Thos. Worthington, ” {1803 ” 1807.
{1810 ” 1814.
Edward Tiffin, ” 1807 ” 1809.
Return J. Meigs, ” 1808 ” 1810.
Stanley Griswold, ” 1809 ” 1809.
Alexander Campbell, ” 1809 ” 1813.
Jeremiah Morrow, ” 1813 ” 1819.
Joseph Kerr, ” 1814 ” 1815.
Benjamin Ruggles, ” 1815 ” 1833.
William A. Trimble, ” 1819 ” 1821.
Ethan A. Brown, ” 1822 ” 1825.
Wm. Henry Harrison, ” 1825 ” 1828.
Jacob Burnett, ” 1828 ” 1831.
Thomas Ewing, ” {1831 ” 1837.
{1850 ” 1851.
Thomas Morris, ” 1833 ” 1839.
William Allen, ” 1837 ” 1849.
Benjamin Tappan, ” 1839 ” 1845.
Thomas Corwin, ” 1845 ” 1851.
Salmon P. Chase, ” 1849 ” 1855.
Benjamin F. Wade, ” 1851 ” 1869.
George Ellis Pugh, ” 1851 ” 1861.
John Sherman, ” 1861 ” 1879.
Allen G. Thurman, ” 1869 ” 1881.
[Illustration]
LOUISIANA.
The Spaniards, who found so much gold in other parts of the American
continent, made repeated explorations of the region lying near the
mouths of the Mississippi in the hope of discovering it there. Failing in
this, they made no settlements. The French planned the establishment of a
vast empire covering the best territory now in the bounds of the United
States, and explored the Mississippi and its tributaries with untiring
courage and zeal, both from the Great Lakes and from the mouth of the
river. A few years after La Salle had perished in his bold wandering, a
French naval officer, Lemoine D’Iberville, formed the first settlement in
Louisiana (so named after the French King, Louis XIV., by La Salle.) This
was in 1699; but no great progress was made until the Mississippi Company
was formed in France, under the idea that Louisiana was rich in gold and
diamonds; when, in 1718, eight hundred persons emigrated from France
and settled at New Orleans. In 1732 the colony contained, in all, seven
thousand five hundred persons, and continued to prosper until 1763, when,
by the peace of Paris, all the French possessions in America except the
territory west of the Great River, were given up to England. This remnant
soon passed to the Spaniards, and again to the French, from whom it was
bought by President Jefferson for $15,000,000, in 1803.
This purchase was regarded, even by Jefferson, as probably exceeding the
powers of the government, under the Constitution; but it was essential
to the development, unity, and greatness of the country. The Mississippi
Valley is the heart of North America, and the use of the river as
necessary to the value of the prairie States lying east of it, as to the
defense and strength of the country. The possession of it could, alone,
make the United States a great power among nations. Napoleon Bonaparte,
then First Consul of the French Republic, designed, in ceding it to the
United States, to give England, his relentless enemy, a powerful rival;
but even his keen foresight could not have anticipated the wonderful
growth in which the Louisiana Purchase was so necessary an element.
The surface of Louisiana is low, and the southern part often overflowed
by the high water of the rivers. Many islands of great fertility and
beauty lie along the coast; one of them consisting of an immense bed or
mine of rock salt. Fruits grow to great perfection and orange trees are
specially fruitful, a single tree often bearing 5,000 oranges. Cotton
and cane sugar are the principal staples. New Orleans has an extensive
commerce, and manufactures will sometime find in it a profitable field.
The palmy days of this, as of all the other Southern States, is in the
future; her most valuable resources having been scarcely touched. New
Orleans will naturally become the third great commercial city of the
Union, New York and San Francisco, only, being likely to take precedence
of her.
Louisiana was admitted into the Union April 8th, 1812, making the
eighteenth State.
She has an area of 46,431 square miles, equal to 29,715,840 acres. The
population in 1870 numbered 732,731; she has six Representatives in
Congress.
Louisiana forms a part of the fifth judicial circuit, and constitutes two
judicial districts, viz.: the eastern and western districts of Louisiana.
This State has one collection district, denominated the district of New
Orleans; which city is the only port of entry. The shores of the river
Ohio, and all the rivers emptying into the Mississippi, are attached
to the district of New Orleans, though most of them do not lie in the
State. Several of the cities and towns on these rivers are made ports of
delivery. Collection districts are not always confined to one State.
New Orleans is the capital. The Legislature meets on the first Monday
in January, once in two years. The State election is held on the first
Monday in November.
The enacting clause of her laws is as follows: “Be it enacted by the
Senate and House of Representatives of the State of Louisiana, in General
Assembly convened.”
UNITED STATES SENATORS.
Thomas Posey, October to December, 1812.
James Brown, from {1812 to 1817.
{1819 ” 1824.
Allan B. Macgruder, ” 1812 ” 1813.
Eligius Fromentin, ” 1813 ” 1819.
W. C. C. Claiborne, ” 1817 ” 1818.
Henry Johnson, ” {1818 ” 1824.
{1843 ” 1849.
William Kelly, ” 1822 ” 1825.
Dominique Bouligny, ” 1824 ” 1829.
Josiah S. Johnston, ” 1824 ” 1833.
Edward Livingston, ” 1829 ” 1831.
Geo. A. Waggaman, ” 1831 ” 1835.
Alexander Porter, ” 1833 ” 1837.
Robert C. Nichols, ” 1833 ” 1841.
Alexander Morton, ” 1838 ” 1842.
Alexander Barrow, ” 1841 ” 1847.
Charles M. Conrad, ” 1842 ” 1843.
Pierre Soulé, ” {1847 ” 1847.
{1849 ” 1855.
Solomon W. Downs, ” 1847 ” 1853.
John Slidell, ” 1853 ” 1861.
Judah P. Benjamin, ” 1853 ” 1861.
John S. Harris, ” 1868 ” 1871.
Wm. Pitt Kellogg, ” 1868 ” 1873.
J. R. West, ” 1871 ” 1877.
[Illustration]
INDIANA.
1. Indiana was first explored by the enterprising French Jesuits, who
highly appreciated the beauty, resources, and grand future of the vast
Mississippi valley. Wiser than their sovereign, Louis XIV., they would
have taken firm and effectual possession of all this region, from the
Great Lakes to the Gulf, but Louis was too much occupied with his
palaces, the splendor of his court, the banishment of Protestants,
and war with his neighbors to lend a due support to their plans. They
explored the region in 1682, formed a settlement at Vincennes in 1730,
and made friends of the Indians. The career of the French, in Europe and
America, was checked by the extravagance of the Court, and disastrous
wars; and this little colony remained for nearly three generations
solitary and stationary in the wilderness; fraternizing with the Indians
and enjoying life as only the French can under such dreary circumstances.
2. After the Revolution all this region was included in the Northwest
Territory. The grim earnestness of the Americans in pushing their
fortunes alarmed, without conciliating, the Indians, and for a long time
a deadly struggle alone could preserve the growing settlements from
total extinction. The brave and talented Tecumseh and his twin brother,
the Prophet, made a desperate effort to drive back or exterminate the
settlers; but they were conquered, and the Indians retreated, step by
step, before the advancing flood of emigration. In 1809 Indiana was
erected in to a separate Territory, and admitted into the Union as
a separate State on the 11th of Dec., 1816. It is 275 miles long by
135 in width. The surface is mainly level or gently undulating; the
irregularities in the southern part, seldom rising more than two hundred
feet, but with a rocky foundation to the soil, presenting many advantages
to manufactures along the streams; these facilities are increased by
the extent and value of bituminous coal deposits which underlie nearly
one-fourth of the area of the State.
3. Indiana has a happier mixture of prairie and woodland than any
other western State. Its commercial facilities are great. Reaching
Lake Michigan on the northwest, Chicago forms a fine metropolis for
the northern parts; while the Ohio on the south furnishes cheap
transportation to Cincinnati and Pittsburg toward the east, or New
Orleans to the southwest. Lying between the fertile and busy regions
west and the great eastern markets, it is crossed in all directions by
railroads. It is in the centre of the most highly favored part of the
Union, and its advantages and resources seem boundless. Its staple in
agriculture is corn, but all the grains, vegetables, and fruits of the
temperate zone are raised with success. The climate is mild, but it lies
in the region of variableness in weather characterizing all the western
States in its latitude.
The resources of the State have been in a course of rapid and
uninterrupted development for 60 years, but they are so great, and there
are so many other inviting fields luring emigrants further west, that a
comparatively small part of its wealth has yet been reached. There is a
magnificent provision for education, and its intelligent and enterprising
citizens are worthy of the Great Republic.
4. Indiana was the nineteenth State in the Union. She has an area of
33,809 square miles, equal to 21,637,760 acres. Her population in
1870 was 1,673,046, which entitles her to thirteen Representatives in
Congress. Indiana is the seventh judicial circuit, and forms one judicial
district. There is no port of entry in this State; but there are three
ports of delivery, to-wit: Evansville, New Albany, and Madison which are
attached to the New Orleans collection district.
The capital is Indianapolis. The State election is held on the second
Tuesday of October. The Legislature meets only once in two years, on the
first Wednesday of January.
The enacting clause of her laws is in these words: “Be it enacted by the
General Assembly of the State of Indiana.”
UNITED STATES SENATORS.
James Noble, from 1816 to 1831.
W. Taylor, ” 1816 ” 1825.
W. Hendricks, ” 1825 ” 1837.
N. Hanna, ” 1831 ” 1833.
John Tipton, ” 1833 ” 1839.
O. H. Smith, ” 1837 ” 1843.
A. S. White, ” 1839 ” 1845.
E. A. Hannegan, ” 1843 ” 1849.
J. D. Bright, ” 1845 ” 1852.
J. Whitcomb, ” 1849 ” 1855.
C. W. Cathcart, ” 1852 ” 1853.
John Pettit, ” 1853 ” 1855.
G. N. Fitch, ” 1857 ” 1861.
H. A. Lane, ” 1861 ” 1867.
D. Turpee, ” 1863 ” 1863.
J. A. Wright, ” 1862 ” 1863.
T. A. Hendricks, ” ---- ” 1869.
O. P. Morton, ” 1867 ” 1879.
Daniel D. Pratt, ” 1869 ” 1875.
Joseph E. McDonald, ” 1875 ” 1881.
[Illustration]
MISSISSIPPI.
This State was explored by De Soto, a companion of Pizarro, in his
cruel conquest of Peru, in 1541, and later by the enterprising French
governor of Canada, La Salle, in 1684. The first settlement was made by
the French, at Natchez, in 1716. It was one of a chain of settlements by
which they proposed to connect the basins of the St. Lawrence and the
great lakes with the Mississippi valley and the Gulf of Mexico.
The Natchez Indians gave the early colonists great trouble, but were
finally so completely conquered that the national name became extinct,
the few remnants surviving, becoming incorporated with other tribes. They
were supposed to have anciently emigrated from Mexico or South America,
some of their customs being similar to those of the Peruvians.
In 1763 the French ceded all this territory to England, except that of
Louisiana, which became the possession of Spain.
The Choctaw Indians held possession of the northern part of the State for
a long time, and became considerably civilized.
The northern part of the State is prairie, the soil being extremely
rich, while the south is sandy. The surface is generally level or
undulating. Commerce and agriculture form its principal resources; though
neither have been highly developed. Cotton is the principal staple. It is
remarkably well adapted to the growth of fruit, though it has been very
little cultivated. The State is well supplied with railroads, which, with
the Mississippi flowing the whole length of her western boundary, furnish
ample transportation for all the produce of her fertile soil.
The Territory of Mississippi became a State in 1817; making the
twentieth State. The area is 47,156 square miles, equal to 30,179,840
acres. The population in 1870 numbered 834,170; which entitles her to
six Representatives in Congress. The State lies in the fifth judicial
circuit, and is divided into two judicial districts, viz.: the Northern
and Southern districts of Mississippi. She has three ports of entry,
viz.: Natchez, Vicksburg, and one near the mouth of Pearl river, to
be established whenever the President may direct; also three ports of
delivery, viz.: Grand Gulf, Ship Island and Columbus.
Jackson is the capital. The State election is held on the Tuesday after
the first Monday in November, and her Legislature meets biennially on the
Tuesday after the first Monday in January.
The enacting clause of the laws is in these words: “Be it enacted by
the Senate and House of Representatives of the State of Mississippi in
General Assembly convened.”
UNITED STATES SENATORS.
Walter Leake, from 1817 to 1820.
Thomas H. Williams, ” {1817 ” 1829.
{1838 ” 1839.
David Holmes, ” 1820 ” 1825.
Powhattan Ellis, ” 1825 ” 1833.
Thomas B. Reed, ” 1826 ” 1829.
Robert Adams, ” 1830 ” 1830.
George Poindexter, ” 1830 ” 1835.
John Black, ” 1832 ” 1838.
R. J. Walker, ” 1835 ” 1845.
James F. Trotter, ” 1838 ” 1838.
John Henderson, ” 1839 ” 1845.
Jesse Speight, ” 1845 ” 1847.
Joseph W. Chambers, ” 1845 ” 1847.
Jefferson Davis, ” {1847 ” 1851.
{1857 ” 1861.
Henry S. Foote, ” 1847 ” 1853.
John W. Rea, ” 1851 ” 1851.
Walter Brooks, ” 1852 ” 1852.
Albert G. Brown, ” 1854 ” 1861.
Stephen Adams, ” 1852 ” 1857.
Henry R. Revels, ” 1869 ” 1871.
