, 1858-12-17
GOVERNORS MESSAGE.

Fsllor Citisens Of the Legislative Asssm6ly:
In the absence Of the Executive, | have the
honor to respond to your call not, however,
under the same circumstances as when, three
wears ago. this duty devolved upon me-with an
Indian war in our midst-tho country wasted
and desolate-and the people gathered together
in forts and block-houses-but now with q
bright and cheering prospect before us.
/ congratulate you, fellow citizens, on the
present aspect Of affairs. Our Territory, so
long ignored, and even geographically known TO
but comparatively a few, has emerged from its
unmerited obscurity, and at once sprung into
Importance. The brilliant reports Of gold on
Frazcr's and Thompson's rivers have had their
natural effect upon the popular mind, and thou
sands have flocked to the new FL Dorado Of the
north. Ships from the cities Of the Atlantic sea-
board, and from various other parts Of the
globe, arc advertised, as direct for this portion
Of the world, and heavy overland emigrations,
IN the ensuing spring, are crediby reported.
In this great influx Of population, it may reason
ably be expected many will find new home
within our Territory.
From the exaggerated reports that were first
circulated, thousands at once rushed to the new
fields Of fortune-ignorant Of the nature Of tho
country. It's rivers, and its climate,-and, many
of them. of the nature Of the occupation they
had entered upon. Consequent upon this undue
excitement, was reaction, and many have re-
turned discouraged, in proportion as they had
been previously elated. Gold, however, is there.
From the conflicting nature Of the reports, it is
difficult to say in what quantities or how aces
sible. The best information have been able to
obtain, leads me to believe that good wages can
be madc.-and this is confirmed by the fact that
several thousand miners have remained there,
with the intention Of spending the winter in that
region.
In reference to the restrictions imposed upon
the free navigation Of Frazcr's river, the intro
duction Of merchandise into the interior, and
the general rights Of American citizens in that
quarter have to state that the general govern
ment have sent out as Special Agent the Hon.
John Nugcnt, by whom these and all other
grievances Of our citizens will be investigated,
and referred to the proper department. and we
can rest assured that so important matter will
meet with the attention which it deserves, and
the international intercourse be placed upon
such basis as to prevent all furthIr annoyance.
In this connection, will l. your attention to
the necessity Of new port Of entry, at some
point to the north, near the boundary line.
Fort Langley, near the mouth Of Frazer's river,
has been selected as the scat Of Government for
British Columbia, and is to be made port ol
entry. As matter Of facility and convenience
to American commerce and navigation, it is ex-
pedient that there should be some point near the
British possessions where vessels could effect q
clearance without being necessarily compelled Ia
20 out Of their way to the present Custom House
at Port Townsend. l suggest this as subject
for memorial.
In the interest that is being manifested in the
mines to the north Of our boundary line, the re-
sources within our own limits should not be neg.
lccted. Mining has already been carried on sue.
cessfully in the neighborhood Of Fort Colvilc,
and gold is known to exist on the Yakima and
all its branches. The Indians reduced to sub.
lection and peace, and the country thoroughly
prcspccted, Il is not hazarding too much TO say,
that we anticipate the development Of mines
which will equal in richness those Of tho British
Possessions.
Consequent upon the gold excitement, miners
began to pass through the interior section Of the
Territory on their way to the mines. This, as
in 1866, became the occasion for Indian rob
berries and murders. Col Stoptoe advanced
into their country, and was utterly routed.
Active and vigorous measures were at once taken
BY Gen. Clarke, Commanding General oi the
United States Army for the Pacific coast, and
ample forces, under the command Of Colonel
Wright and Maj. Garnett, were sent into the
field. After series OF brilliant and success
fnl engagements, the Indians were completely
routed, and reduced to submission-their prop
erty destroyed, and hostages gwen Tor Their
iuture good benavior' feace mas oecn estao'
lished. It may, however, be doubted whether
permanent peace, such as shall, Tor time to come,
render e. the ille oi wete man sacred, can % DC