extended, with permis.
sion of either party to abrogate it, upon twelve
months notice.
The whole OF that territory, then, il free
and open 10 the citizens OF the United States,
and they have right to trade and to settle in
any portion of 1t. And the true policy of the
United States TO encourage such settlement
speedily, by numerous and hardy popula-
ton, - too evident to require arguments 10
prove It. And with such soil and climate.
and the ultimate advantages i: would secure
with proper encouragement from the govern
ment, It cannot be doubted, that such pop
uIaton would speedily be obtained.
10 that end, conditional grants might be
made 10 settlers on the south side ofthe Co
lumba river, at lis mouth and near the falls
TO which the Indian title should be speedily
exungnlshed and the settlers nigh, be car
red free Of expense by the United States and
other suitable Inducements held out to them.
The value Of such a population in the Ore
gon Territory, in n military and commercial
point OF view and the influence they would
soon obtain over the Indian population, If
composed OF moral and intelligent citizens,
can easily be conceived; and such pupua
ton could not fail to be secured, If the gov.
eminent should hold out sufficient induce.
ments for limited period.
Oh such procedure on the part OF the Uni
ted States, Great Britain would have no right
10 complain for she has virtually acknow-
edged our title 10 all the territory south Of
the Columbia river and if she did complain.
hti NDbpin'N's WOulu Dc gfOuHdleSs, lOf our
right TO the whole territory Is undoubted
SELF defence is the first law Of nature and
our western States and Territories cannot be
eliectually defended against the Indian pupu-
la,lon, without occupying that territory and
the day is not far distant, when no small por-
,lon Of our national troops will be necessary
IN that region.
To doubt this, is to doubt tha, a spirit OF
rivalry will exist between the Hudson BAY
Company and our own citizen. ia the fur
trade, or that the time will come when that
company will excite feeling. Of hostility
among the Indians under their control against
Us.
We have .een the operations Of the English
East India Company we have seen the acts
oihostllity between the rival British fur com
panles on our own continent We must there
fore, be as sure, as We can be OF any event
which is yet TO happen, that day i. not far
distant when the Hudson Bay Company will
induce their Indians to make war. Yes, 10
er,erminste our feeble population, and solita-
ry traders in the Oregon Territory, unless a
population sufficiently numerous, shall be
speedily thrown into that country, backed by
a..