James L. Alcorn, ” 1871 ” 1877.
Adelbert Ames, ” ---- ” 1875.
Henry R. Pease, ” ---- ” 1877.
Branch K. Bruce, ” 1875 ” 1881.
[Illustration]
ILLINOIS.
Illinois was first visited by Europeans in the persons of French
Jesuit missionaries in the year 1672, who explored eastern Wisconsin
and northern Illinois in that year. The oldest permanent settlement in
the valley of the Mississippi was made at Kaskaskia, in this State, in
the year 1720, by the French. The name of the State is derived from
the aboriginal inhabitants. In the Indian dialect it was “Illini,” and
signified a perfectly formed man. The French settlers changed the name to
Illinois. This State was formed from what was known as the Northwestern
territory, and was the twenty-first of the American Union. It was
admitted and became an independent State on the 3d day of December,
1818. It has an area of 55,405 square miles, equal to 35,459,200 acres.
Its population in 1870 was 2,539,638. Extending through more than five
degrees of latitude, Illinois has quite a variety of climate. The surface
is level. The soil is fertile and the agricultural capabilities of this
State are not surpassed by any sister State, if indeed by any portion of
earth’s surface, of equal extent. Her staple products are corn, wheat,
oats, potatoes, hay, and products of the dairy, besides large quantities
of fruit. The State is rich in minerals. A large portion of the lead
producing region of the country is in this State. Bituminous coal is
found in almost every county in the State. Copper is found in large
quantities in the north, and iron in both south and north. Lime, zinc,
marble of excellent quality, freestone, gypsum, and other minerals, are
found in various parts.
The State is entitled to nineteen representatives in Congress, and forms
a part of the seventh judicial circuit. It forms two judicial districts,
viz.: northern and southern. It has one port of entry, Chicago, and four
ports of delivery, viz.: Alton, Quincy, Cairo, and Peoria. The capital
is Springfield. The State election is held on the Tuesday after the
first Monday in November. The legislature meets biennially on the first
Monday in January. The enacting clause of the laws is as follows: “Be it
enacted by the people of the State of Illinois represented in the General
Assembly.”
UNITED STATES SENATORS.
J. B. Thomas, from 1818 to 1829.
N. Edwards, ” 1818 ” 1824.
John McLean, ” {1824 ” 1825.
{1829 ” 1830.
D. J. Baker, ” 1830 1 month.
E. K. Kane, ” 1825 to 1836.
J. M. Robinson, ” 1830 ” 1841.
W. L. D. Ewing, ” 1835 ” 1837.
R. M. Young, ” 1837 ” 1843.
S. McRoberts, ” 1841 ” 1843.
J. Semple, ” 1843 ” 1847.
Sidney Breese, ” 1843 ” 1849.
S. A. Douglas, ” 1847 ” 1861.
James Shields, ” 1849 ” 1855.
L. Trumbull, ” 1855 ” 1873.
O. H. Browning, ” 1861 ” 1863.
W. A. Richardson, ” 1863 ” 1865.
Richard Yates, ” 1865 ” 1871.
John A. Logan, ” 1871 ” 1877.
Richard J. Oglesby, ” 1873 ” 1879.
[Illustration]
ALABAMA.
This State was, at first, held by Georgia under her colonial charter,
but was given up to the general government, in 1802, for the sum of
$1,250,000. It then became a part of the Mississippi territory, but was
separated when Mississippi became a State, in 1817.
It was settled in 1711, at Mobile, by the French, it being a part of the
territory explored and claimed for France by La Salle in 1684. The Indian
name of Alabama means “Here we rest.” Its soil can scarcely be excelled
for fertility in the world. It has every variety of climate, from the
high and stern severity of a mountain region in the north, through all
gradations, to the heat and luxuriant vegetation of the tropics along the
southern coast. The center abounds in coal and iron, and various other
minerals are found in abundance. Until the Revolution it was a hunting
ground for the Indians. Being then stirred up by British emissaries, and
threatening the security of the frontiers, they were severely chastised.
After the return of peace, when the growing wealth and population of
the original States excited them to enterprise, the territory invited
population by its surpassing fertility, and it graduated to the
importance of a sovereign State by admission into the Union, Dec. 14th,
1819, forming the twenty-second State.
It has an area of 50,722 square miles, equal to 32,462,080 acres, and
had a population in 1870 of 966,988, by which she is entitled to eight
Representatives.
It forms a part of the fifth judicial circuit, and is divided into three
judicial districts, the Northern, Middle and Southern.
It has one port of entry, (Mobile,) and two ports of delivery, viz.:
Tuscumbia and Selma.
The capital of the State is Montgomery.
The State election is held on the Tuesday after the first Monday in
November. The Legislature meets on the third Monday in November.
The enacting clause of its laws is as follows: “Be it enacted by the
Senate and House of Representatives of the State of Alabama, in General
Assembly convened.”
UNITED STATES SENATORS.
William R. King, from {1819 to 1844.
{1846 ” 1852.
John W. Walker, ” 1819 ” 1822.
Henry Chambers, ” 1825 ” 1826.
Israel Pickens, ” 1826. Superseded the same year by—
John McKinley, ” {1826 ” 1831.
{1837 ” 1841.
Gabriel Moore, ” 1831 ” 1837.
Clement C. Clay, ” 1837 ” 1841.
Arthur P. Bagby, ” 1841 ” 1849.
Dixon H. Lewis, ” 1844 ” 1847.
Benjamin Fitzpatrick, ” 1852 ” 1861.
Jeremiah Clemens, ” 1849 ” 1853.
Clement C. Clay, Jr., ” 1853 ” 1861.
Willard Warner, ” 1868 ” 1871.
George Goldthwaite, ” 1871 ” 1877.
George E. Spencer, ” 1868 ” 1879.
[Illustration]
MAINE.
This State forms the northeastern boundary of the Republic; Canada and
New Brunswick lying north and east. It was at first a province, granted
by charter to Sir Ferdinand Gorges, by the King of England, in 1638; but
was united with Massachusetts by purchase in 1652. It was settled by
the English, at Bristol, in 1625. It was admitted as a State into the
Union March 15th, 1820, being the twenty-third in order of admission. It
contains 31,766 square miles, or 20,330,240 acres in area. In 1870 the
population was 626,463.
It has now five Representatives in Congress.
The northern part of this State is almost a wilderness, and furnishes
large quantities of lumber, which are floated down her large rivers, and
supplied, in great abundance, to the Atlantic seaports, and the West
Indies. Ship-building is an extensive branch of industry, the great
length and irregular line of coast forming numerous harbors. It has
extensive fisheries, and a large sea-faring population. Its numerous
streams are highly favorable to manufactures, though comparatively little
has as yet been done in this direction. The climate is severe and the
soil somewhat sterile, so that it ranks low as an agricultural State. It
has received comparatively few additions to its population by foreign
immigration; and its inhabitants are mainly from the old English stock,
and the State ranks high in morality. It depletes itself by furnishing,
like many other of the older States, annually, a large number of
vigorous, enterprising young men to settle the new and fertile regions of
the west.
It forms part of the first judicial circuit, and constitutes one
judicial district. It has thirteen ports of entry, and thirty-two ports
of delivery.
The capital is Augusta, on the Kennebec river.
The State elections are held on the second Monday of September; and the
Legislature meets on the first Wednesday of January in each year.
The enacting clause of its laws is: “Be it enacted by the Senate and
House of Representatives, in Legislature assembled.”
UNITED STATES SENATORS.
John Holmes, from 1820 to 1833.
John Chandler, ” 1820 ” 1829.
Albion P. Harris, ” 1827 ” 1829.
Peleg Sprague, ” 1829 ” 1835.
Ether Shepley, ” 1833 ” 1836.
John Ruggles, ” 1835 ” 1841.
Judah Dana, ” 1836 ” 1837.
Reuel Williams, ” 1837 ” 1843.
George Evans, ” 1841 ” 1847.
John Fairfield, ” 1843 ” 1847.
Wynan B. S. Moore, ” 1848 ” 1848.
James W. Bradbury, ” {1847 ” 1853.
{1848 ” 1857.
Hannibal Hamlin, ” {1857 ” 1861.
{1869 ” 1881.
Amos Nourse, ” 1857 ” 1857.
William P. Fessenden, ” {1853 ” 1864.
{1865 ” 1869.
Lot M. Morrill, ” 1861 ” 1877.
Nathan A. Farwell, ” 1864 ” 1865.
[Illustration]
MISSOURI.
This State was first settled by the French, at or near the present
capital, in the year 1719. Here a fort was established, called Fort
Orleans, and the neighboring lead mines were worked the next year.
St. Genevieve, the oldest town in the State, was settled in 1755, and
St. Louis in 1764. In 1763 it, with all the territory west of the
Mississippi, was assigned by treaty to Spain. This territory was ceded
back to France in 1801, and with Louisiana was purchased by the United
States in 1803. It remained a part of Louisiana until the admission of
the State of that name, when the remaining portion of that purchase was
called Missouri. In 1821 it was admitted into the Union, forming the
twenty-fourth State. This State has an area of 67,380 square miles, equal
to 43,123,200 acres.
Her population in 1870 was 1,715,000, entitling her to thirteen
Representatives in Congress.
The climate of Missouri is variable; in winter the thermometer sinks
below zero; the summers are excessively hot; the air is dry and pure.
The State is quite as healthful as any in the west. The soil is good and
of great agricultural capabilities. The great staple is Indian corn. The
other products cultivated largely are hemp, wheat, oats, tobacco. Sheep
and cattle are considerably raised, and fruit culture is successful.
This State is in the eighth judicial circuit; and forms two judicial
districts, the Eastern and Western. It has no port of entry, and but one
port of delivery, Hannibal.
The capital is Jefferson City. The State election is held on the Tuesday
after the first Monday in November, and the Legislature meets on the last
Monday of December. The enacting clause of the laws is: “Be it enacted
by the General Assembly of the State of Missouri as follows.”
UNITED STATES SENATORS.
Thomas H. Benton, from 1821 to 1851.
David Barton, ” 1821 ” 1831.
Alexander Buckner, ” 1831 ” 1833.
Lewis F. Linn, ” 1833 ” 1843.
David R. Atchison, ” {1843 ” 1849.
{1849 ” 1855.
Gratz B. Brown, ” 1863 ” 1867.
Henry S. Geyer, ” 1851 ” 1857.
Trusten Polk, ” 1857 ” 1861.
James S. Green, ” 1856 ” 1861.
Waldo P. Johnson, ” 1861 ” 1862.
John B. Henderson, ” 1862 ” 1869.
Charles D. Drake, ” 1867 ” 1871.
Carl Schurz, ” 1869 ” 1875.
Francis P. Blair, ” 1871 ” 1873.
Lewis V. Bogy, ” 1873 ” 1879.
Frank M. Cockrell, ” 1875 ” 1881.
[Illustration]
MICHIGAN.
The name of this State is a contraction of two words in the Chippewa
language, meaning “Great Lake,” and was applied, by the Indians, to
the two surrounding the lower peninsula. It was explored by Jesuit
missionaries, who established numerous missions among various Indian
tribes, and pushed their way, through perils and fatigues, west to
the Mississippi, which, they followed far north and south; to be soon
outstripped by the adventurous La Salle. Detroit was founded about 1701.
The settlements made little progress under French rule; and when, in
1763, it passed under English control, the conspiracy of Pontiac nearly
destroyed them. It was not till 1796 that the United States government
took possession of the territory. Its growth was much retarded by the war
of 1812, when it endured, for two years, all the barbarities of Indian
war.
A territorial government was organized in 1805. In 1818 the lands
were brought into the market, since which its prosperity has been
uninterrupted. It is remarkable in its position, and eminently so by
its resources. The southern peninsula is very productive. The northern
peninsula contains the richest copper mines in the world, and unlimited
supplies of iron, while the quantity of the finest lumber, and the
facilities for transporting it are superior. The fish taken in its lakes
are excellent and abundant; its people are enterprising and intelligent;
and its State authorities have established one of the best Universities
in the Union. Its future promises to become equal at least to that of the
most favored State.
The Territory of Michigan was changed into a State preliminarily June
15, 1836, and was fully admitted to an equality with all the States
January 26, 1837, making the twenty-fifth State (Arkansas was admitted
on the same day). Her area is 56,243 square miles, equal to 35,995,520
acres. The population in 1870 was 1,184,296, which entitles her to nine
Representatives in Congress. By an act of 1866, Michigan was located in
the sixth judicial circuit; and forms two judicial districts, and has
four collection districts and four ports of entry, viz.: Detroit, Port
Huron, Grand Haven, and Michilimackinac; also five ports of delivery (if
the President deem them necessary).
The capital is Lansing. The State election is held on the Tuesday after
the first Monday in November. The Legislature meets biennially on the
first Wednesday in January.
The enacting clause of the laws is as follows: “The people of the State
of Michigan enact.”
UNITED STATES SENATORS.
Lucius Lyon, from 1836 to 1839.
John Norvall, ” 1836 ” 1841.
Augustus S. Porter, ” 1839 ” 1845.
William Woodbridge, ” 1841 ” 1847.
Lewis Cass, ” 1845 ” 1857.
Alpheus Felch, ” 1847 ” 1853.
Thomas Fitzgerald, ” 1848 ” 1849.
Charles E. Stewart, ” 1853 ” 1859.
Zachariah Chandler, ” 1857 ” 1875.
Kinsley S. Bingham, ” 1859 ” 1861.
