The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1858-10-21

Z
expedition was seriously affected by this in
famous conduct and duplici,y in Lpz /;
but be nevertheless returned with materials,
surveys and information which will prove
@ lasting benefit To the commercial world.
Ills report, 10 the shape Of personal nara.
tive. will shortly appear from the press OF
the Harpers, and his maps have already
been sought for by the British Govern
rnent.
The fate Of the trading company was not
much better. Mr.. Hopkins, returning to
this country from Paraguay with the assa'
rance Of tbe personal friendship and govern
mental aid Of Lopez, as we have already
mentioned. addressed himself to leading mer.
chants and capitalists Of this city and Prov
idcncc, for the purpose Of establishing
company 10 take advantage OF this favora.
BILE opening. lie represented the fertility
and natural products Of Paraguay TO be
what they really are-second TO cone other,
10 proportion 10 its Area, On the face Of the
globe. After some months negotiation
Joint stock association was formed 10 this
city, with capital OF 100000, for the
purpose Of carrying out the project but It
met with considerable opposition from the
friends and representatives OF American
houses In Buepos Ayrcs and Montsvideo,
who feared their profitable commissions and
their control Of the river business would be
lost II direct trade was opened TO Az.
sumption by new and wealthy pnrties.
But four gentlemen OF this city finally join.
cd the enterprise, which was taken up and
carried through in Providence by the exer-
ton OF number Of capitalists, Lieutenant
Governor Arnold, DR.. Darlington and his
friends and the Office Of the company was
subsequently moved there, under charter
obtained from the State OF Rhode Island.
A steamer called the Roger Williams was
purchased in Philadelphia, brought round
10 this city, and put in order Tor the voyage,
under the direction of Mr.. Copeland, engi.
ncer, and Mr.. Collyer, shipbuilder. A very
large sum Of money was expended upon her;
everything was done TO make her not only
seaworthy, but available On her arrival, Tor
the river trade. The association, in the
meantime, was busy in securing their ad-
vantag,s in other respects. The leading
idea was to open TO American commerce
and manufactures new and valuable out
let. with the certainty Of receiving in return
articles Of great commercial value, rs well
a. novelty 10 establish an uDiailing mar.
kct for American products, when those Of
Europe should become overcrowdcd or I'M
profitable !" to developc the arts and scien
ccs among an amiablc and kind hearted
people, and To elevate the condition OF a
South American Republic, isolated, produc-
tive, fertile, rich, but in want Of renumcra-
tive outlets Tor its products. Certainly il
there ever was an enterprise deserving OF
the respect Of the American commercial
world il was this il ever one should he
welcomed Ia South America IL was this
Assorted cargoes were sent out by the com
pany having reference to the wants and
tastes Of the country, and the American
manufactures most suitable TO their condi.
ton and habits AZ its forests contain the
rarcst and the most beautiful woods, Of fine
grain and diversified colors. saws and ma.
chimes to veneer them we're sent out. As
its tobacco is equal 10 that OF Cuba. whole
gang Of experienced workmen from that
island, supcrintended by u gentleman con-
versant with the manufacture, with all the
known recent machinery Of the trade, down
10 the wrapping paper, silk ties and stamps
suitable for the packing, were provided
Every shape in which tobacco is used was
regarded in the purchase as appropriate ma
chinery AZ the rice Of the country was
abundant and only required proper treat,
ment to become an active article of trade,
machinery Tor hulllug and cleaning it were
shipped.
Mr. Brent, in hs journal Of an early visit
to Paraguay, stated that rice huler would
not only make the fortune Of the proprietor,
bu, do u lasting service to tho peoplc, who
still ate their rice with u portion Of the husk.
Flows. harrows. drills, shoyels, spades, cot
ton gins, steam engines, printing presses,
jowelry, saddles. horse equipments, firearms,
cannon, al organ for the cathedral books,
writing paper soap. articles in ivory, boots,
hats. cotton cloths-in short. everything the
Paraguayans wanted for comfort or progress
was sent on, by the company. and in pretty
large amounts. BY the single exchange of
this merchandise alone. according TO the
prices current, payable in the produce Of
the country, the company was sure OF a
profit Of four or five hundred per cent. aud
no doubt their reclamation will be some
thing 10 this extent. In addition to these
investments, costly presents were sent out to
Lopez and his family. A splendid coach,
elegantly emblazoncd with the arms Of Par.
aguay. large silk flag for the palace, u
couple OF howi,zers, u gold watch set in
diamonds. Tor the wife Of the President, and
silver mounted gar,hn tools for his daugh-
ter, were also forwarded. In short, in all
respects, il was the best chosen, bcst fitted
out, and most valuable cargo ever sent on,
10y any company for such purpose. II ar.
r,ed safely. Not so the steamer FL Para.
quay. This vessel was disabled in storm
oil the eoas, OF Brazil ran into Maranham /;
WAS examined, condemned and sold. Her
freight and passengers were r,eshippcd, and
finally arrived safely a, Asuncion. On the ar
rival OF the party, ,heagent and consul,
Mr., Hopkins, was treated with the utmost
corliali,y--ind,ci with distinguished hon.