It is well known that the chief advantages the Hudson’s Bay Company now possess, they owe to the adventurous North-West traders; by these traders the whole interior of the savage wilds was first explored; by them the water communications were first discovered and opened up to commercial enterprise; by them the first trading posts were established in the interior; by them the natives were first reconciled to the whites; and by them the trade was first reduced to the regular system which the Hudson’s Bay Company still follows.  When all this had been done by the North-West Company, and they had begun to reap the reward of their toils, and hardships, and dangers, and expenditure—­then did the Honourable Hudson’s Bay Company, led on by a British peer, step forward and claim, as British subjects, an equal right to share the trade.

Their noble leader appeared first in Montreal in the guise of a traveller, where he was received by the North-Westers with open arms, was kindly and hospitably entertained by them, his minutest inquiries regarding their system of trade were candidly and freely answered; and the information thus obtained in the character of a traveller, a guest, and a friend, he forthwith proceeded to use to effect their ruin.  Had, however, the North-West Company continued true to themselves, all his arts and attempts would have failed.  Had not dissension arisen in the ranks, it is clear that they—­not the Hudson’s Bay Company—­would have granted the capitulation.  Unfortunately for themselves, however, the partners in the interior, seeing the contest continue so long, and the expenses swallow up all the profits, despaired of the success that was almost within their grasp, and commencing a correspondence among themselves, finally determined on opening a negotiation with their rivals.  Two of their number were accordingly sent home, invested with full powers to act for the general interest.  Those gentlemen arrived just as the Directors of the North-West Company in London were about to conclude a most advantageous treaty—­a few days more, and the articles had been ratified by the signatures of both parties.  At this conjuncture the Delegates arrived, and instead of first communicating with their own Directors, went straight to the Hudson’s Bay House, and presented their credentials.  The Hudson’s Bay Company saw their advantage, and instead of receiving, now dictated the terms; and thus the name of the North-West Company was merged in that of its rival, and the Canadian people were deprived of all interest in that trade which owed its origin to the courage and enterprise of their forefathers.

Such were the relative circumstances of the Hudson’s Bay and North-West Companies.  From 1674 to 1813 the Hudson’s Bay Company slumbered at its posts along the shores of Hudson’s Bay, never attempting to penetrate beyond the banks of the Saskatchewan, until the North-Westers had led and cleared the way; and in this manner began their rivalry.  That collisions should follow, marked by violence and outrage, need not be wondered at.  But violence and outrage were not confined to one side; both parties exceeded the limits prescribed by law.  Yet while stern justice alike condemns both, which is the more guilty party? or which has the greater claims on our sympathy?