Jacob M. Howard, ” 1862 ” 1871.
Thomas W. Ferry, ” 1871 ” 1877.
Isaac P. Christiancy, ” 1875 ” 1881.
[Illustration]
ARKANSAS.
Arkansas was originally a portion of the Territory of Louisiana. It
remained a part of that territory until 1812, when the present State of
Louisiana was admitted into the Union. The remainder of the territory
was then formed into the Missouri Territory, and so remained until 1821
when Missouri was admitted into the Union, and Arkansas was erected
into a separate territory, bearing the present name. In 1836, a State
constitution was formed at Little Rock, and Arkansas became a State in
the Union. It constituted the twenty-sixth State. It has an area of
52,193 square miles, equal to 33,406,720 acres. The population in 1870
was 483,197, which entitles her to four Representatives in Congress. The
eastern portion of the State, extending back one hundred miles from the
Mississippi, is generally a vast plain covered with marshes, swamps, and
lagoons. The Ozark mountains which enter the northwest part of the State
divide it into two unequal parts, of which the northern has the climate
and productions of the Northern States, while the southern portion,
in climate and productions, resembles Mississippi and Louisiana. The
lowlands of Arkansas are unhealthy, while the more elevated portions of
the State will compare favorably with the most healthful and invigorating
portions of the Northwest. There is a great variety of soil in this
State. While some portions, like the river bottoms, are exceedingly
fertile, other parts are sterile and barren.
The staple products are Indian corn, cotton and live stock. Arkansas
gives indications of rich mineral resources.
This State lies in the eighth judicial circuit, and forms two judicial
districts, the eastern and western. It has no ports of entry or delivery.
The capital of the State is Little Rock. She holds her State election the
first Monday in November. The Legislature meets but once in two years, on
the first Monday in January. The enacting clause of the laws is: “Be it
enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas.”
UNITED STATES SENATORS.
William S. Fulton, from 1836 to 1844.
Ambrose H. Sevier, ” 1836 ” 1848.
Chester Ashley, ” 1844 ” 1847.
William K. Sebastian, ” 1848 ” 1861.
Solon Borland, ” 1848 ” 1853.
Robert W. Johnson, ” 1853 ” 1861.
Charles B. Mitchell, ” 1861 ” 1861.
Alexander McDonald, ” 1868 ” 1871.
Benjamin F. Rice, ” 1868 ” 1873.
Powell Clayton, ” 1871 ” 1877.
Stephen W. Dorsey, ” 1873 ” 1879.
[Illustration]
FLORIDA.
This peninsula was discovered by Ponce de Leon, a companion of Columbus,
in 1512, on Easter Sunday, called by the Spaniards Pascua Florida, which,
with the profusion of flowers found at this early season in that tropical
region, caused him to name it Florida—“the flowery land.” It was first
colonized by French Huguenots, for whom Admiral Coligni desired to find
an asylum in the new world, from the fierce bigotry of the times. The
first settlers (1564) became discouraged and returned; the second colony,
established in 1566, was destroyed by the Spaniards. These founded a
settlement in 1565 at St. Augustine, which was the oldest town in the
United States settled by Europeans. It remained in their hands until
1763, when, by the terms of the “Peace of Paris,” it fell into the hands
of the English. It was returned to Spain in 1783.
It was acquired from Spain by treaty made with the United States in
1819, but the American authorities did not take possession until July,
1821. The consideration given by our government was about five million
dollars. It is a point running out from the Southeast border of our
territory, of but little elevation above the sea level, and swampy, but
covered with an exuberant growth of vegetation with a chain of lakes
from south to north through the center. The warmth of the climate, where
no winter is ever known, promotes the growth of the rarest and most
beautiful flowers; the clustering vines and dense foliage render its
forests almost impenetrable, and its delicate mosses are the wonder and
delight of the naturalist; while the splendid plumage of its tropical
birds, flitting among the lemon and orange groves, laden at once with
bud, flower and fruit, combine to add the scenery of the equatorial
regions to the homely but more useful vegetable growth and beauty of
our temperate zone. It is a resort of invalids during the rigors of the
northern winter, its otherwise excessive heat being tempered by the sea
breezes from either side. With its marshes drained and its vegetable
growth subdued and guided by the industrious agriculturist, its supply of
the fruits and other production of warm climates would be inexhaustible.
It is but partially settled, and its agricultural, commercial, and
manufacturing facilities but slightly developed. Its wealth of resources
remain to reward the enterprise and industry of the future. The railroad
connections between its cities and other States furnish a sufficient
basis for improvement.
Florida was admitted into the Union, March 3, 1845; making the
twenty-seventh State. This State has an area of 59,268 square miles,
equal to 37,931,520 acres. The population in 1870 amounted to 187,756.
She has two Representative in Congress.
Florida lies in the fifth judicial circuit, and forms two judicial
districts; and has seven ports of entry—St. Augustine, Key West,
Apalachicola, Pensacola, Magnolia, St. John’s River, and Fernandina; and
two ports of delivery—Palatka and Bay Port.
The capital is Tallahassee. The State election is held on the Tuesday
after the first Monday in November. The Legislature meets on the Tuesday
after the first Monday in January.
The enacting clause of the laws is: “Be it enacted by the Senate and
House of Representatives of the State of Florida, in General Assembly
convened.”
UNITED STATES SENATORS.
David L. Yulee, from 1845 to 1861.
J. D. Wescott, ” 1845 ” 1851.
Jackson Morton, ” 1849 ” 1855.
S. R. Mallory, ” 1851 ” 1861.
A. S. Welch, ” 1868 ” 1869.
Thomas W. Osborn, ” 1868 ” 1873.
Abijah Gilbert, ” 1869 ” 1875.
Simon B. Conover, ” 1873 ” 1879.
Chas. W. Jones, ” 1875 ” 1881.
[Illustration]
IOWA.
1. The name of this State in the Indian tongue is said to mean “_This is
the Land._” Few States have a surface, soil, and position so uniformly
excellent for all their different sections. A high rolling prairie, well
drained by streams, of great fertility, and almost no sterile or waste
land; beautiful to look upon in its alternations of rise and fall, of
prairie, stream, and timber; bounded on its extremes by the two mighty
branches of the “Father of Waters,” with numerous smaller rivers hundreds
of miles in length within its limits; its southern region underlaid by
a vast bed of coal, its northern rich in deposits of lead; a climate
free from the severity of Minnesota and Wisconsin winters, and from the
intemperate heats of Missouri and Kentucky summers, it is a land to
be satisfied with; and justifies the picturesque name given it by its
ancient appreciative owners.
2. It was first visited by Europeans in 1673. Marquette and Joliet,
two French Jesuit missionaries, whom the vast magnitudes of the North
American continent seemed to stimulate like new wine, roamed alone
over these immense distances, preserved by their characteristic French
cordiality from the suspicion and hostility of the numerous warlike
Indian tribes—who everywhere received them with hospitality, treated
them with respect, and dismissed them with assistance—passed, in that
year, down the Mississippi, and, landing a little above the mouth of the
Moingona—which, from the similarity of sound, they corrupted into Des
Moines, (Monk’s River)—they fearlessly followed an Indian trail fourteen
miles into the interior to an Indian village. Some tradition or prophecy
had forewarned the Indians of venerable white visitors, and they were
received at once as expected and honored guests. The new religion they
announced, and the authority of the king of France which they proclaimed,
raised no remonstrance or hostile feeling, and they were sent on their
way down the river with the “Pipe of Peace.” The grand visions of the
future entertained by these and other French explorers were never
realized by that nation. It was more than a hundred years later that the
first settlement was made by Julian Du Buque on the site of the present
city of that name. He obtained a grant of 180,000 acres from the Indians,
established a trading post, and worked the lead mines, with great profit;
but the time had not come for dispossessing the Indians, and almost fifty
years more passed before any other settlement was attempted.
3. In 1832 the Winnebagoes, Sacs, and Foxes united under the Winnebago
chief, Black Hawk, to invade and repossess the lands in Illinois which
they had ceded to the government. Gen. Atkinson met and defeated them
on the Upper Iowa, taking Black Hawk and his son prisoners. They were
taken east, kindly treated, and set at liberty; and in the following
year a treaty was made which ultimately extinguished the Indian title
to the whole of Iowa, the Indians removing west of the Missouri. In the
same year a settlement was made at Burlington. The time for Iowa had
come. In 1834 it was joined to the Territory of Michigan, in 1837 was
reorganized as part of the Wisconsin territory, and, in 1838, became a
separate territory with the capital at Burlington. March 3d, 1845, it was
conditionally, and Dec. 28th, 1846, fully admitted into the Union as a
Sovereign State. In 1840 it had a population of over 40,000, in 1850 of
nearly 200,000. A steady growth followed, and she has now, probably, a
million and a half of inhabitants. Four parallel lines of railroad pass
entirely across the State from east to west, three from north to south,
and various others are in process of building or form intersecting lines.
She is scarcely yet fully launched into her career of greatness. When her
virgin soil shall all be broken up and its hidden wealth evoked by her
intelligent and skillful agriculturists, when the full tide of commerce
on her two great rivers shall have set in to supplement her railroads,
and mature organization shall have made all her resources available, she
will take her proper place in the first rank of States in the Union,
and her citizens will repeat with satisfaction and pride the Indian
declaration, “This is the Land.”
Iowa was the twenty-eighth State, on its admission, in 1845. It has an
area of 55,045 square miles, equal to 35,228,800 acres. The population
in 1870 was 1,191,802, which entitles her to nine Representatives in
Congress. This State lies in the eighth judicial circuit, and makes
one judicial district. She has no port of entry, but has three ports
of delivery, to-wit: Burlington, Keokuk, and Dubuque; all of which are
attached to the collection district of New Orleans, in the State of
Louisiana.
Des Moines is the capital. The State election is held on the second
Tuesday of October. The Legislature meets biennially on the second Monday
in January.
The enacting clause of her laws is in these words: “Be it enacted by the
General Assembly of the State of Iowa.”
UNITED STATES SENATORS.
George W. Jones, from 1848 to 1859.
Augustus C. Dodge, ” 1848 ” 1855.
James Harlan, ” {1856 ” 1865.
{1867 ” 1873.
James W. Grimes, ” 1859 ” 1869.
Samuel J. Kirkwood, ” 1866 ” 1867.
James B. Howell, ” 1870 ” 1871.
George G. Wright, ” 1871 ” 1877.
William B. Allison, ” 1873 ” 1879.
[Illustration]
TEXAS.
This State forms the southwestern portion of the United States. The first
settlement in Texas was made on Matagorda bay, under the French led by La
Salle, in 1685. It passed into the possession of the Spanish in the year
1690.
After the independence of Mexico, in 1822, Texas remained a Mexican
province until the revolution of 1836, when it gained its independence.
It continued an independent republic, modeled on the United States, until
1845, when, the Texan Congress having accepted the conditions imposed by
the Congress of the United States, it became the 29th State in the Union.
It has an area of 237,504 square miles, equal to 152,002,560 acres. The
population in 1870 was 797,500, which entitles her to six members of
Congress.
This State embraces every variety of surface; mountain, plain, hill, and
desert waste lie within its limits. The climate is free from the extremes
of both the temperate and torrid zones, producing, in the north, many
of the products of the temperate, and in the south many of those of the
torrid zone. The variation in the temperature from the season of winter
to that of summer is quite small, giving the State as equable a climate
as any in the world. While it shares the genial climate of the “sunny
South” it is free from all the deadly swamp exhalations of the lower
Mississippi States. The soil, on the whole, is as fertile as any in the
world. It furnishes the very best natural pasture all the year round.
Cotton in large quantities—Indian corn, wheat, rye, oats and other small
grains—tobacco, indigo and rice, are the staple products. The grape,
mulberry and the vanilla, are indigenous and abundant. Cayenne pepper
is grown in vast quantities. Fruit is no less various and abundant than
its other products. The peach, nectarine, fig, plum, quince and a great
variety of berries flourish here. Oranges, lemons, limes and melons,
grow well. Live stock of all varieties and in vast numbers fatten on the
plains, and are shipped in all directions to supply every demand.
Texas abounds in minerals. Rich silver mines are already worked
successfully at San Saba. Gold in small quantities has been found west of
the Colorado river. Coal is abundant. Iron is found in many parts of the
State. There are also salt lakes and salt springs, copper, alum, lime,
agates, chalcedony, jasper and a white and red sandstone.
Texas lies in the fifth judicial circuit, and makes two judicial
districts, the eastern and the western. There are three collection
districts in the State. The respective ports of entry for these districts
are Galveston, La Salle, and Brazos Santiago. To these are attached nine
ports of delivery.
The capital is Austin. The Legislature is composed of a Senate, elected
for four years, and a House of Representatives, elected for two years.
The sessions of the Legislature are biennial and are held in December.
The Governor is elected for four years.
UNITED STATES SENATORS.
Thomas F. Rusk, from 1846 to 1856.
Samuel Houston, ” 1846 ” 1859.
Pinckney J. Henderson, ” 1857 ” 1858.
Matthias Ward, ” 1858 ” 1861.
John Hemphill, ” 1869 ” 1871.
Lewis T. Wigfall, ” 1859 ” 1861.
J. W. Flannagan, ” 1869 ” 1875.
Morgan C. Hamilton, ” 1871 ” 1877.
Samuel B. Maxey, ” 1875 ” 1881.
[Illustration]
WISCONSIN.
