The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1858-08-01
THE LATEST NEWS.
Our speciAI W aahir gton Despasch.


THE SALE OF THE HUDSON BAY COMPAHYs PRO-
PTRTy IN OREGON TO THE GovERSMEST-THx
PARAGUAY MrssIoN-wHAr WILL GEN. JKREz DO!
WASHINGTON. July 81, 1868.
The Hudson's Bay Company are now anxious, X
seems, to negotiate with government for a sale
of their trading posts in Oregon and Washington
Territories together with their possessory rights in
c!udng those Of the Pugets Sound Agricultural
Company. There is said to be large numbers Of
horses, cattle and sheep to be included in this
sale.
Before our government pays, or agrees 10 pay, six
hundred thousand dollars for the above il Is to be
hoped they will thoroughly investigate the whole
affair. have learned from parties who have some
knowledge to the value and condition of the pro-
perry proposed to be turned over to the United
States by these two companies certain important
facts.
There are ten or twelve Of what were called forts
or trading posts within the two Territories all of
which old, and in a dapidated state. The lands
on which these posts are located are claimed under
the Oregon land law of lsls by persons claiming to
be citizens Of the United States all of whom arc or
have been, factors, clerks or servants Of the com.
pany.
Therefore neither the old buildings nor the lands
they stand can be conveyed TO the United States
by these companies and the trade now carried on in
the name Of the Hudsons Bay Company at the posts
in question will be continued 80 long il is profa
bic, with or without some other name. Then, IL the
trade may be continued at the same posts by those
claiming 10 be citizens OF the United States, what
do we get for the s6O000Og The surrender on the
part of the company Of the right to navigate the
Columbia river. and no mora very Improbable
right IL would be. As 10 the large numbers OF
horses cattle and sheep to be turned 10 60
yernmont in this trade, il would amount 10 about as
much as il would 10 buy of the company the salmon
running in the Columbia river,
Some years ago this same question was agitated
and when an agent OF the United States inquired OF
Governor Ogden. then President Of the Hudson's
Bay Company, TO the cattle he said that the CON-
pany ought to own large number Of them in the
woods somewhere-that is, il the Indians had not kill
ed them all of. There is "a niger in the fence" in
connection with this proposed sale. IL is not likely
that Governor Stevens, Of Washington Territory
recommends the purchase as reported because few
years age am informed, he was of opinion that our
government ought not TO pay anything for the rights
Of the company.
The Navy Department is making all possible pro
gress for sending suitable feet OF vessels 10 Para
quay. There seems to be almost as much difficulty
with the President and at the State Department in
selecting suitable person as Commissioner as there
is to find proper vessels. The administration appre.
ciates fully the importance of the mission. II re-.
quires a man of practical, statesmaalike views
firmness Of character with gentlemanly susvity Of
manners, and who can converse well-not merely
translste-the Spanish language.
II is expected that General Jerez, who has not yet
arrived in Washington, has been invested with full
powers TO treat definitely the Cass Yrsarri treaty
II he be not he had better remain away as the ad
ministration will certainly not enter again into
negotiation for the sake Of killing time and TO I've
again humbugged by reference to the miserable and
ephemeral governments Of Nicaragua.