The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1845-12-18

and 70 "slt and hold courts OF record 10
the trial Of criminal ofences and misde
meanors,' not made The subject Of capita
: punishment, aud also civil cases wher
the cause OF action shall not "eXceed il
value The amount or sum of two hunJret
= pounds,"
F. Subsequent 10 the date OF this act 0
Parliament, grant was made from tht
" BRUSH crown" 10 the Hudson's Bay
Company, Of the exclusive trade with tht
} Indian tribes in the Oregon territory, sub
ject 10 a reservation that ii shall not opc
rate 10 the exclusion cot the subjects o.
any foreign States who, under or by force
of any convention for the time being, be-
tween US and such foreign States respect
lively, may be entitled to. and shall be en-.
gagged in, the said trade"
Ii is much to be regretted, that, while
under this act British subj cts have enjoy
ed the protection OF British laws and Brit
sh Judicial tribunals throughout the whole
of Oregon, American citizens. in the same
territory have enjoyed no such protection
from their government. At the same
time, the result illustrates the character of
our people aud their institutions. In spite
of this neglect, they have multiplied, and
their number is rapidly increasing in that
territory. They have made no appeal to
arms, but have peacefully fortified them
selves in their new homes, by the adop,
ton Of republican institutions for them
selves; furnishing another example of the
truth that sefgoverEment is inherent in
the American breast, and must prevail -
1t is due to them that they should be en-
braced and protected by our laws.
1t is deemed important that our laws
regulating trade and intercourse with the
Indian tribes east off the Rocky mountains,
should be extended 10 such tribes as dwell
beyond them.
The increasing emigration to Oregon,
and The care and protection which is due
from the government 10 its citizens in that
distant region, make it our duty, as it is
our interest, 10 cultivate amicable relations
with the Indian tribes of that territory
For This purpose, l recommend that pro-
vision be made for establishing an Indian
agency, and such sub,agencies as may be
deemed necessary, beyond the Rocky
Mountains.
For he protection Of emigrants whilst
on their way 10 Oregon, against the at
lacks Of Indian tribes occupying the coun
try through which they pass, recommend
that a suitable number of stockades and
block house forts be erected along the usu-
al route between our frontier settlements
on tbs Missouri and the Rocky mountains;
and that an adequate force OF mounted ri>
femen be raised to guard and protect
them on their journey. The immediate
adoption of these recommendations by
Congress will not violate tho provisions
Of the existing treaty. 1t will be doing
nothing more for American citizens than
British laws have long since done for
British subjects in the same territory.
1t requires several months to perform
the voyage by sea from the Atlantic States
10 Oregon; and although we have a large
number Of whale ships in the Pacific, bat
few OF them afford an opportunity Of in
terchaugiug intelligence, without great
delay. between our settlements in that dis,
,aut region and the United States. An
overland mail is believed 10 be entirely
practicable; aud the importance OF esta5-
fishing such mail, at least once month,
is submitted 10 the favorable consideration
of Congress.
1t is submitted to The wisdom OF Con-
gress 10 determine whether, at their pres,
ent session, and until after the expiration
of The years notice, any other measures
may be adopted, consistently with the con-
vention of 1927, for the security OF our
rights. and The government and protection
Of our citizens in Oregon, That it will
ultimately be wise and proper TO make
liberal grants of land to the patriotic p;o~
neers, who amidst prigations and dangers,
lead the way through savage tribes inhab
ting the vast wilderness intervening be-
tween our frontier settlements and Oregon,
and who cultivate, and are ever ready 10
defend the soil, am fully satisfied. To
doubt whether they will obtain such grants
as soon as the convention between The
United States and Great Britain shall have
ceased to exist, would be to doubt the JUS
ltce of Congress but, pending, tbs years.
tnotice. it is worthy OF consideration wheth.
er stipulation to this effect may be made,
consistently with the spirit Of that coavcn-
ton.
The recommendations which | have
made, as to the best manner Of securing
our rights in Oregon, are submitted 10
| Congress with great Difference. Should
they, in their wisdom, devise any other
mode better calculated 10 accomplish the
same object, it shall meet with my hearty
concurrence.
A, the end Of the years notice, should
Congress think it proper to make provis~
ion for giving that notice, we shall have
reached period when national rights in