1. This State was visited and crossed by the early French explorers about
1665, and a settlement was made at Green Bay in 1669 and soon after
on the Mississippi, at Prairie du Chien. It was the policy of these
enterprising men to connect the French settlements on the lower St.
Lawrence by a chain of stations on the lakes and rivers with the mouth of
the Mississippi. This would have passed through the heart of the country
and have laid open its chief resources at once. It was a bold conception.
We see it nowhere among the English explorers and settlers, who seemed
not to like to lose sight of their ships; but it is quite in keeping with
the grand and rapid genius of the French; and, as in so many other cases,
by attempting too much they lost the whole. The English, if slower, were
sure, and consolidated their possessions on the coast, gradually pushing
westward as they were able to hold their ground.
2. The French explorers have left traces of their untiring activity in
the names of rivers and places, and even Indian tribes, but the attention
of their home government was soon withdrawn from them. No further
extension was given to settlement for near 150 years, notwithstanding it
was so easy of access from the south by the Mississippi river, and from
the east by the chain of great lakes. Very fortunately, as it now seems,
all this vast and valuable territory in the heart of the continent,
equal, perhaps in its natural wealth, to the original resources of the
whole of Europe, was reserved to reward the labors and consolidate the
beneficent power of a Nation of Freemen, carefully trained and adapted to
their high destiny.
3. The tide of emigration flowed westward by way of the Ohio river, and
the States south were settled and admitted into the Union long before
Wisconsin received even a Territorial government. This occurred in 1836,
and in 1840 the census gave it but little over 30,000 inhabitants.
Population now flowed steadily to it and we find, in 1850, over 300,000
inhabitants. It was admitted into the Union in 1848, making the thirtieth
State. Its high latitude probably had something to do with this deferred
settlement, the milder winters of the more southern range of States
attracting the emigrants first. The climate, however, has important
advantages over the States in question, being drier, less changeable, and
not so subject to extremes. It is very healthy, and probably the oldest
man in the country was living, hale and hearty, in this State, a few
years ago, at the patriarchal age of 139. The climate is milder than in
the same latitude farther east.
4. The surface is a high rolling prairie, open and mostly treeless,
except near streams and bodies of water in the south, but in the north
covered with timber. Vast forests of pine grow on the northern slope,
which is some 1,200 feet above the level of the sea. Some parts of the
State fall 600 feet below that elevation; and a succession of ridges
having a general direction east and west, separate the rivers flowing
into Lake Superior, Green Bay, and Lake Michigan, while many streams
flow southwest into the Mississippi. The State is 285 miles long by 255
wide. Its beautiful prairies, gratefully returning a bountiful harvest
to the intelligent farmer; its numerous charming lakes and ponds; its
remarkable commercial advantages by lakes and rivers, supplemented by
canals and railroads; its great manufacturing facilities, and valuable
mineral deposits, give great promise to its future. Wheat is the leading
agricultural staple, but all the grains, vegetables, and fruits of the
Northern States well reward cultivation. It has an area of 52,924 square
miles, equal to 34,511,360 acres. In 1870 the population amounted to
1,055,167, which gave her eight Members of Congress. Wisconsin lies in
the seventh judicial circuit (which is composed of Wisconsin, Indiana
and Illinois,) and forms one judicial district. It has one collection
district, one port of entry (Milwaukee,) and five ports of delivery,
viz.: Southport, Racine, Sheboygan, Green Bay and Depere.
The capital of the State is Madison. The Legislature meets on the second
Wednesday in January. The State election is on the Tuesday after the
first Monday in November.
The enacting clause of her laws is as follows: “The people of Wisconsin,
represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows.”
UNITED STATES SENATORS.
Henry Dodge, from 1848 to 1857.
Isaac P. Walker, ” 1848 ” 1855.
Charles Durkee, ” 1855 ” 1861.
James R. Doolittle, ” 1857 ” 1869.
Timothy O. Howe, ” 1861 ” 1875.
M. H. Carpenter, ” 1869 ” 1875.
Angus Cameron, ” 1875 ” 1881.
[Illustration: THE DOMES OF THE YOSEMITE.]
[Illustration]
CALIFORNIA
Is said to have been visited by the Spaniards in 1542, and by Sir Francis
Drake, a celebrated English navigator, in 1578. The first mission was
founded by Spanish Catholics in 1769. It was sparsely settled by Mexican
rancheros, who occupied themselves chiefly in raising cattle. In 1846
Fremont, who had been conducting an exploring party across the great
plains and the Rocky Mountains, defeated in conjunction with Commodore
Stockton, the Mexican forces in California, and took possession of it in
the name of the United States; to which it was definitely ceded by the
treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, Feb. 2nd, 1848; the United States government
paying Mexico for that territory and New Mexico $15,000,000, besides
paying $3,500,000 indemnity, due from Mexico to citizens of the United
States.
Scarcely had this arrangement been made, when it was published that
California was rich in gold, and adventurers from all sections of the
Union, and various countries of the Old World, rushed in like a flood.
For some years, society there, composed in large part, of the wildest
and most ungovernable elements of old communities, was like a seething
volcano; but, to the immortal honor of American citizens, it was subdued
by the superior resolution and summary vigor of the better class of
emigrants from the States, and was admitted into the Union on the 7th of
Sept. 1850, with a clause in its Constitution prohibiting slavery. The
discussion in Congress on this point came near precipitating the Civil
War that broke out ten years later. The difficulty between the slavery
and anti-slavery parties was adjusted by compromise measures, for the
time, but only served to allay the agitation produced by conflict of
interests and opinions, which was irreconcilable.
California “The Golden,” proved extraordinarily rich in precious metals
and other minerals, as quicksilver, platinum, asphaltum, iron, lead, and
rare qualities of marble. Its gold mines alone from 1858 to 1868 produced
over $800,000,000.
It is a broken country, traversed by two ranges of mountains. The valleys
are exceedingly productive. They are unexcelled for wheat; all kinds of
fruit grow in the greatest perfection; and the grape culture promises
to equal, if not to excel, the products of the most famous vineyards
of Europe. Surprising as is her mineral wealth, her agricultural
possibilities are far greater, and her commerce is already immense, and
bids fair, from her position and relations to Eastern Asia, and the
western parts of South America, to rival that of the Atlantic States.
The world was ripe for the discovery of these unparalleled treasures,
and civilization was prepared to use them for the good of mankind. The
ready passage across the vast and inhospitable deserts of the American
continent, by means of railways, has already changed (and will probably
change still more in the future) the course of commerce; and San
Francisco and New York may hope to rule, in large part, the commerce of
the world.
California is remarkable for the salubrity of its climate, where the
rigors of winter (save on the mountains), and the excessive heats of
summer are equally unknown, and for the variety and magnitude of its
natural curiosities. Of the last the Yosemite valley and the Big Trees
are the most prominent. She has near 1,000 miles of railroad, and has
made ample provision for education.
California was the thirty-first State. It has an area of 188,982 square
miles, equal to 120,948,480 acres. The population in 1870 was 560,285,
entitling her to four Representatives in Congress.
By act of 1866, this State, with Oregon and Nevada, constitutes the ninth
judicial circuit, and forms two judicial districts. California has seven
ports of entry, viz.: San Francisco, Monterey, San Diego, Sacramento,
Sonoma, San Joaquin and San Pedro; also, one port of delivery, Santa
Barbara. California was obtained from Mexico by conquest in 1846.
The capital is Sacramento. She holds her State election on the first
Tuesday in September. Her Legislature meets on the first Monday in
December, but meets only once in two years.
The enacting clause of her laws is: “The people of the State of
California, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows.”
UNITED STATES SENATORS.
John C. Fremont, from 1850 to 1851.
William M. Gwin, ” 1850 ” 1861.
John B. Weller, ” 1851 ” 1857.
H. P. Haun, ” 1859 ” 1862.
David C. Broderick, ” 1856 ” 1859.
Milton S. Latham, ” 1860 ” 1866.
John Conness, ” 1863 ” 1869.
Cornelius Cole, ” 1867 ” 1873.
J. A. McDougall, ” 1861 ” 1867.
Eugene Casserly, ” 1869 ” 1875.
Aaron A. Sargent, ” 1873 ” 1879.
John S. Hagar, ” ---- ” 1875.
Newton Booth, ” 1875 ” 1881.
[Illustration: DELLS OF THE ST. CROIX RIVER, MINN.]
[Illustration]
MINNESOTA.
This State might be called the Mother of Rivers, since it contains the
high watershed, or tableland, where the rivers sending their waters to
two oceans, in three directions, have their sources. The head waters
of the Mississippi, the St. Lawrence, and the streams flowing into the
frozen ocean of the north are all found here. In 1680 the unwearied La
Salle visited the head waters of the Mississippi, but this region was
long left to the sole occupation of the Indians.
Fort Snelling, near St. Paul, was built in 1819. No other territory was
acquired, by extinction of the Indian title to the soil, until 1837; and
in 1849 the civilized population gathered about the trading posts and
missions amounted to less than 5,000. It then received a Territorial
government. A considerable portion of the State having in 1851 been
ceded, by treaty with the Indians, to the government, was immediately
entered on by the settlers; and in 1858 it was prepared to take rank
among the sovereign States. It was admitted in May of this year, by act
of Congress.
In 1862 the State passed through the appalling crisis of an Indian
massacre of the outlying settlements. It began without warning, in the
midst of fancied security, and before adequate protection could be
forwarded, some 500 men, women, and children were murdered with all
the accompaniments of savage cruelty. Some $3,000,000 of property was
destroyed. In a short time sufficient force was gathered to overpower the
savages, and they were in large part removed from the State.
The surface is undulating and high, and the soil, in good part, extremely
fertile. Portions are open and rolling prairie; the remainder heavily
wooded. Though the winters are long and cold, the air is dry and
invigorating, and the climate healthy. It is specially favorable to
the growth of wheat. Commerce is favored by the Mississippi, navigable
to St. Paul, and by good harbors on Lake Superior, as well as by
numerous railways. Its provision for education is excellent, and a State
University at St. Anthony’s Falls promises to form a suitable crown to
its intellectual advantages.
This State was admitted into the Union on the 11th day of May, 1858, and
made the thirty-second State. It has an area of 83,531 square miles,
equal to 53,459,840 acres. The population in 1870 amounted to 435,511.
This State is entitled to three Members of Congress.
It lies in the eighth judicial circuit, which is composed of Missouri,
Iowa, Kansas, Arkansas and Minnesota. Minnesota forms one judicial
district, and has no ports of entry or delivery.
St. Paul is the capital. The Legislature meets annually on the Tuesday
after the first Monday in November. The State election is held on the
Tuesday after the first Monday in January.
UNITED STATES SENATORS.
Henry M. Rice, from 1857 to 1863.
James Shields, ” 1857 ” 1859.
Alex. Ramsey, ” 1863 ” 1875.
Daniel Norton, ” 1865 ” 1871.
Mort. S. Wilkinson, ” 1859 ” 1865.
William Windom, ” 1871 ” 1877.
S. J. R. McMillan, ” 1875 ” 1881.
[Illustration]
OREGON.
Was discovered by Spanish adventurers in the sixteenth century. In 1792
Capt. Grey, of Boston, discovered the Columbia river and entered it,
securing the sovereignty of the country to the United States by right
of first exploration. It was more thoroughly explored by Lewis and
Clark, appointed for that purpose by the United States government, in
1804-5-6. The northern part, (now Washington Territory,) was claimed by
Great Britain, and the conflicting claims produced long and dangerous
diplomatic contention, which was finally peaceably ended in favor of the
United States.
In 1811 a fur trading company established a fort and settlement at the
mouth of the Columbia, which was taken possession of by the English
in the latter part of 1813. The country was claimed by them until
1846, when the boundaries were settled by treaty; giving Oregon to the
United States. Settlement from the States, however, commenced in 1839,
and continued to increase until 1848, when a territorial government
was organized. The excitement consequent on the discovery of gold in
California drew off many of its citizens; but was, in part, counteracted
by the extraordinary inducements made to actual settlers. A State
constitution was adopted by the people Nov. 9th, 1857, but it was not
admitted, by act of Congress, into the Union, until Feb. 14th, 1859,
making the thirty-third State.
The surface of the country is divided by three ranges of mountains, the
Cascade, Blue and Rocky mountains. The Cascade Range has the highest
peaks found in the United States. The climate is mild near the coast,
but more severe in higher eastern parts. The high eastern regions are
volcanic, containing vast tracts of lava, entirely sterile; the middle
is well adapted to grazing, in many parts. The valuable farming lands
are in the western division, along the various tributary streams of the
Columbia. Wheat is the great staple; rye, oats, and vegetables, are grown
with success. Fruit is also produced in abundance. Its supply of coal and
copper is said to be unlimited; and it is specially celebrated for its
extensive forests of gigantic trees. Manufactures and commerce are, as
yet, undeveloped; but will be important in the future. Little has been
done in the way of internal improvement.
Oregon has experienced the disadvantage of growing up in the shade of her
splendid neighbor, California, but has a solidly prosperous future before
her.
It has an area of 95,274 square miles, equal to 60,975,360 acres. The
population amounted in 1870 to 90,922, which did not reach the number
required to entitle it to a Member of Congress according to the fixed
ratio. But every State is entitled to one member, whatever its population
may be. By act of 1866, the States of Oregon, Nevada and California
were constituted the ninth judicial circuit. Oregon forms one judicial
district, and has one collection district, and one port of entry.
The capital is Salem, where her Legislature meets once in two years, on
the second Monday of September. The State election is held on the first
Monday in June.
