The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1879-01-02
An Old Prediction

Conn, a work for the far future as vel
as for its contemporaries. "America'
was the subject of its inspiration, and it,
anticipation of the discovery of precious
metals in the far west is certainly note
worthy. A correspondent has copied the
article literally, which is as follows. The
"Almanack" is now exceedingly rare
only one copy of the above year being
known:
america is subject which daily be-
comes more and more interesting;
shall, therefore, fill these pages with q
word upon its past, present, and future
state.
81. First, of its past state. Time has
cast a shade upon this scene. Since the
creation innumerable accidents have hap
pened here, the bare mention of which
would create wonder and surprise, but
they are all lost in oblivion. The ignor-
ant natives for want of letters have for
got their stock, and know not from
whence they came, or how or when they
arrived here, or what has happened since.
Who can tell what wonderful changes
have happened by the mighty operations
of nature, such as deluges, volcanoes,
earthquakes, etc., Or whether great
tracts of land were not absorbed into
those vast lakes or inland seas which &C.
cupy so much space to the west of us.
But to leave the natural and come to the
political state. We know the French
have erected line of forts from the Ohio
to Nova Scotia, including all the inesti-
mable country to the west of us, into
their cxorbitant claim. This, with inf
mite justice, the English resented, and in
this cause our blood has been spilled,
which brings to our consideration
"II. The present state of North
America. A writer upon this present
time says the parts of North America
which may be claimed by Great Britain
or France are Of as much worth as either
kingdom. That fertile country to the
west of the Appalachian Mountains Ga
string Of eight or nine hundred miles in
lengthy, between Canada and the Missis-
sippi, Is of larger extent than all France,
Germany, and Poland, and all we'll pro-
vided with rivers, a very fine wholesome
air, rich soil, capable Of producing food
and physic and all things necessary for
the conveniency and delight of life, in
fine, the garden of the world. Time was
we might have been possessed of it. AT
this time two mighty kings contend for
this inestimable prize. Their respective
claims are to be measured by the length
of their swords. The poet says, the gods
and opportunity ride post that you must
take her by the forelock, being bald be-
hind. Have we not too fondly depended
upon our numbers2 Sir Francis Bacon
says, 'The wolf careth not how many the
sheep be- But numbers, well spirited
with the blessing of heaven, will do won
ders, when, by military skill and disci-
pline, the commander can actuate Gas by
one souD the most numerous bodies OF
armed people. Our numbers will not
avail till the colonies are united, for,
while divided, the strength of the inhab-
itants is broken like the petty Kingdoms
in Africa. If we do not join heart and
hand in the common cause against our
exulting foes, but fall to disputing among
ourselves, it may really happen as the
governor of Pennsylvania told his assem-
bly,, we shall have no privilege to dis
pute about, nor country to dispute in
iii. OF the future state of North
America. Here we find vast stock of
proper materials for the art and ingenu-
ity of man to work upon. Treasures of
immense worth, concealed from the poor,
ignorant, aboriginal natives. The curl
Gus have observed that the progress of
humane literature Qike the sum is from
the east to the west; thus has it travelled
through Asia and Europe, and now is ar
rived at the eastern shore of America
As the celestial light of the gospel was
directed by the finger OF God, it will,
doubtless, finally drive the long, long
night of heathenish darkness from Amer
lea. so arts and sciences will change
the face of nature in their tour from
hence over the Appalachian Mountains
to the Western Ocean, and, as they march
through the vast desert, the residence Of
wild beasts will be broken up and their
obscene howl cease forever. Instead OF
which the stones and trees will dance to-
gether at the music of Orpheus; the
rocks will disclose their hidden gems,
and the inestimable treasures of gold and
silver be broken up. Huge mountains
of iron ore are already discovered, and
vast stores are reserved for future genera
tions. This metal, more useful than gold
or silver, will employ millions of hands,
not only to form the martial sword and
peaceful share. alternately, but an intini-
ty of utensils improved in the exercise
Of art and handicraft among them. Ma
ture through all her works has stamped
authority on this law, namely, That oil
fit matter shall be improved to its best