The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1859-10-07
Interesting from We shingtOn.
AN ARRIVAL DIRECT FROM THE ISLAND OF
SAN JUAN.

SAN JUAN.
WASHINGTON, Sept. 25.-Col. Rankin,
Register of the Land Office at Olympia,
Washington Territory, has arrived here
from the Island of San Juan. He reports
that if the intentions of Gov. Douglass had
been carried out, there would have been a
collision between the British and American
forces, as the Satellite and Plumper had
orders from him to fire /; but Admiral Bayne
OPPORTUNITY arrived, and superseded him in
the command Of the English ships of war
five in number. The original misunderstood
ing was with the Hudson Bay Company,
the interests of which were represented by
Douglass.
The Island of San Juan had been in the
occupation of the Americans for at least
eighteen months, nobody seeming to ques.
ton their rights, and has been for longer
period considered and treated in all respects
as belonging to Washington Territory. 1t
was not until Gen. Harvey applied to, and
was informed by Boundry Commissioner
Campbell that our title to the island was
clear and certain, that he dispatched troops
thither, at the earnest request of the resi-
dents VINO claimed protection from British
aggression, and especially from the predato-
ry ircursions of the Northern Indians, who
had even taken and held possession of a
lighthouse for three days, and against whom
private expeditions had repeatedly been sent
to chastise them.
Col. Rankin says the people of Washing
ton and the Pacific States are unanimous for
our retention of the island, and such is their
enthusiasm that if the United States troops
should be directed to vacate it, private par
ties, in formidable numbers, would immedi-
ately occupy that important position, and
not surrender it without a severe struggle
But it is not supposed in this city that our
troops will be withdrawn as this would be
considered as an admission that our title is
clearly disputable.
1t may not be generally known that our
Government has recently confirmed bluff
of land containing acres-for military re-
servation, which is, if anything, farther
north than San Juan.
Our Government having sent Minister
of full grade to Vienna, that of Austria has
raised MIR. Hulsemann to an equal rank.
The latter will soon return to Washington.
The whole amount of the public land
surveys as returned to the General Land
Office for the year ending with the present
month is nearly $4,000 miles, or about 49,
100000 acres.
MIR. Hughes, OF Indiana, who was offered
the comissonership of the General Land
Office, has declined it. 1t will probably be
rendered to Samuel Smith, of Tennessee.
The Iames' Washington correspondent
says the report that President Mora de
signed returning to Costa RIGA and appeal
ing to the people, is without foundation, as
he remains in New York to await news
from home.
Instructions will be sent to Mr.. Demetry
on the 9Th of October directing him to rec
ognize at once the new Government, and
open negotiations of settlement of American
claims.
Information received in diplomatic circles
here would justify the belief that England
and France will again be allies in a terri
BILE war, and that China will be made to
suffer severely for her late attack upon the
English troops. The rumor that Russia
had finger in it is fully credited.