UNITED STATES SENATORS.
Joseph Lane, from 1859 to 1861.
Delazon Smith, ” 1859 ” 1860.
Edward D. Baker, ” 1861 ” 1861.
Benj. F. Harding, ” 1862.
James W. Nesmith, ” 1861 ” 1867.
Benjamin Stark, ” 1861 ” 1862.
Geo. H. Williams, ” 1865 ” 1871.
Henry W. Corbett, ” 1867 ” 1873.
James K. Kelly, ” 1871 ” 1877.
John H. Mitchell, ” 1873 ” 1879.
[Illustration]
KANSAS.
1. Nearly every State in the American Union has some advantage that
is peculiar to it, or that it shares in a degree so eminent as to
distinguish it from all others. Kansas is not an exception, and some of
these are exceedingly attractive. They enter, to some extent, into the
painful and bloody history of its first settlement; the mighty tragedy
of the Civil War having enacted its prelude on her fertile plains. The
Kansas and Nebraska Bill, in 1854, repealed the Missouri Compromise, and
this territory was opened to a trial of strength between Freedom and
Slavery; the contest being transferred from the floors of Congress and
the Representatives of the people to the settlers of the soil, who were
to determine whether slavery should, or not, exist in it, as a State.
The attraction of a decisive political struggle was added to the many
favorable features of position, climate, and intrinsic value. Southern
people sought to introduce their peculiar institution, and northern
people resisted. There was much disorder and bloodshed. Every effort
was made, by strategy and force, on the one side and the other. The
southern party was signally defeated and there was henceforth no hope
of preserving to the slave States a balance of power in the national
government, and the civil war followed, almost as a natural consequence.
2. Kansas is larger by more than 3,000 square miles than the whole of
New England. It lies very near the geographical centre of the country,
and stretches a friendly hand, by the Pacific Railroads, to both the
Atlantic and Pacific States. A good part of her soil is declared to
be much superior to that of ordinary prairie land in richness, and
to average four feet in depth. It is fairly watered and timbered, and
freely produces everything, except the proper tropical products of
the extreme south, that is grown in the United States. The climate is
that of Virginia, without its excessive heat; which may, perhaps, be
considered balanced by its occasional excessively sharp and cutting
winds in winter. These, however, are tolerably rare, and the winters,
for the most part, short and mild, the climate being, on the whole very
healthy. Its deposits of salt are exceedingly rich, and other minerals
abound in various parts. Its commercial position is excellent, and
its manufacturing capabilities all that the future will be likely to
require. Its resources, under suitable development, cannot be considered
inferior to any other equal area in the country; which is speaking in the
strongest language we can command, considering what may be said of so
many different localities.
3. The eastern surface is a succession of waves, or undulations, the
valleys generally extending north and south. A narrow section west of
it, stretching across the State is more level and the soil lighter.
Beyond this long reaches of level, fertile, and well watered lands
are adapted to flocks and herds. These are much higher than the river
beds, the valleys of which abound in bottoms, beautiful in appearance
and situation, and of inexhaustible fertility. Vast beds of coal, a
good quality and abundant quantity of iron ore, and petroleum and lead
have been discovered. Corn and wheat are the leading staples, and it is
believed that fruit culture will soon become a leading interest of this
promising State.
Kansas was admitted into the Union as a State, Jan. 29, 1861, making the
thirty-fourth State. Kansas has an area of 78,841 square miles, equal
to 50,187,520 acres. The population in 1870 was 362,812, giving her
three Representatives in Congress. This State is in the eighth judicial
circuit, and forms one judicial district. It has no ports of entry or
delivery.
Topeka is the capital. The State election is held on the Tuesday after
the first Monday in November. The Legislature meets on the second Tuesday
in January.
The enacting clause of the laws is as follows: “Be it enacted by the
Legislature of the State of Kansas.”
UNITED STATES SENATORS.
James Henry Lane, from 1861 to 1866.
Samuel C. Pomeroy, ” 1861 ” 1873.
E. G. Ross, ” 1866 ” 1871.
Alexander Caldwell, ” 1871 ” 1877.
[3]Robert Crozier, ” 1877.
James M. Harvey, ” ---- ” 1877.
John J. Ingalls, ” 1873 ” 1879.
[3] Appointed by Governor to fill vacancy.
[Illustration]
WEST VIRGINIA.
This is the only State ever formed, under the Constitution, by the
division of an organized State. The interests of West Virginia were
always different from those of the eastern part; and when, at the
commencement of the Civil War, the eastern part seceded, the western
remained loyal and was erected into a separate State; thus realizing the
ancient wish of its citizens.
The act of Congress organizing it as a State was passed December
31st, 1862, with condition that it should take effect 60 days after
proclamation of its admission by the President of the United States.
This proclamation was issued April 21st, 1863; and it was admitted to
representation in Congress as a sovereign State June 20th thereafter. A
temporary government without representation in Congress had been formed
in May, 1862. It was the thirty-fifth State admitted into the Union.
It is varied in surface, from high mountain ranges, hilly and undulating
midlands, to level and rich river bottoms; and is nearly all available
either for cultivation or grazing; while its valuable deposits of coal
lie very near the surface in nearly all parts of the State. Iron abounds,
and timber of the best quality. Its manufacturing facilities are great;
and its canals and railroads, with the Ohio river on its northwestern
border, furnish the means of making it one of the richest States in the
Union. The climate is healthy, and the scenery picturesque, and in places
it rises to wild grandeur.
It has an area of 23,000 square miles, or 14,720,000 acres.
The population, in 1870 was 445,616. This State has now three Members of
Congress. West Virginia was subsequently put into the fourth judicial
circuit, and constitutes one judicial district. Parkersburg, also, was
made a port of delivery.
Charleston is the capital. The State election is held on the fourth
Thursday in October. The Legislature meets on the second Tuesday in
January.
UNITED STATES SENATORS.
Peter G. Van Winkle, from 1863 to 1869.
Waitman T. Willey, ” 1863 ” 1871.
Arthur J. Boreman, ” 1868 ” 1875.
H. G. Davis, ” 1871 ” 1877.
Allen T. Caperon, ” 1875 ” 1881.
[Illustration]
NEVADA.
“The Snowy Land” derives its name from the Sierra Nevada, or Snowy Range
of mountains forming the eastern boundary of California. It lies in
the western part of the basin of the Great Salt Lake and among those
mountains, in whose rocky bosom was found the stimulus that has changed
so much of the Pacific slope, and the Rocky Mountain region, from a wild
and dismal waste to populous and thriving States.
Gold was found in moderate quantities among the mountains, and population
began to scatter slowly over them about 1850, and soon settlers began
to improve the valleys at the foot of the mountains on the east for
agricultural purposes. Carson county was organized by the territorial
government of Utah in 1854; but in June, 1859, rich deposits of silver
were found; and emigration began to pour in rapidly. In March, 1861, the
Territory of Nevada was organized, and the same month, three years later,
it was admitted into the Union, making the thirty-sixth State.
The history of these States, so rich in precious metals, puts to the
blush the fantastic fables of the Arabian Nights. The silver mines of
Nevada are believed to be the richest in the world. The celebrated silver
mines of Potosi, in South America, never produced over $10,000,000 a
year, while in 1867, one mine in Nevada produced $17,500,000, and is
thought to be almost, or quite, inexhaustible. The climate, like that of
California, is healthy; the seasons are divided into wet and dry, and
agriculture is dependent on irrigation. With time and pains its products
will be considerable. It has much wild and sublime scenery, and some
natural curiosities; as Lake Mono, with its waters so sharply acid as to
destroy cloth and leather immersed in it. Its gloomy surroundings, and
the great distance from the tops of the precipitous rocks surrounding
its shores to the surface of the water lend an impressive and fearful
character to its severe desolation. It lies below the reach of the winds,
and no living thing can exist in its waters.
It has an area of 63,473 square miles, or 40,622,720 acres. The
population in 1860, while yet a Territory, was 6,857. In 1870 it had
increased to 42,491. In conformity with the Constitutional provision that
every State shall have one Representative in Congress, Nevada has one.
This State lies in the ninth judicial circuit, and forms one judicial
district, called the district of Nevada.
Carson City is the capital. The State election is held on the first
Tuesday in November; and the Legislature meets on the first Monday in
January.
The enacting clause of the laws is in the following words: “The people
of the State of Nevada, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as
follows.”
UNITED STATES SENATORS.
James W. Nye, from 1865 to 1873.
William M. Stewart, ” 1865 ” 1875.
John P. Jones, ” 1873 ” 1879.
Wm. Sharon, ” 1875 ” 1881.
[Illustration]
NEBRASKA.
1. Formed a part of the Louisiana Purchase from the French government
in 1803. It received a Territorial government in 1854, and was, by the
provisions of the Kansas-Nebraska Bill, equally with Kansas, exposed
to the introduction of slavery; but the Southern people limited their
efforts in that direction to Kansas, and Nebraska did not share in its
disorder and bloodshed.
2. The greater portion of the country consists of a high, rolling
prairie. The soil in the eastern part of the State is nearly the same as
that of the adjoining portions of Iowa and Kansas. It is a rich loam,
finely pulverized, and admirably adapted to cultivation. The second
district, near the center of the State, is strictly pastoral. The third,
or western section, has a fair soil, but is destitute of timber, and
insufficiently supplied with water.
Throughout the fertile portion of the State, wheat, corn, oats, and other
cereals, and vegetables and fruits yield largely. Vast herds of buffaloes
formerly roamed over its prairies; but they are now mostly exterminated.
The altitude of Nebraska secures to it a dry, pure, and salubrious
atmosphere. Rain is not abundant, but, in the eastern part, is sufficient
for the purposes of the agriculturist. Salt, limestone, and coal are
found in various localities, and not improbably other minerals will be
found in paying quantities. The State is too new to fully estimate all
its resources and capabilities.
3. The educational advantages are good. The Common School System, modeled
on that of Ohio, is well supplied with funds, embracing one-sixteenth of
the public land, or 2,500,000 acres. 90,000 acres were given to endow a
State Agricultural College, and 46,081 acres to the State University.
Its commercial facilities are supplied by the Missouri River, the Pacific
and other railroads, and are amply sufficient to develop its resources.
The future of the State has many elements of promise. No public debt
impedes its growth, and within the last few years it has increased in
wealth and population more rapidly than any of the adjoining States or
Territories. An unknown, but certainly not limited, amount of wealth
still lies locked up in its soil, and its relation to ocean commerce
by the mighty Missouri, and to inter-State trade by lying in the great
traveled route between the Atlantic and Pacific States, with a remarkably
fine, healthy climate, and the ease with which its soil is worked,
contribute to form a powerful attraction to labor and capital, and we
have no reason to suspect any decrease in its rapid progress.
4. On its admission, in 1867, it was the thirty-seventh State. It has an
area of 122,007 square miles, or 78,084,480 acres.
Population in 1870, 123,000. It forms the ninth judicial district, and
has no ports of entry or delivery.
The capital is Lincoln. The State election is held on the second Tuesday
in October. The Legislature meets on the Thursday after the first Monday
in January.
UNITED STATES SENATORS.
John M. Thayer, from 1867 to 1871.
Thomas W. Tipton, ” 1867 ” 1875.
Phineas W. Hitchcock, ” 1871 ” 1877.
Algernon S. Paddock, ” 1875 ” 1881.
[Illustration: CHIMNEY ROCKS OF THE WEST.]
[Illustration]
COLORADO
Was formed from parts of Kansas, Nebraska and Utah. Its Territorial
government was organized by act of Congress, March 2nd, 1861. It
is situated west of Kansas, on the great route from the Pacific to
the Atlantic States, and on the dividing ridge, or backbone, of the
continent. The rivers that find their head waters within the territory
run southeast and south to the Gulf of Mexico, and southwest to the Gulf
of California. The surface is nearly equally divided between a plain,
gently descending from the abrupt mountain wall of rock constituting the
eastern flank of the Rocky Mountains, and the mighty mass of that chain,
with its peaks, rising nearly three miles above the surface of the sea,
now forming an elevated plateau, and again sending off spurs and lateral
ranges containing beautiful valleys, or, in a more lavish and genial
mood, taking a wide circuit inclosing an immense sunken plain containing
hundreds of square miles of charming, well watered farming land called
parks. Of these there are seven. It is a magnificent region, and contains
all the elements of extreme mineral and agricultural wealth. It has mines
of gold, silver, copper, lead, and iron. Coal abounds in all parts, oil
flows from the wells with a little encouragement, and salt is easily
obtained in some parts. An immense soda-fountain is found near Colorado
City, called Fontaine qui Bouille (boiling fountain) and there are
indications of cinnabar, platina, and precious stones.
The climate is fine, the general temperature like Southern Pennsylvania
or Maryland; and, from the elevation, the air is very dry and pure. The
plain rises by imperceptible degrees to 5,000 feet, (about one mile,)
above the level of the sea, at the foot of the mountains. The numerous
valleys, the parks, and much of the sloping plain, form as fine an
agricultural region, with proper irrigation, as any State possesses, and
much of the remainder furnishes excellent pasturage through the entire
year. Occasionally heavy snow falls and for a few days extreme cold
prevails, but these are exceptional years; and it does not lie long. Its
effects can be guarded against with prudent care. Corn, wheat, and other
small grains and vegetables reach their greatest perfection here.
