The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1853-05-07

| to the PacInc ocean, map vi W oS"i"e WI
| Territory. and thence eastward to the hea
waters Of the Mississippi; maps Of the Cascad
range, Rocky mountains, and other crltlca
points of the route, and of the mountain passes
AS it will be necessary to determine the ca
pacity of the adjacent country to supply mate
rails for the construction of the road and of the
| Columbia and Missouri rivers and their trbu
taries to transport them, attention will be glver
to the geography and meteorology of the whole
intermediate region; to the seasons and charac-
tiers of the freshets; to the quantities and con-
tnuance of its rains and SHOWS, especially in
the mountain ranges to its geology, in arid
| regions, keeping in view the bringing of water
to the surface by means of artesian wells; to
the botany, natural history, and agricultural
and mineral resources; to the location, num-
bers, history, traditions, and customs of the
Indian tribes; and such other facts as may tend
to the solution of the railroad problem.
| We learn, further, that after the completion
of the survey of the mountain passes, probably
| in October or November next, such portions of
the escort and scientific corps as will not be
needed in the operations toward the Pacific
will be despatched homeward by new routes,
in order to obtain still further knowledge of the
geography Of the country; and it is hoped that
a satisfactory report may be made to Congress
in February next.
The preparation and equipment of this expe
dition have been well considered, and every
man, from the principal to the humblest sub
altern, has been selected with reference to his
peculiar fitness for the duty assigned him. The
most effective means have already been EN-
ployed to conciliate and secure the good will of
the various Indian tribes inhabiting the regions
| to be traversed; but for any demonstration of an
opposite feeling the party will be well prepared.
The Hudson's Bay Company has manifested
laudable disposition to render every aid in its
power to facilitate the operations of the expe-
diton, and the hospitality of its posts, and the
friendly offices of its agents may be depended
upon.
Though some of the Indian tribes of this
Territory are reputed to be ferocious and ma
lignant in character, they are generally superior
to those of their race with whom we are better
acquainted. In industry, thrift, and intelligence,
they far excel the eastern tribes. To act Justly
toward them, and to merit their respect and
confidence, will be the policy of Governor
STEVENS and his companions, in commentator
of whom we might say much, did we not
know that they possess the entire confidence of
the Administration and of the country. Their
duty is one of some peril, and will be attended
with great prvations and hardships. Often.
we doubt not, apparent impossibilities will
arise before them in such form as would deter
irresolute men from the contamination of the
task assigned them. But the reality of such
appearances will undoubtedly in each instance
be fully tested by this chosen band, in whose
safety and welfare, and in the triumph and
success of whose enterprise, their whole coun-
try will feel the deepest interest.