The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1859-09-02
Red River Settlement,

J d. p
From House of Commons Report in London Times. Aug
Mr.. Card wished to put question to
the Under-Secretary of the Colonies in ref
erence to Captain Pallsers expedition.
That expedition had been ordered by the
Government two years ago to examine the
country between Lake Superior and the
Rocky Mountains, within British territory,
The evidence before the Hudson's Bay
Committee had been so contradictory in re-
gard to the agricultural value of that coun. Z
try, that Government had very properly de-
termined to institute an impartial examina-
ton. The duty had been intrusted to Cap
tain Palliser, and the papers narrating that
officers proceedings had been lately laid be-
fore them. There were two points more
especially urged against the likelihood of
future misunderstanding and seve-
rity of climate. The first had been practi.
cally set at rest by the fact that a weekly
mail had now been established between st.
Paul and Red River, and a steamer was
now regularly plying on its waters. The
journey, which formerly occupied six weeks,
was now accomplished in eight days. And
should railway accommodation be carried, as
was contemplated, the journey from st. Paul
to the Red River Settlement might, before
long be performed in little more than 48
hours. The question of inaccessibility had
thus already received practical solution.
The country within British territory thus
opened up was of vast extent, the fertility of
the soil was confirmed by Captain Palliser,
and the fact that settlement, now nearly
1000 people, had, Notwithstanding every
disadvantage, maintained itself for 40 years,
was conclusive proof OF the fertility of the
country. At point still further west, on
the vast prairies, Captain Palliser came on
a scene which he thus described -" The
whole region as far as the eye could reach,
was covered with Bufaloes, in bands varying
from hundreds to thousands"
A days journey brought him to the banks
of the Saskatchewan, which at this point,
400 miles west of Lake Winnipeg. he des-
cribed as magnificent river, navigable for
crafts of any size" He mentioned the
existence of coal at several points, and,
thought his report was, in some respects, not
so full as might be wished, it confirmed the
opinion of those who urged upon the Gov
eminent the great capabilities of this vast
region. 1t would seem, indeed, likely to
prove for Canada an addition to its territory
of great and fertile prairie country, capa-
BILE of contending with the rich prairies of
the valley of the Mississippi. Captain Palli-
ser had likewise discovered pass across the
Rocky Mountains which would connect the
prairies of the Saskatchewan with British
Columbia. But in his last despatch of the
9TH OF October, 1858, he requested that
further instruction might be sent to him,
which would enable him to complete his
survey of the boundary line and of the Rocky
Mountains. He (Mr. Caird) had referred
to the question of climate. There was no
detailed information in the printed papers
on that point, and, as Captain Palliser had
sent home journal in which all such details
were embraced, he hoped that the journal
would be printed for the public information.
He trusted that no undue economy would
be practiced which might hinder the salts
factory prosecution of this interesting in
quiry. When it was considered that the
Canadas were our nearest colony, that they
had already line Of railway nearly 1000
miles in length, carrying communications at
all seasons of the year from the Atlantic to
Lake Huron, and that the result of this
exploration might add to them an almost
boundless extent of accessible and fertile soil
in healthy climate, which might yet be
peopled from this country, he thought the
House would not grudge the cost Of full
and careful examination.
Mr.. E. Ellice said he knew something of
the matter, and the statement of the Hon.
gentleman was pure fiction. Additional
information made it apparent that colonies
could not be established in the districts to
which he had referred. He hoped that no
more money would be wasted in this matter.
No information had been gained by Captain
Palliser which had not been in the possess
ion of the Hudson Bay Company for the last
40 years.
Mr.. D. Seymour entirely differed from the
view of the right hon. gentleman. Why
did not the Hudsons Bay Company COM
municate their information to the public du-
ring the last 40 years? (Hear, hear.)-
The results of Captain Palliser's expedition
were very important. The region in ques-
ton was very fertile. Captain Palliser had
discovered four passes through the Rocky
Mountains which might be made practical
Die for wheel carriages. Her Majesty's
Government ought to establish steam COM
munication between the Red River and Van
couver's island. The result of Captain Pal
Users expedition he (Mr Dandy Seymour,)
hoped would be considered this year by her
Majesty's Government.