It furnishes excellent manufacturing facilities along the unfailing
mountain streams in the valleys, and will no doubt ultimately unite with
Montana and Southwestern Dacotah to supply the immense central part of
our domain with all the products of manufacturing genius and skill.
Denver the capital and principal city, is situated near the eastern base
of the mountains, where these put on their severest and sublimest aspect.
Clear lakes are set like stars, here and there, and the beautiful and
grand in scenery are nowhere more striking, or more agreeably combined.
The Territory contains 106,475 square miles in area, and the population
in 1870 numbered 29,706.
Several attempts have been made to obtain the admission of Colorado as
a State into the American Union. An act to enable the people to form a
constitution and State Government was passed by Congress, March, 1864.
The constitution, framed under this act, was rejected by the people of
the territory. Another constitution was framed and adopted in 1865, but a
bill, passed by Congress for its admission, was vetoed by the President.
Another attempt made in 1867 likewise failed by the President’s veto;
since which time it quietly remained under its Territorial government,
until March 3, 1875, when it was admitted by Act of Congress.
CHAPTER LXVII.
MOTTOES AND NAMES OF THE STATES.
UNITED STATES—_E Pluribus Unum_, “Out of Many, One.”
ALABAMA—Has no motto. Name, from its principal river, means “Here we
rest,” and denotes the satisfaction of the Indians with its agreeable
landscape and climate.
ARKANSAS—_Regnant populi_—“The people rule.” Has the Indian name of its
river. Is called the “Bear State.”
CALIFORNIA—_Eureka_, her Greek motto, means “I have found it.” Derives
her name from the bay forming the peninsula of lower California.
COLORADO—Latin motto, _Nil sine numine_, means “Nothing can be done
without divine aid.” Named from the river.
CONNECTICUT—_Qui transtulit Sustinet_, “He who brought us over sustains
us.” Name from her river, which means, in the Indian tongue, “The long
river.” Is called the “Nutmeg State.”
DELAWARE—Motto, Liberty and Independence. Was named from Lord Delaware,
an English statesman. Is called “The Blue Hen.”
FLORIDA—Motto, “In God is our trust.” Name from the abundance of flowers
when discovered, on Easter Sunday. In Spanish Florida means flowery.
GEORGIA—Motto, “Wisdom, justice and moderation.” Named from George II,
King of England when it was settled.
ILLINOIS—Motto, “State Sovereignty, National Union.” Name derived from
an Indian tribe, also applied by them to Lake Michigan and her largest
inland river. Means “We are the men.” Is called the “Sucker State.”
INDIANA—Has no motto. Name suggested by its numerous Indian population.
It is called the “Hoosier State.”
IOWA—Motto, “Our liberties we prize, our rights we will maintain.” Its
Indian name means “This is the Land.” Is called the “Hawk Eye State.”
KANSAS—Motto, _Ad astra per aspera_, “To the stars through difficulties.”
Name means “Smoky water,” and is derived from one of her rivers.
KENTUCKY—Motto, “United we stand, divided we fall.” Bears the Indian name
of one of her rivers. The Indians termed it the “dark and bloody ground.”
It was the battle field of Northern and Southern Indians. Is called the
“Blue Grass State.”
LOUISIANA—Motto, “Union and confidence.” Named from Louis XIV, King of
France. It is called “The Creole State.”
MAINE—Latin motto, _Dirigo_, “I direct;” indicative of sovereignty. Was
named for a province of France. Is called “The Pine Tree State.”
MARYLAND—Latin motto, _Crescite et multiplicamini_, “Increase and
multiply.” Name from the Queen of England, the wife of Charles I.
MASSACHUSETTS—Latin motto, _Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem_,
“By the sword she seeks placid rest in liberty,” or “Conquers a peace.”
The name was acquired from an Indian tribe and the bay on her coast. Is
called the “Bay State” from her numerous bays.
MICHIGAN—Latin motto, _Tuebor_, and, _Si quæris peninsulam amœnam
circumspice_. “I will defend.” “If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look
around you.” The name is derived from two Indian words meaning “Great
Lake,” by them applied to Huron and Michigan lakes. Is called “The
Wolverine State.”
MINNESOTA—French motto, _L’Etoile du Nord_, “The Star of the North.” The
name, meaning whitish water, (foam of the falls,) is derived from the
Indians.
MISSOURI—Latin motto, _Salus populi suprema lex esto_, “Let the welfare
of the people be the supreme law.” Named from her great river. It means
“Muddy water.”
MISSISSIPPI—Has no motto. It is named from the river, whose name
signifies “The Father of Waters.”
NEBRASKA—Motto, “Equality before the law.” Its name is derived from one
of its rivers, meaning “broad and shallow, or low.”
NEW HAMPSHIRE—Has no motto. It is named from a county in England.
Familiar name is “The Old Granite State.”
NEW JERSEY—Motto, “Liberty and Independence.” Named for the Island of
Jersey on the coast of England.
NEW YORK—Latin motto, _Excelsior_, “Higher.” Named from the Duke of York.
Is called “The Empire State.”
NORTH CAROLINA—Has no motto. It was named for Charles IX, King of France.
It is called “The old North,” or “The Turpentine State.”
NEVADA—Latin motto, _Volens et potens_, “Willing and Able.” It was named
from its mountains. Spanish name means “Snowy.”
OHIO—Latin motto, _Imperium in imperio_, “An empire in an empire.” It
took its name from the river on its south boundary. It is familiarly
called “The Buckeye State.”
OREGON—Latin motto, _Alis volat propriis_, “She flies with her own
wings.” Name is derived from her principal river.
PENNSYLVANIA—Motto, “Virtue, liberty and independence.” Named from Wm.
Penn, “Penn’s woods.” Is called the “Keystone State.”
RHODE ISLAND—Her motto is “Hope.” Named from the Island of Rhodes, in the
Mediterranean Sea. Is familiarly called “Little Rhody.”
SOUTH CAROLINA—Latin motto, _Animis opibusque parati_, “Ready in will and
deed.” Has the Latin name of Charles IX, of France (Carolus). Is known as
the “Palmetto State.”
TENNESSEE—Motto, “Agriculture, Commerce.” Has the Indian name of one of
her rivers. She is called “The Big Bend State.”
TEXAS—Has no motto. Has preserved its Mexican name. Is called “The Lone
Star State.”
VERMONT—Motto, “Freedom and Unity.” Has the French name of her mountains
(_Verd Mont_, “Green Mountains”).
VIRGINIA—Latin motto, _Sic semper tyrannis_, “So always with tyrants.”
Was named from Elizabeth of England, the “Virgin” Queen. It is called
“The Old Dominion.”
WEST VIRGINIA—Latin motto, _Montani semper liberi_, “Mountaineers are
always free.” Retained the former name, when divided from Virginia.
WISCONSIN—Latin motto, _Civilitas successit barbarum_, “The civilized man
succeeds the barbarous.” Has the Indian name of one of her rivers. It is
called “The Badger State.”
CHAPTER LXVIII.
THE NATIONAL DOMAIN.
1. When the War of Independence closed, and the people and government
had leisure to look about them and estimate their situation, they found
the organized States covering the coast from Nova Scotia to Florida,
(then in possession of Spain.) There was no vacant territory near the
ocean; but west of the States—which run back only a few hundred miles—was
a vast region, peopled by a few tribes of Indians and, in Kentucky and
Tennessee, by a few hundred whites. These with singular hardihood and
self reliance, had not hesitated to brave a thousand perils to get
possession of the charming valleys and fertile savannahs of the eastern
part of the great Mississippi Valley. The settlements were made near the
mountains that skirted the western boundaries of the original States.
Beyond, to the Mississippi river, extended as beautiful and fertile a
territory as any land could boast; many times larger than the original
territory, whose people, poor and few as they were, had fought for and
won it by persistent bravery. It lay in virgin beauty and wealth, the
prize of their strong hands and courageous hearts. The future of the new
government once determined, and the fundamental Law of the Land adopted,
they prepared to take possession by organizing a government over those
already there, surveying and laying off the unsettled lands, and bringing
them into market for sale and settlement.
2. The States had owned all the property, and held all the real power,
up to the adoption of the present Constitution. It was now agreed that
the unsettled lands should be considered as the common property of
the whole country, and be administered by the General Government. It
was not without much difficulty, and many severe contests, that this
point was so settled. There were two parties; one headed by Alexander
Hamilton who wished a strong, consolidated central government; the other,
afraid to confer on it too much power lest it should prove a tyrannical
master, wished to preserve most of the substance of power in the State
governments. They were led by Thomas Jefferson. The adoption of the
Constitution was difficult, and the struggle over it perilous to the
confederation. It embraced the main views of the first party. But for the
personal influence of Washington, who had presided over the Convention
that framed it, and had, as it were, been its father, it could not have
received the approval of the majority of the people. The people allowed
their fears to be overruled by their trust in his wisdom and prudence.
He alone it has been believed could have put its machinery in successful
operation; and the admirable manner in which the statesmen, in Congress
and the executive offices, infused the spirit of freedom and moderation
into the administration, following in the lead of the revered “Father of
his Country,” settled it in the confidence and affections of the people.
3. We have dwelt on this point because it is intimately related to the
organization and government of the Territories, and to the provision
made for the increase of States. It was important that they should be
in harmony with the original ones, and there were no means of securing
this and providing against the future growth of governments, differing
from those of the original States, but by giving the central power a
general control over them. The Constitution conferred it on Congress.
Ohio, and all the territory north of the Ohio river, was obliged to
wait till this point was settled, before it could be opened to the
entrance of emigrants. This region was early erected into a separate
government, by Congress, called the Northwest Territory. The region
south of the river was treated in the same manner a little later. In 1800
the Mississippi Territory was organized; thus covering all the ground
originally belonging to the New Republic. These were, as population
increased, divided into sections, of convenient size for the purpose of
local self government, and states created as fast as the requisite number
of citizens had collected within such limits; and the remainder continued
under the preliminary territorial rule.
4. In 1802, the vast region west of the Mississippi was bought of the
French government. This extended the National Domain from the mouth
to the head waters of this river, and westward, north of the Spanish
possessions, to the Pacific ocean. Many new States and Territories have
been formed from it. The process of multiplication has not yet ceased in
this region. In 1819 Florida was purchased; a part of Mexico was obtained
in 1848, and again in 1853; and the increase of territory continued by
the acquisition of Alaska in 1867. This policy has become, in a manner,
traditional, and it is not unlikely that it may be continued to some
extent in the future.
5. The government of the territories is established by act of Congress;
the President nominates and the Senate confirms the Governor, Secretary,
and Judges of the courts; and Congress passes all the general laws for
the government of the inhabitants. A Territorial Legislature is elected
by the inhabitants, which takes charge of all the local interests of
the Territory. All these laws and organizations are temporary, and pass
away when a State government is founded. Commonly, an act of Congress
authorizes the election of Delegates to a Convention for framing a
State Constitution; though the Territorial Government sometimes takes
the initiative. This constitution is then submitted to the popular vote
of the citizens in the Territory; and if they favor it, presented to
Congress for its approval. If it is in harmony with our usages, and
republican principles, Congress accepts it, and, if the President does
not see cause to veto it, a new State has come into existence. In this
manner the number of the States has become nearly three times as numerous
as at the beginning.
CHAPTER LXIX.
THE INDIVIDUAL TERRITORIES.
The territories are here arranged in the order of seniority, the one
which first received a territorial government taking the lead. The
District of Columbia is older than any of them as acknowledged National
property, the Louisiana Purchase having been made since it was ceded to
the general Government; but it was the last to receive a territorial
organization, Congress governing it directly without giving it
representation until 1871. It is placed last for that reason.
NEW MEXICO
Was visited at an early period by Spaniards, who, excited by the success
of the followers of Cortez and Pizarro in discovering rich mines of gold
and silver, sought the wealth in the dangers and hardships of travel
which is more often, if more slowly, found as the reward of patient
toil. An expedition from Florida made the formidable overland journey to
New Mexico, in 1537; and another from Mexico, after visiting the Gila
River, passed eastward beyond the Rio Grande in 1540. In 1581 its mineral
wealth became known and a mission was attempted; but no settlement was
made until 1600, when formal possession was taken by an adequate army.
The missions now became very successful and the mines were worked.
Many of the natives were considerably advanced in some of the arts of
civilization. In 1680 the natives revolted, from the severe servitude to
which they were subjected, and drove the Spaniards out of the country.
They only recovered it in 1698. It was never very numerously peopled by
whites. In 1846 it was conquered by General Kearney, and in 1848 ceded to
the United States by the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. The difficulties
of transportation and the wild and lawless character of the inhabitants
has prevented any extensive emigration to it by Americans. It is an
elevated table-land, nearly 7,000 feet above the surface of the sea,
crossed by several ranges of mountains sometimes rising 10,000 feet above
the general surface of the country. The atmosphere is dry; little rain
falls; and agriculture is usually successful only with irrigation. In the
valleys, where this is employed, the fertility of the soil is marvelous.
Often two crops are raised, on the same land, in the year. Wheat and
other grains are raised in great perfection. Cotton is successful in
some parts, fruit can be raised in abundance, and the soil is said to be
specially favorable to the grape, the wine rivaling that of France.
Gold and silver abound, but the mines have never been effectively worked
for want of transportation and the requisite capital. Stock raising
is a profitable occupation in this Territory. Much of the land unfit
for cultivation produces grass which cures in drying during the hot
months, and preserves all its nutritious qualities. Sheep and mules are
extensively raised. When the Pacific railroad shall open the country
to immigration, and order, industry, and capital make the most of its
resources, it will be ranked among the favored parts of the Union.
