St. Cloud Democrat. [volume] (Saint Cloud, Stearns County, Minn.) 1858-1866, 1860-05-17
The Red River Colony.

We observe by the recent foreign news
that the British Parliament are taking the
necessary steps for the formation of reg.
ular Independent Colony on the Red Riv-
er Of the North. When this is accom-
plished, it will no doubt be of considera-
bic advantage to those Minnesotians now
engaged in opening an avenue to the pop
ulous settlements near Fort Garry.
The Toronto Globe opposes the move
ment. 1t says, however, that it "cannot
blame the Imperial Government for the
course they have taken. They offered the
whole territory to the Canadian Govern
ment, and it refused. It is evident that
the settlement cannot long remain in its
present condition, and the Duke of New
castle has taken the only other course left
open to him. We regret that the Red
River country is not to be attached to the
Canadian provinces, because they have ev.
cry reason to believe that the connection
would have been profitable to the inbabit~
ants of 10th regions. The settlement of
the western prairies would have been large
ly aided by the fact that Canadians erni-
grating thither would not undergo the GEN.
alties Of expatristion, but would find in
their new homes the customs and laws to
which they had been accustomed. On the
other hand, the merchants and manufactur-
ers Of Canada would have secured 9 vest
crn market for their goods, in which they
would have an advantage over their Amer
lean neighbors. We are not yet without
hopes that at some future stage of the bu-
siness, these advantages may be attained
by Canada, but in the meantime it appears
to be too probable that there will soon be
an independent government at the Red
River, jealous Of its position and not dis
roscd to form close alliance with Canada.
We are told that at some future time the
colony will be ready to enter into Cana
dian federation, but that is a position which
may well be disputed"
The secret to all Of this is, of course,
the anticipated loss to Canada Of the trade t1a.aa :
Of that growing region.
Speaking Of the Anson Northrup, the
Red River correspondent Of the Hamilton,
q. w. Times, says -
About May 1st, the boat will be steam
ing up the river. Men have been at work
upon her oil winter, and she may be expec-
ted to be in good trim for the seasons bu-
siness. This gives promise of being unu.
sualF large. The old route by York Fac
tory is virtually abandoned, SO far as the
supplies for this district are concerned, and
the Canadian road I grieve to say, for any,
thing we know to the contrary, remains in
statu quo. The Hudson Bay Company
will therefore bring all their goods for the
southern department., and the merchants
and settlers most Of theirs through Mime
sofa. When I say that already almost cv-
cry one in the settlement has run out of
foreign produce, and that large supplies
will be purchased during the coming sum-
mer for ready money, Toronto merchants
will perhaps awake to the Importance of
the Red River trade.
Under present circumstances, it is rap
idly flowing in the direction of St, Paul.
Taking advantage Of the easy and rapid
means afforded by steam, more people are
preparing to leave the settlement this SUM-
mer, to visit absent friends, than were ey-
cr known to do so. Among the first up
passengers by the boat will be the Bishop
Of Rupert's Land, who will on this occa-
sion pay his tri-annual visit to Moose, via
Canada, instead Of going round by the fro
zen shores of James Bay. Sir George
Simpson will be one Of the first down pas
sengers' This year, Sir George, who is
getting old and infrm, will not go bey yond
their settlement. It has been customary
for him to proceed to Norway Housc-but
this summer the great annual council of
the chief factors and chief traders Of the
company, scattered all over the Hudson
Bay territory, will be held at Fort Carry
What with councils of fur trappcrs and
councils of fur traders, We are looking for
ward to busy season.-Minnesotiae and
Times.