, 1858-07-02

NNeu dL our OOuTL hJ buckingham
Palace, 30th day of May, 1888.
BY her Majesty's command.
(Signed) =. s.. GLENELo.
E4-The subjoined matter-offact, and
dispassiouate article, in which is contained
much well-timed and healthy advice to sd-
venturers after gold in the British posses
sionS, we copy from late number of the
San Francisco Bulletin. We entirely con
cur with the Bulletin that prudence should
dictate to American citizens the propriety
of On acquiescence in the authority and
policy Of the Hudson's Bay Company, as
promulgated by Gov. DOUGLAS, rather than
embroil themselves, and perhaps the gov
ernment, by bidding defiance to the procla-
nations Of that functiOnary, no matter
whether the power with which be appears
to be vested be real or assumed. If he has
or is transcending his authority, his own
people and government will hold him re-
spOnsible. Under any circumstances, for
The present, at least, it would be the part Of
wisdom for miners to obtain license before
entering upon the diggings, as also for
traders to respect the maritime laws which
are sought to be enforced upon Frazer's
river. 1t has been but two weeks ago, it
will be remembered. since we Published the
intelligence received that Mr.. S. MoCAw,
of Steilacoom, had some two thousand dol
lars worth Of merchandise seized and con
fscated by the officers of the Hudson's Bay
Company, at Fort Langley. In the same
article it was also announced that the
schooner Black DIeE, and cargo, belonging
to Messrs. TnTON & GIBsoN, shared like
fate. This, however, was an error. No
seizure or cODfscatiOn was made, although
these gentlemen were forbidden to pass up
Frnzer's river with their vessel and cargo,
and had fallen back to Point Roberts, on
the American side.
Concerning the policy of the Hudson's
Bay Compauy-their determination, if pos
sible, to keep all the trade afforded BY the
mines in their own hands-we win have
something more to say at another time. 10
the meantime, we would advise our fellow
citizens to ''rather submit to the temporary
annoyance Of Gov. DoUsLAs restrictive
policy, than awaken pFejudices against
ourselves which may permanently injure
Us, by attempts to syade or resist We
have Just been placed in possession Of a
copy Of the present charter Of the Hudson's
Bay Company. and will publish It at our
earliest convenience. f-s~ 4,
The article referred to from the BaReiin
is as follows ~.
RighiS Of the RudsoR'S Bay Company.
Just at this time, considerable interest Is
felt by people bereabouts 10 the question as
to the right Of the Hudson's Bay Company
to the exclusive trade with the Frazer river
region, which promises to soon become Of
great Importance. Governor Douglas has
issued proclamation in which he declares,
that, under tho charter with the English
Government, the Company which he repre-
sents has the exclusive right TO trade with
the Indians 10 the British Possessions on
the northwest coast Of Amarica; and warns
those interested, that, after fourteen days,
all vessels with their cargoes found 10 Fra
zer river, or any other river or bay IN the
British Possessions on this coast, without
license from the Hndson's Bay COMPANY,
shall be liable to seizure and Forfeiture
This proclamation has caused not q little
discussion, and IS destined no doubt to be
narrowly canvassed here and on the other
side Of the water, for II strikes against
Yankee and Englishman alike, and rules
out all who are not connected with the
Hudsoh's Bay Company. ' 'l' 20
Some people here contend, that taking
Gov. Douglas own proclamation as q true
exposition Of the nature Of tho charter, Il
is evident that he has exceeded his anthori-
ty in taking the step that be has BE says
that the charter gives bis Company the ex-
elusive right to trade with the Indians Of
the country; but he seeks now to retain the
same advantage in the rapidly Increasing
trade With the whites who are filling uD
said country. To this argument It IS re-
piled, that It is mere quibble upon words;
when the charter was granted, the Indians
were the sole inhabitants Of this Northwest
Territory, aud the intention Of the English
Government was TO confer upon the Com
pany the exclusive right to trade with all
the people there for a number Of years At
tho time the word was used, INDIAN
meant everybody there; and II will be con
strued 70 mean everybody there now.
Rejoinder is made from the other side,
that Il the charter is to be liberally con
strued according to its intention when
granted, rather than its letter, still the
Company cannot claim the exclusive right
to the trade of the countrY as it is now de-