The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-02-14
THE OREGON COUNTRY.
To De Ediler pfthr Union,

THE OREGON COUNTRY.
To he Ed!Or Of the Union!
DIAR STA: In my last but one spoke OF the for
ward and Aourishing state Of infant colony, and
then promised 10 treat OF some of the causes that
have led TO this astonishing change in that new and
interesting country, where, only few years since,
few traders and rappers were to be seen, commin-
gied or surrounded with thousands Of Indians in a
most savage state, destitute Of every comfort arising
fom civilized life.
Now contrast their condition, together with that
Of the whites, and let US consider some Of the NOV
ing causes in this great work. And hero allow me
10 introduce an extract from the report Of Hon.
VIM. Medill, our present commissioner Of Indian
Affairs, so credable to the missions fthat country
and the missionary cause
"Ths advancement made in civilization by the
numerous tribes Of Indians in that remote and hth-
sro neglected portion Of our territory, with so few
advantages, ID a matter Of surprise. Indeed the red
men OF that region would almost seem to be Of diff.
ferent order from those with whom have been
in more familiar intercourse. A few years since the
face of a white man was almost unknown 10 them
Now, through the benevolent policy Of the various
Christian churches, and the interchangeable exertons
Of the missionaries in their employ they have pre-
serbed and weladapted rules for their government,
which are observed and respected TO degree worthy
Of the most intelligent whites.
They are turning their attention to agricultural
in their possession, already produce sufficient in
some places TO meet their every want. Among some
Of the tribes hunting has been almost entirely ADAM
doned-msny individuals looking wholly to the soil
for support. The lands are represented as extreme
ly fertile, and the climate healthy, agreeable, and
uniform"
But TO the Christian churches and pious mission.
aries not alone indebted for our improved and
advanced state in OTegonI for while ascribe much 10
the pous exertlons Of those devoted missionaries in
our early struggles both for the whites and Indians
and regard their cause the highest and hottest that
ever engaged the heads or hearts of men, yet it is
but just to say that through the benevolent policy
Of the Hudson Bay Company, vast deal has been
effected to better the condition Of both whites and
Indians in that territory II was of their chief
traders that first taught the keyuse tribe to look
uHthrough nature to natures God for light truth,
and heaven; and it was he, too, who gave the
first lessons and impulses these poor red children
Of the forest in agriculture, which has been 80 sue
cessfully followed up by our esteemed friend Dr.
Marcus Whitman, who, with his intellectual lady,
has been laborng with that interesting people for
the last ten years This tribe raise all the commo-
dities peculiar to our western States and live in
comfortable manner. Their country is verdant
and beautiful one, and their prospects for ultimate
civilization encouraging.
The Nesperces are, upon the whole, the brightest
example of the beneficial influence of missionary
labor in that part Of the world; and | have much
teSlInOny 80 UlStlnCtV favorable
to cause of such disnterested benevolence as that
which has produced so happy change in the con-
dition of that remarkable people.
Its but ten years since Rev. H. H. Spauldng
and lady, accompanied by DR.. and Mrs Whitman,
first braved the Rocky mountains and planted them
selves in that dark portion of EARTH for the purpose
Of enlightening, Chrstlanizing, and lettering the
condition of the poor aborgines of that dis,an,
region.
AT that time their condition was deplorablc, and
their prospects gloomy in the extreme. By right
Of solemn treaty between two great Christian ma
tons, they had been stripped of their beaver, OF
ter, elk, deer and antelope, and nearly all Of ma
lures provisions for her native sons and daueh-
ters.
But here must break the thread of this interest
ing subject, promising TO continue it in nv next.
and give to many anxious citizens some late import
ant information from our esteemed friend, Ju ice
Douglass, of Illinois, who, by his asciduitv and
we'll directed efforts upon the subject can probably
speak fully the sense Of national Congress as
any one concerning the Oregon question; and from
his statement, corroboratve of so many others. |
feel now fully satisfied that measures will speedily
follow the late popular expression of that body,
and our citizens who may embark, or have already
succored and encouraged to an extent heretofore
never done in the settlement of our Territories
There is a good reason for so doing, and I am
much grat.ied that the enlightened sense of our ma
tionnl Congress perceive and appreciate this; and
that in head and heart they are rightly disposcd
towards such go so far to turn that savage will
derness into an improved and civilized land.
And now say to my numerous correspondents
upon this subject, that no longer entertain any
fears or doubts but that Congress will make the
prohercd grant Of section Of land to each actual
settler, and that from three to FIVE thousand dollars
will be bestowed upon the colony for library; and
that handsome appropriation will be made for the
erection OF public buildings, lands granted for the
creation Of school fund.- &c, &c; and would here
say in view Of these profers, no longer entertain
graft e to Oregon over that Of any other part Of our
wide domain.
Indeed any one who secures a section of land in
the valley Of the Willamette, "and our laws allow
him to go and select il where he pleases," secures
the foundation Of a handsome Independence; and
there, under the influence Of that salubrious and
genial climate, he may rear his family, grow his
herds, cultivate his vineyard, and raise in rich
abundance all the fruits peculiar to the northern
and western States.
As to the best method Of getting there, have
only to say, as have twice passed around Cape
Horn through the Pacific by way Of the Sandwich
Islands TO the mouth of the Columbia and as often
crossed the Rocky mountains, am Of the opinion
that those who reside in the West, and have their
teams and herds on hand, so useful to them on their
arrival, that land trip is the most advisable, while
those east Of the Allegheny mountains would do
better TO go by sea. most favorable opportunity
will present itself to sail from Boston about the 18th
Of March, with excellent accommodations for the
passengers. The ship large and connexions; the
fare Of the best description; the captain expert
enced and well acquainted with the coast the
ship-owner, Lewis w. Tsppan; and the terms the
moderate sum Of one hundred and fifty dollars for
each adult, TO be literally supplied with cabin pas
sengers' fare and landed safely in the Columbia, or
at Astoria in western Oregon. Some passengers
who have previously visited Oregon will probably
embark on board that vessel.
Those who conclude "a. 90 in N. othsr direction