It has many natural curiosities, and much wild and beautiful scenery.
The length of the Rio Grande, in its windings in the Territory, is about
1200 miles; and its valley from one to twelve miles wide. Its Territorial
government was organized in 1850. The population, in 1870, was 91,878.
Many tribes of Indians roam over the territory and through Texas,
Arizona, and northern Mexico. Most of the people are Roman Catholics. It
includes an area of about 100,000 square miles. Every free white male
inhabitant living in the territory at the time of its organization had
the right of suffrage, that right being regulated in other respects by
its legislative Assembly.
UTAH
Was formerly a part of the Mexican territory of Upper California, and
was acquired by the United States in 1848, by the treaty of Guadalupe
Hidalgo. It was too distant, desolate, and dangerous a region for much
settlement by Mexicans, and has little known history anterior to the
explorations of Fremont between 1843 and 1846.
The first American settlement was made by the Mormons, in July, 1847,
and was supposed by them to be out of the territory of the United
States, and beyond the reach of possible interference. Here, in the
depths of the desert, they determined to build up a peculiar religious
society embracing customs abhorrent to the views and institutions of
modern civilized States. Their success was a surprise to the world,
and probably to themselves; the capacity of the depths of the Great
American Desert, as it was called, for cultivation, exceeding all
previous expectation. But the war with Mexico, then in progress, threw
this, before inaccessible, desert into the limits of the American Union;
and the discovery of gold in the neighboring territory of California,
throwing them almost midway between the old western settlements and the
new Eldorado, subjected them to contact with, and interference by, the
tide of modern civilization, as it flowed toward the setting sun; and in
ten years from their first appearance in the Great Central Basin of the
continent, they came again into hostile conflict with the established
authorities they thought to have finally escaped. Though their conflict
with the United States government, imbued with the habits and prejudices
with which they antagonized, was deferred by the troubles which
precipitated the Civil War, and their institutions remained substantially
intact until that was past; the Pacific Railroad was then built through
their territory, and, if they are no longer persecuted, and their
peculiarities opposed by deadly force, the moral influence and dissolving
power introduced by numbers is more surely wasting away the foundations
of their political and religious edifice.
Utah was organized as a territory by act of Congress Sept. 9th, 1850.
Brigham Young, the head of the Mormon church, became the first governor.
In 1854 it was vainly attempted to remove him; and in 1857 an army was
sent to enforce Federal authority. A final conflict was avoided by
compromise. In 1862 the Mormons attempted to get admission into the Union
as a State, with their “peculiar institutions,” but failed. A Territorial
Government exists, but has little force, or vitality, while the Mormons
are large in numbers. According to the habits of our people, conflict
is avoided so far as possible, to await the more peaceable and natural
solution of the difficulty by moral forces.
Utah is unique in one respect; though lying nearly a mile above the
surface of the sea, and having a complete system of lakes and rivers,
there is no visible connection of these with the ocean. It is a continent
embosomed within the depths of a continent. The Great Salt Lake is 100
miles long by 50 broad, and its waters are very salt—three parts of the
water producing one of pure salt. No fish can live in it. It receives
the contents of many considerable streams. Whether they are kept in
subjection by evaporation alone, or have a concealed outlet to the ocean
is unknown. The soil, though in its natural state an apparent desert, is
extremely fertile when irrigated, and produces wheat and other cereals
in great profusion. Its mountains are believed to be rich in silver and
gold; but the Mormons have discouraged mining, and very little has been
done in that direction.
Cotton is highly successful in the southern settlements, and experiments
with flax and silk culture have been very favorable. The climate is mild
and healthy.
Utah is a highly promising section of our national domain. Its population
in 1870 was 86,786; its area about 87,500 square miles.
WASHINGTON TERRITORY
Was organized in 1853, and then contained a much larger area. It was at
first a part of Oregon, and its meagre early history was the same. The
Straits of San Juan de Fuca were visited and named by a Spanish navigator
in 1775. The English government claimed the territory north of the
Columbia and for some years there was a joint occupation by both nations
by special agreement. The difficulties concerning this boundary came near
involving the two nations in war, but it was settled in 1846, giving the
United States the territory to the 49th parallel of latitude. Vancouver
Island was assigned to Great Britain.
Washington is estimated to contain, west of the Columbia river, where
it flows down from British America, 22,000 square miles of arable land.
There is much that is adapted only to grazing, and vast quantities
covered with forests in the wild mountain regions of the eastern part of
the territory.
It has an almost inexhaustible supply of coal, and more or less of the
precious metals. The great distinction of Washington territory is its
forests. The warm ocean currents from the Indian ocean, after traversing
the eastern coasts of Asia, are thrown across the North Pacific against
the western shores of North America, and effect an important modification
in the severity and humidity of the temperature of our Pacific slope. The
climate is much milder and more equable than in the same latitude east
of the mountains, and the moisture is highly favorable to forest growth.
It is the best ship building timber in the world. The trees are immense,
often reaching a height of 300 feet with a diameter of 8 to 12 feet.
The portion of Washington territory lying west of the Cascade mountains
is rich farming land, heavily timbered; while east of the Cascades the
country is open prairie, well watered, with small and thinly wooded
valleys. The land immediately about Puget Sound is sandy, not valuable
for farming though producing timber, but a little way back is unrivaled
in richness.
Corn does not thrive well, but wheat, oats, potatoes, &c., are very
prolific. Large quantities of butter, cheese, and wool are produced.
There is little snow in the winter and that soon melts away, except
far up in the mountains. Washington shares with Oregon the possession
and use of the Columbia river. There are fine fisheries on the coast
and excellent oysters, and these produce a considerable trade. Immense
quantities of lumber are exported to all parts of the Pacific coast of
both North and South America, and even to Buenos Ayres on the South
Atlantic. The French come here for their best and cheapest masts and
spars. Thus we see that this corner of the Republic brings to the common
stock of national treasures some of its best and most valuable material
of wealth, and is prepared to whiten the Pacific with the sails of the
unlimited commerce which is already beginning to grow up between us and
the Asiatics. Puget Sound can float with ease the navies of the world on
its peaceful bosom. The Northern Pacific railroad will originate here,
probably, another great commercial emporium. Washington will, in due
time, become a great and wealthy State.
Its area is about 70,000 square miles; and the population in 1870 was
23,901.
DACOTAH.
This territory received an organization and government in 1861. It
contains 240,000 square miles; and is greater in extent than all New
England together with the great and wealthy States of New York and
Pennsylvania; and possesses some peculiar advantages.
The Missouri River passes from southeast to northwest diagonally through
it, navigable for its whole length, a distance of more than a thousand
miles; the Red River of the North skirts its eastern line, its valley
being unrivalled for its richness, and adaptation to the growth of wheat.
Except the extreme northern part it is said to have the dry, pure, and
healthy climate of Southern Minnesota, with the soil of Central Illinois.
It is free from the damp, raw, and chilly weather prevailing in Iowa and
Illinois, and from the embarrassments to agriculture often experienced
in these States from excessive spring rains; while, in late spring and
early summer, copious showers supply sufficient moisture to promote a
rapid vegetable growth. The surface east and north of the Missouri is an
undulating prairie, free from marsh, swamp, and slough, traversed by many
streams and dotted with innumerable lakes, of various sizes, whose woody
and rocky shores and gravel bottoms supply the purest water, and lend the
enchantment of extreme beauty to the landscape.
It has all the conditions of climate, soil, and transportation, for
the most profitable production of the two great staples of American
agriculture, wheat and corn. West of the Missouri the country becomes
more rolling, then broken and hilly, until the lofty chain of the Rocky
Mountains is reached. These mountains cross the southwestern section. A
most desirable stock raising region is furnished here, and mining will
flourish in the mountains. In 1870 it had a population of 14,181. Yankton
is the capital.
ARIZONA.
The Spaniards visited the valley of the Colorado at an early day; but the
distance from Mexico, and the warlike character of the Indians, did not
favor settlement beyond what was gathered about the few missions that
were constructed so as to answer for fortresses.
The part of this territory lying between Sonora, (of which it formed
part,) and California was acquired to the United States by the Gadsden
treaty, made with Mexico Dec. 30th, 1853. The American government paid
$10,000,000 for it. A Territorial government was organized Feb. 24th,
1863, and embraced part of New Mexico, containing, altogether, an area of
121,000 square miles, or 77,440,000 acres.
Efforts had been made previously to settle the country and develop
its mines; and an overland mail stage route was established. This
proved a success; but the fierce hostility of the Apache Indians, and
the desperate character of such whites as had gathered there, fleeing
from justice in California and Sonora, discouraged the immigration of
law-abiding citizens; and the breaking out of the Civil War withdrew the
soldiers in garrison there for the protection of the country. After the
war the main stream of emigration followed the line of the newly opened
Pacific railroad. The development of the mines required capital and
machinery and, though they are thought to be the richest in the world,
nothing could be extracted from them by individuals without means. So the
population has increased slowly, the census of 1870 giving 9,658.
It is a strange and somewhat fearful land; in great part a region of
desolate mountains and deep canons. There are many sections susceptible
of cultivation that would produce immense returns under irrigation, but
most of the efforts in this direction have miscarried from the desolating
ravages of the Indians. The rainless season reduces the whole country to
the semblance of a desert. It is, however, declared to have more arable
land in proportion to its surface than New Mexico, or California; and
will probably, in time, have a large and prosperous farming community.
Cotton is easily cultivated, and sugar cane, in the lower parts, produces
abundantly. Grains, vegetables, and melons are produced in the greatest
possible perfection, and mature in an incredibly short space of time.
When the Apaches are subdued, and society is reduced to order, it will
become a favorite resort of the thrifty farmers of the older States, and
the diligent German and other foreign immigrants.
It contains many traces of a race that has disappeared; some of their
dwellings yet remaining in a partially ruinous state. They were probably
Aztecs, the race that ruled Mexico before the conquest by Cortez, or are
more ancient still. Hideous idols are found, and various indications of a
barbarous worship.
The completion of the Southern Pacific railway will introduce the hum
of industry among its desolate mountains and along its numerous fertile
valleys, and the acquisition of the mouth of the Colorado, a large
river opening into the head of the Gulf of California, will give it a
profitable commerce. Arizona lies south of Utah, to which it is superior
in the number and size of its streams, its larger quantity of timber, and
the amount of rain-fall in some parts, which is deemed, in some sections,
sufficient to dispense with the necessity of irrigation.
IDAHO.
This territory was organized March 3rd, 1863. It originally embraced
a vast territory lying on both sides of the main chain of the Rocky
Mountains; but the eastern portion has since been erected into the
territory of Montana. It has about 90,000 square miles of territory, and
had, in 1870, 14,998 inhabitants.
Idaho has very little history prior to the organization of its
Territorial government. Its chief attraction to settlers lies in its
mines, as yet, and the population is floating, and, in large part, rough
and sometimes disorderly. The difficulty of reaching it has prevented
its rapid growth. It is exceedingly rich in the precious metals and this
will, in time, attract a large population. The eastern and northern
parts are very mountainous, abounding in wild and striking scenery and
in natural curiosities. The soil in the southern, central, and western
parts, is fertile, producing wheat and other small grain, and vegetables
very successfully, but is unfavorable for corn from the late frosts of
spring and the early cold of autumn. Snow falls to a great depth in the
mountains; but the streams are numerous, and there is much choice farming
land, which may, ultimately, serve to support its mining population.
It runs from the northern boundary of Utah to the south line of British
America; Washington Territory and Oregon, lying west. When railroads
shall render it accessible, and open the way for its treasures to a
market, it will be filled with an industrious and hardy population who
will find all the elements of a prosperity as great as any section of
the Union enjoys. It has three beautiful lakes—the Coeur d’Aline, the
Pen d’Oreille, and the Boatman—of some size, and navigable for steamers.
Boisé City is the capital.
MONTANA TERRITORY
Was organized May 26th, 1864. It lies among the Rocky Mountains, in
part on the western slope, but extending into the eastern valleys; and
contains the sources of the streams forming the Missouri river; while
Idaho lies west among the Blue mountains where the tributaries of the
Columbia rise.
Montana abounds in mines of gold and silver; and these are said to be
much richer than those of California. The average yield of ores in
the latter State is $20 per ton, but the average in Montana is stated
to be four times that amount. Great as is the yield of gold mines here
it is declared that the ease with which silver is separated from its
combinations in the ore will make that branch of mining more profitable.
Copper also abounds. This territory has several eminent advantages over
other mining districts. It is reached by steamboats on the Missouri
river, from St. Louis, without transhipment: navigation being free to Ft.
Benton, in the heart of Montana. The river voyage from St. Louis to Ft.
Benton, is made in 28 days.
There is a large and constant supply of water, a point of great
difficulty in most of the other mining regions; and the country
everywhere furnishes easy natural roads, the principal range of the
Rocky Mountains not presenting the broken and rugged character of most
other ranges. Associated with this point is the important fact of great
agricultural capability. It is one of the best grazing regions west of
the Mississippi. Small grain and fruit are grown with the greatest ease,
as also the more important vegetables. There is abundance of timber for
all purposes of home consumption.
The area is stated at 153,800 square miles. The population in 1870 was
20,594.
ALASKA TERRITORY
Was acquired to the United States by treaty with Russia in the year 1867,
for $7,200,000. It is a vast region containing 394,000 square miles, with
24,000 inhabitants.
