The New York herald., 1870-01-15
Tho Rcd River Country.

anu ASOO AAsvor OOuuHSs
We publish this morning very full and in
teresting description Of the Red River country
and of its inhabitants, together with an
account Of the progress Of the revolution in
the territory against the Canadian govern
ment. The map accompanying the article will
enable the reader to perceive at glance the
geographical situation of the country and it's
importance to the United States, should 1t be,
as now seems more than probable, annexed to
this republic. Our correspondent reports that
the agents of the Hudson Bay Company are
busily engaged misrepresenting the insurgents
and attributing their present belligerent atti-
tude to difficulties arising from church mat
ters. The falsity Of these reports must
with the causes which have brought about the
insurrection in the Red River territory. 1t is
not improbable that Governor McDougall's
policy was conciliatory one; and if the
statement be correct that he is an advocate of
the annexation of British America to the
United States it is evident that he is man Of
sound judgment in some respects. But neither
conciliation nor advocacy Of political union
between our government and the Canadian
Dominion can do away with the merits Of the
revolutionists' cause. Their interests impera-
lively demanded that some steps be taken to
avert the ruin that the rule of Canada would
entail upon them. With vast amount of
pluck they resorted to force rather than sub
nit to the Canadians. Their ardent desire to
become citizens of this republic, and the
efforts they are making to this end, fully attest
their sincerity and earnestness.
That the end of this popular revolutionary
movement on our northwestern frontier must
be the absorption Of the territory by us
not deny 1t therefore becomes matter Of
more than ordinary interest to the American
people to know that the climate and agricul-
tural and mining resources Of Rupert's Land,
which includes the Red River or Winnipeg
country, are admirably adapted to the wants OF
man. 1t may be true that great portion of
the territory sis occupied by lakes, forests
and impossible tracts Of snow and ice;" but
there are three hundred and fifty thousand
square miles of 'sprairie or natural meadow
land" Of the richest character, and capable Of
yielding larger crops than the land of many
of our States does. The difficulties attendant
upon transportation are the present great draw
back to the comfort and prosperity Of settlers.
| There are no railroads there, and even the
| ordinary highways are Of the most rugged
description. These disadvantages are inherent
to all countries sparsely populated. Many
persons are living now who remember
when Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota and most Of
our other Western States were vast tracts Of
territory uninhabited save by nomadic Indians
and adventuresome hunters. The present
population of the Red River territory is small
in numbers and somewhat motley in nationality.
It comprises mainly Americans, English,
| Scotch and French, the ''half fbreeds," or the
offspring of the Caucasian and Indian, pre-
dominating. Of these people our correspond.
| ent writes at length, and his account of then
will be found specially entertaining. The
trade of the territory is also referred TO-
enabling us to form some idea of the business
transactions of that tremendous monopoly, the
Hudson Bay Company. Before many months
| can pass away we hope to see the ardent desire
of the people gratified and to welcome another
star in the galaxy of States. Meantime 0
| careful perusal of the article referred to ani
study of the map will amply repay the reader
| for all the time expended thereon