The Kalida venture. [volume] (Kalida, Ohio) 1841-1865, 1845-03-28
SPEECH
OF DR.. Duncan, Of Ohio,

or hepTCSeHtuttOtc, o"""J 80, AO
The House having resolved itself into
Committee of the Whole on the state OF the
Union, and taken up the above bill
Mr.. DUNCAN addressed the committee
as follows:
Mr.. CHAIRMAN: There is no national am
bition greater than the ambition OF acquiring
territory. There is no national measure
which so universally meets with the public
approbation in all governments, at all times,
az the ACQUISITION of territory. There is no
nol;cy which so much aggrandIzes nation
as tbe ACQUISITION of territory, whether 1t be
acquired by conquest, by purchase, or by
ccssion; nor is there any policy under a
good and wel-d;rocicd government winch
Secures so much happiness, prosperity, and
independcnce to the people. The truth or
all This is 10 be found in tho history nt tho
civilized and unciv'zed world. The mpor-
tancc of the acquisition of territory, both IN
q national and individual sense, is Increased
tcn-fold when applied TO republican govern
ment. or government OF tree institutions
and equal rights, coupled with the i'c' 'ha'
whatever acquisition Of territory is made, be-
comes the property Of the people, and opens
the way for the spread of free institutions
and personal liberty.
Every citizen of free government looks
upon every acre of additional territory as an
acquisition to his present fortune, and as a
future inheritance to his poster'ty, as wei as
an additional guaranty 10 the duration OF the
free principles of his government. WIN
these principles, to which will have again
10 refer, | will proceed 10 consider the bill
beGorc rs. This bill provides for creating a
government in the Territory of Oregon
For tbe information Of those who may
road me. (who NAV not have better oppoF-
tunitios,) / will give briefly the geo9mphy
and the history of Oregon; and hFst' OF ,nc
GEocRApnY.-Orcgon is situated on INC
Pacific ocean. between the parallels OF 10
and 54dep. 4Omn. of north llItuda bounded
on the west by the Pacific ocean, and on 'nG
east by the Rocky mountains. 1t IS drained
by the river Columbia and lis tributary
streams. The eastern portion OF oregon IS
both hilly and mountainous. There arc ,nIee III
ranpes of mountains, the Cascade, the bluc
Ridge. end the Rocky, running parallel with
the coast OF the Pacific, gradually increasing
in height as they rocode from the ocean, IA
great portion Of the soil between tho ilfst
rance of mountains and the coast is SAID TO
be Of superior quality, and friendly TO Inc
production of most of our North American
grains, plants, and fruits. Most OF those VINO
have visited the Oregon territory, unite III
representing it as possessing many superior
advantages in point of agriculture, trade, and
commerce. have room for but small por-
ton of the evidence in support OF these ad-
yontapes: but cannot forbear introducing
the evidence of LieutenPnt Wilkes OF the
United States navy, a gentlemen OF command,
ipo character for truth and veracity. as well
as an eyneYienccd Judge of that to which he
hears evidence. Lieutenant Wilkes speaks
from personal observation. have room Tor
but short extract of his description, which
he made, say, from actual observation,
while in the employ of the government. lie
says: -. ..
n he found so rich in SOIL so diversified i'll surface,
or 40 capable of being rendered the happy abode OF
an Industrious and civilized community FOR
boautv of scenery and sGiiibTiity OF climate, " IS
not surpassed. tits peculiarly adapted for an ag-
ricultura and pastoral people, and no portion OF OF
tho world beyond the tropics can be found thnt VIII
weld so readily, with moderate labor, to the wants
of man. All the productions OF the States except
Indian corn, grow luxuranty, and produce abuIl-
dontlv. The experiment Of ruising maize by help
of irrigation had not been sufficient to determine
ito productiveness. Oranges, lemons, cltrons,
noroeoranates, and vegetables common to the
warm climates, can be cultivated here. The trlal
has been already made, and found to be success
full. The cotton plant is said to flourish we'll
The raising of cattle and sheep must become an
extensive and profitable business, as no labor is
reouired to store their food, to furnish stables
in winter"
Ofthe resources in trade, he says:
sTbc indigenous products of Oregon are i'm
mense. They will for a long time afford the
means of an extensive and profitable trade with
the islands and coasts of the Pacific. Timber OF
nil essential kinds except walnut, and OF the lrst
nuolitv. is abundant. and can be easily obtained
and prepared for market.
s. It grows in great profusion along the banks
of boatable rivers, into which fall smaller and
more rapd streams, which afford an endless mum
her of the most excellent miseats. Lumber will,
for aqes to come, furnish leading article OF eX-
mort. 1t can be prepared at small expense, and
forwarded with little delay. The demand is
GREAT, and must continue to increase as the popu-
iation increases along the coast and on the Pacific
islands The prices are high, and will not be
very likely to be much diminished"
But, sir, have neither time nor space for
either geographical or statistical details If
| had, I might adorn my speech with a
description of the best salmon fishing in the
world: with climate as mild as Italy; with
plains green and always growing; with hills
fertile and mantled with the most valuable
timber, and with lofty mountains, covered