It was first explored by command of Peter the Great of Russia in 1728. A
government was first established on Kodiak island in 1790. In 1799 the
Russian American fur company was chartered by the Emperor Paul.
The northern portion is a tolerably compact body of mainly level
country about 600 miles square, and a line of coast runs south for a
long distance, including many islands. The Aleutian group of islands is
included. The principal value of the region to Russia was the fur trade.
The annual export of these amounted to only a few hundred thousand
dollars. American thrift will probably make much more of it.
The country is much warmer than its high latitude would seem to
imply—Sitka in the southern part having about the same mean temperature,
by the thermometer, as Washington! It is, however, extremely damp. In
one year there were counted only 66 entire days without rain or snow.
The coast is broken with mountains. The peninsula of Alaska has some
very high mountains—Mt. St. Elias and Mt. Fairweather being estimated at
15,000 to 18,000 feet above the sea. The islands of the Aleutian group
are volcanic in origin. There are several rivers, the largest, the Yukon,
or Kwickpak being 2,000 miles long, and navigable for 1,500 miles. There
are vast supplies of timber, much being pine, found nowhere else on
the Pacific coast. Vegetables, and some grains, may be raised without
difficulty, and the soil, in parts, is rich. Abundant supplies of coal
are believed to exist. The precious metals and iron, it is thought, are
to be found there, but the country has been very imperfectly explored.
In the lively and extensive trade that is likely to grow up with Japan,
China, and the East Indies, it will no doubt be found of great value, and
its resources contribute to the wealth of our country.
WYOMING TERRITORY
Was organized by act of Congress July 25th, 1868, and is the youngest of
the territories. Its area is stated at 100,500 square miles, and it had a
population, in 1870, of 9,118.
The Pacific railroad passes through it, to which its settlement is
probably mainly due. Montana lies on the north; Dacotah and Nebraska on
the east; Colorado and Utah on the south, with the northern part of Utah
and Idaho on the west.
The main chain of the Rocky Mountains crosses it from northwest to
southeast which maintain here the same general characteristic as in
Montana, viz.: that of a rolling upland. Its outlying ranges are
more broken. Most of the country is good arable, or grazing land,
sufficiently fertile to give excellent returns for labor, though, in
large part, requiring irrigation. A few regions are remarkably sterile,
but they are limited in comparison with the fertile lands.
Gold mining has been successful, to a considerable extent; coal is
extremely abundant and accessible; the supplies for the Pacific railroad
being obtained in this territory. Iron has been found in considerable
quantities, together with lead and copper ores. Oil and salt springs
promise to be productive.
Thus without, as yet, developing any eminent specialty, the resources
of this Territory seem to promise all the requisites of prosperity to
a large population; while the climate is mild and extremely healthy,
and the great thoroughfare between the east and the west furnishes all
necessary facilities for transporting its supplies to the best markets.
More intimate knowledge of its mineral deposits may perhaps give it a
higher rank as a mining State.
THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
The first Congress convened under the new Constitution in 1789, held
its session in New York. The seat of government was then removed to
Philadelphia. There was much dissension as to where it should be
permanently located. The North and the South, were each equally obstinate
in their desire to locate it in their own section, and the quarrel
threatened a rupture of the confederacy. The great political question of
the time was the debts of the States contracted in carrying on the War of
Independence. The South, disliking a strong central-government, opposed
giving the charge of the finances of the country into its hands; while
the North, strongly approved the plan of clothing it with authority to
concentrate the strength of the nation to a reasonable extent, so that it
might be able to act with vigor, and make the country formidable to its
enemies. The reservation of as much power as possible to the individual
States was a vital question with the South, since it wished to maintain
Slavery, and it was always foreseen that the north must preponderate,
ultimately, in the general government; and the north was unfriendly
to slavery. The Constitution could make its way in the South only by
compromise as to slavery.
The question was a very difficult and delicate one to adjust, but with
much tact Jefferson and Hamilton, usually antagonists in politics, united
to urge a compromise; the North conceding the location of the national
capital, and the South the assumption, by the general government, of the
State debts. This was accomplished in 1790, and Washington selected the
site on his own Potomac, Virginia and Maryland uniting to give a tract
ten miles square, extending to both sides of the river. A new city was
laid out, and buildings erected which were occupied for the first time
in 1800. This small territory, the government and control of which was
lodged wholly in Congress, was called “Columbia.” This possession of
its own capital was considered important in order to avoid a possible
conflict of Federal and State authority.
The capital city was located on the Maryland side, and called Washington.
The territory on the Virginia side was, in 1846, re-ceded to Virginia. On
Feb. 21st, 1871, the District was made a territory, with a legislature
for its internal government, and the right to be represented by one
member in the House of Representatives.
The population in 1870 was 131,706. Washington is adorned with many
immense buildings erected for the various departments of the government,
and the capitol itself is one of the largest in the world, and cost
$5,000,000. It is worthy of the great nation represented in its halls.
CHAPTER LXX.
THE ANNEXATION POLICY.
1. The original States of the American Union were all on the Atlantic
seaboard. The central States were separated from the fertile valleys and
plains of the Mississippi and its tributaries by mountains, while those
lying at the northern and southern extreme found, in the vast forests
filled with fierce and hostile savages, a still greater barrier against
settlement westward. The “Old Thirteen” found their hands and thoughts
sufficiently occupied with the establishment of their liberties, and the
ultimate western boundaries of the country were left to be settled in
future years. Fortunately for us England was too much occupied with the
immense debt the useless American war had cost her to make difficulties
over the cession of the western regions to us; and, at the peace, we
were in possession of the whole region from the Atlantic ocean to
the Mississippi river. That was enough and more for the present; but
the people were enterprising. We offered a home, freedom, and great
opportunities to the oppressed and poor of other lands, and that region
was soon sufficiently peopled to show what other regions were required to
secure the prosperity of all.
2. It soon became clear that the development of the Western States east
of the Mississippi required the possession of the lower part of the river
and the territory on its western bank. Circumstances were favorable to
its acquisition, and Louisiana, extending from the mouth of the river
far up toward its head waters, including several hundred thousand square
miles of as valuable land as was to be found on the continent, was
purchased. It entered into the vindictive policy of Napoleon Bonaparte
to injure England by strengthening America, and it was obtained for
the comparatively insignificant sum of fifteen million dollars. This
annexation was altogether essential to the security and development of
the larger part of the original territory.
3. Florida was discovered and settled by the Spaniards, who claimed
the coast along the Gulf of Mexico to the Mississippi river. Though it
was not commercially or agriculturally important to us, it became in
the hands of a power not very friendly, the support and refuge of the
barbarous and resolutely hostile Indians of our southern border. It was
necessary to nearly exterminate them to obtain peace, but no absolute
security could be assured while the Spanish territory protected them in
their retreat before our armies. Peace, security against the Indians,
and freedom from the intermeddling of a European Power required the
acquisition of that peninsula and the Gulf Coast. After twenty years of
occasional negotiation it was purchased for five millions of dollars.
This was the most convenient way, also, of settling an account for
spoliations on our commerce which we held against Spain, and the only
means she then possessed of making payment. Thus another annexation was
made under the pressure of circumstances.
4. By this time a sufficient degree of expansion and strength had
been acquired by the New Nation to inspire in it great confidence in
itself and grand views of its future, and the “Monroe Doctrine,” that
the United States would refrain from all meddling with the politics of
Europe, but would resolutely oppose the meddling of any European power
with the politics of this continent, was adopted. This doctrine did not
propose any interference with other governments already established
here, but America was to be left to its present possessors, and European
ambition was to look elsewhere for kingdoms to conquer or found. A
tacit protectorate over all America was assumed, in order to prevent
the entrance of any other element that might build up a system hostile
to our interests and progress. It was a legitimate conclusion from the
principles and necessities that had led to the inauguration of the
annexation policy. The nation claimed that it had a right to keep the
ground clear from obstacles to its natural development. It was a system
of growth and protection involving no ideas of conquest by force, and no
menace to governments already established.
5. The third addition to our territorial area took place under
circumstances which all true Americans will ever regret. If stated by
our enemies it would be said that, after encouraging the settlement
of the territory of a neighbor by our own citizens, and giving them
covert support in withdrawing that territory from its proper owners, we
took possession of it, and when they naturally undertook to protect, or
recover it, we made a war of invasion on them, employed our superior
skill and vigor to disarm their State, and took as much more of their
territory as suited our purposes; in short, that we picked a quarrel, and
being the strongest bound and robbed them.
6. It cannot be agreeable to lovers of justice and defenders of equal
rights, that there should be so much of truth in this statement as to
render it impossible to clearly and distinctly prove the contrary. There
was, however, an element of the necessary and unavoidable, even in
this, that was more in harmony with the previous system of acquisition
than appeared on the surface. Texas presented, perhaps, the finest
climate and the greatest facilities for money-making on the continent.
The Mexicans inherited the religion and hatred of protestants with the
haughty, repelling spirit of the Spaniards, and wished to preserve the
old Spanish policy of separating themselves from us by a broad barrier
of desert and wilderness. They did not wish to settle Texas themselves,
nor feel willing that any one else should. It is inevitable that
enterprise and strength, impelled by self-interest, will disregard such
wishes. Americans are neither perfect nor magnanimous enough to stand
on ceremony when their interests are concerned. The best that can be
said of them is that they are more moderate and self-contained than any
other people. The necessities of the institution of slavery required
more territory to balance the rapid increase of free States, and this
precipitated the movement that was inevitable sooner or later from other
causes. Indeed the first patent of territory obtained in Texas, from the
Mexican government, was by a native of Connecticut. The rapid growth
of commerce in the Pacific ocean, the agreeable climate and fertile
soil of California, and the unsettled, wilderness state of that region,
caused the commercial nations of Europe to look at it with longing eyes.
The Monroe doctrine was in danger of being violated. England had fully
prepared to plant a colony there when it was taken possession of by the
American forces.
7. Thus the enterprise and energy of the nation, which had still
further developed its instinct, or anticipations and plans, of future
greatness, required to use the vast resources of the Gulf region, and to
extend settlements to the Pacific Slope in order to develop the mineral
resources of that region and prepare to build up its commerce with
Eastern Asia. The northern parts of Mexico were useless to her, since she
had neither population to occupy them, nor strength to subdue the Indians
who roamed over them in scattered bands. There is a justice and propriety
which has the force of Natural Law in allowing the active and vigorous
to take possession of the natural resources that others can not or will
not develop. The earth was made for mankind as a whole, and what cannot
benefit one race, another, that is able to employ it for its own and the
general good, has some show of right in entering upon. That, at least,
must be the justification of our ancestors in intruding themselves upon
the lands and hunting grounds of the aboriginal inhabitants of America,
and our only excuse for making war with the Indians, forcing them to part
with their lands, confining them to reservations, and denying to King
Philip, Powhattan, and Tecumseh the admiration and esteem we give to the
patriotic defenders of our native land and natural rights.
8. It is to be regretted that the vast and valuable territory acquired
from Mexico should be the spoil of conquest rather than the fruit
of peaceful negotiation; but the eagerness of the speculator, the
unreasonable pride and selfishness of the Mexican, and the peculiar
requirements of our internal conflict over slavery put to silence, for a
time, the voice of moderation and equity, and we annexed near 1,000,000
square miles of territory by force. The payment of $18,500,000, when we
might have taken it without, was an indication that our ordinary sense of
justice was not altogether quenched.
9. We may reasonably consider that this was exceptional, and that the
confusion of judgment and the disorder consequent on the life and death
struggle of the institution of slavery, which were in a few years
to produce the most terrible civil war known to history, led us into
the comparatively moderate aggression and violence that marked this
annexation to our territorial area. Our traditional policy is to acquire
peaceably, and with a satisfactory remuneration, such territory as the
national progress and development demand. It is contrary to the spirit of
our institutions to oblige the majority of the inhabitants of any region
not within our boundaries to form a part of the Republic.
10. Two annexations have been made since the Mexican war. Arizona was
obtained by treaty and purchase from Mexico, in 1854, and Alaska by
treaty and purchase from Russia, in 1867. The first is valuable for its
mineral treasures. It was useless to Mexico, though we gave $10,000,000
for it. It will ultimately be worth to us hundreds of millions, and its
ruins of an ancient people will be replaced by a thriving population of
intelligent freemen. Alaska is specially valuable in relation to our
future commerce with Asia, and for its fisheries and fur trade. Its
internal resources are, as yet, scarcely known.
11. The superior stability of American institutions and the love of
law and order of the American people may make annexation desirable and
profitable to the more volatile and unsteady Southern States of America,
but it is probable that no labored efforts to induce annexation will be
tolerated by the mass of the people. We may fairly judge that we have
reached our natural boundaries; that the advancement of neighboring
governments in order and intelligence will suffice to give protection
to the comparatively small numbers who may find a better field for
their energies without than within the Union; and that if any future
annexations are made it will be by the purchase of uninhabited regions
that may be more valuable to us than to their owners; or that, if any
inhabited regions are incorporated into the Union, it will be at the
instance and desire of its own inhabitants rather than of our people.
We are the special champions of popular and all other rights, and shall
never be likely to forget ourselves again so far as to repeat the Mexican
war, however pressing our desires.
CHAPTER LXXI.
CENSUS STATISTICS.
Population of the United States and Territories from 1790 to 1870.
Transcriber’s Note: Some of the figures in this table are unreadable and
are represented by X. Several copies of the book were checked and all
have the same printing error. Later editions use different figures in
that column and can’t be relied on to fill in the missing data.