, 1867-03-15
Statement Relative to Services Performed
by Dr. Marcus Whitman.
BY REV. Mr.. EELLs.

At the commencement Of mis- ionary operati-
obs in this country, in 1886, by DR.. Whitman
and associates, au important rtion of the State
of Oregon and of Washington Territory WAS
claimed by both England and the United States.
II vas mutually agreed, ty the two G0ycrnsnsnts
named, that on GertHiu specified conditions it
should be oPeu for occupancy BY citizens of both
nations,
The Hudson Bay Company, by the establishing
of numerous trading posts, sufficiently manned
for effective operations, exerted controlling in-
huence. AT an early day they were aware Of
the existence of mineral deposits. If | mistake
not, about the year 1889, | WAS informed that
gold had bten found on the Columbia river,
taken to England, made into a watch seal,
brought back here, and used by gentleman OF
said Company.
In those early days Dr.. Whitman made the
following statement. "There is no doubt that
this couutrv abounds in the precious metals"
In the autumn, or early wiuter Of 1913 Charles
A. Guyer, German tanst, was travelling with
employees of the Hudson Bay Company By
means of knowledge acquired by himself in
conuexion W ia mining operations, in Germany,
he expressed the opinion, that precious metals
existed in design tied locality. He was partic-
uarly Intercepted respecting the reasons for
such opinion, and 'wheu the evidence became
satisfactory, that the conclusion had been OBJ.
tained in an intelligent manner, the reply was
made "by examination, we know sueh to be a
fact" But while the resources of the country
were measurably appreciated by the Hudson Bay
Company there were not wanting efforts to MAKE
the impression, that the country was of small
value, much of it worthless,
In entire accordance with such representation,
Mr.. Chief Factor a. Mcdonald, expressed him
self distinctly and fully to me. He also gave it
as his opinion that, if England should obtain the
desired land, it would be made over to the Had.
son Bay Company. Said Company doubtless
had high expectation of obtaining the coveted
boon. Corresponding with such expectation
said Mcdonald, in 1912, (if | mistake not) asked
the following question: Who will compose the
probable inhabitants of this country fifty years
hence?'' and in reply thereto, himself said
substantially, the descendants of the servants of
the Hudson Bay Company. With reference to
the same class (viz. Of mixed bloody DR.. Whit
man said, in fifty years they will not be found.
By the experiences of the last 25, and the prob
able fOrthcomings of the next rs years judge ye;
which of the two foretellings will probably be-
come a reality
Twenty FIVE years hence, as one of your sons,
poised upon the backbone of this continent,
shall survey the American Pacific slope, shalfhe
not be furnished with gratifying evidence, that
here in peace and plenty dwell al industrious,
enterprising, intelligent Americen or American
lied community A community furnishing un-
varying attachment to those institutions peculiar
to an enlightened republic?
Apparently DR.. Whitman understood with a
good degree of correctness, the plans of the
Hudson Bay Company to secure this country to
the English Government. Undoubtedly he was
exercised with strong feeling with reference to
this subject. At that time his missionary as
sociates judged that be was disturbed to an un'
warrantable degree. The results, however, have
furnished accumulative evidence that there was
sufficient reason for determined earnestness on
bis part. An unyielding purpose was formed
by DR.. Whitman to go East The mission was
called together, to consider whether or not their
approval could be given to the proposed under
taking.
At the commencement of the meeting there
was decided and controlling opposition to the
undertaking, which yielded only when it 6ecame
evident that he would go, even if be had TO oe-
come disconnected with the mission in order to
do so. According to the understanding oil the
members of the mission, the all controlling oo-
ject of DR.. Whitman in attempting TO cross the
continent in the winter l842--3 amid mighty
peril and suffering, was, to make desperate
effort to save this country to the United states
of America.
On reaching Washington, he learned, tnat rs
presentations had there been made, correspond
ing with those oft repeated on this coast. oregol
(then embracing Washington Territory, II WA
said, would most likely be unimportant 70 'n'
United States. Il was difficult OF access.
wagon road thither was an impossioiity' p,
snch like statements Governor simpson ('n'