The national Republican., 1867-07-17
OUR RUSSIAN PURCHASE.

UT hS soon US VIC hueW VI tne neBotlatlOn
Of the treaty which conveys to us the
Russian Possessions in North America,
to avow ourselves in favor of the acquisi-
tion.
The chief reason which influenced us to
favor this purchase was that it is des-
tined to extend the area Of republican
and democratic institutions. II republi-
can government is the best form of gov
eminent for us, then it is the best for the
rest Of mankind. We ought, therefore, to
seek to spread republican rule oil over the
world. We knew also that it would con.
tribute in no small degree to strengthen
our power on the Pacific coast.
But when it was announced that Mr.
SEWARD had quietly and without noise or
bluster consummated this treaty, q hue
and cry was raised against it, and it was
stoutly alleged in some quarters, that the
country was not worth the having. 1t was
said to be so cold, that nothing but ice
could be produced there that the climate
was Of such character that only the
Esquimdur could live there, and every
possible weapon which Misrepresentation
and ridicule could call into the conflict
was resorted to to persuade the people
that the United States Government had
been egregiously swindled by the Secre.
tary of State in making this purchase.
We do not set ourselves up as the cham.
pion Of Mr.. SEWARD; but in all candor,
we would like to inquire why, when great
statesman does a good thing for the ma
tion, men cannot forego their partisan
animosities and prejudices and acknow-
ledge the good work with becoming graft
tude?
Since this treaty was negotiated the
current testimony from all the persons
who have the means of knowing tends to
the establishment Of the fact that this
country is q very valuable acquisition to
our public domain. We can present no
more conclusive proof of this truth than
some extracts Of a communication to the
Secretary, which comes we'll authenticated
from gentlemen who have the very best
opportunities Of knowing the truth of the
statements which they promulge to the
world. Their note to the Secretary is q
complete vindication Of his policy, and will
be so regarded by the mass Of the people.
This letter to Mr.. SEWARD is written at
Victoria, Vancouver's Island, and is dated
April 20, 1867. 1t is signed by FRANCIS
ALLEN, esq.,, American Consul at that
place, and some twenty others. American
citizens resident there. These gentlemen
say:
1--WE deem this acquisition of the greatest
Importance politically, commercially, and
industriously, and we do not think we as
sumo two much when we say-from our
contiguity to the acquired territory, and
our residence among people, many Of
whom have been engaged for years in navi,
eating its waters and trading with its in.
habitants-that we are better prepared to
appreciate the true value Of this territory,
and the importance OF the service YOU have
rendered the United States in its acquisi,
tion, than most other American citizens
Its importance, politically, seems to be
generally conceded but its commercial
material, and industrial value appears to
be doubted, or, at least, but little under
stood.
"The opinion seems generally TO pre-
vail in the Atlantic States that the high
latitudes occupied by the new territory
and the severity Of its climate render il
unfit for the abode Of man, and that it
offers nothing to capitalists and enterprise
but its lurs and its fisheries. This opinion
is erroneous. The climate of the terri.
tory west Of the Cascade range of noun
tains and up to sixty degrees north lati-
tude, and OF the numerous islands border.
ing its Shores is much milder, both sum-
mer and winter, and much more pleasant
than that Of any portion Of the New Eng
land States or the Canadas. Its immense
forests Of pine are Of incalculable value,
the timber being much superior to that Of
Oregon or Washington Territory, while
the numerous harbors along its coasts will
ahord the greatest facilities for its ship
ment. There are known to exist within
the limits OF the purchased territory many
valuable minerals, among which are gold,
silver, copper, lead, iron and extensive
beds Of coal, which will furnish an ample
field for labor and the investment Of cani.
tai. Many beautiful and rich specimens
OF oil the minerals enumerated arc now in
this city, which have been brought from
that territory.
"The agricultural capabilities Of the
country are no doubt inferior to that of the
States and Territories lying south of it
still there are large bodies OF land know
to exist, so far as the country has been ex
plored, capable Of producing many of The
vegetables common to temperate climes
OF great excellence and in the greatest
abundance, as well as most of the cereals
Commercially, the new territory mus
be Of great value on account of its com
paratiye proximity to many of the teemint
populations Of Asia, and It's possession o
most Of the natural productions in demanC
by them must ultimately create an exten
siye commerce.
awe feel satisfied that few years will
demonstrate the great importance 10 tn,