Page:Oregon, her history, her great men, her literature.djvu/64

Rh bands of trappers strong enough to withstand the attacks of Indians. Later David Jackson, William Sublette and others extended the Missouri fur trade district to the Columbia River, where the trappers clashed with the North-West Fur Company.

Union of the Two British Fur Companies. Beginning with the year 1800 the rivalry between the North-West Company and the Hudson's Bay Company caused the reduction of dividends and tended to the demoralization of the Indians so that in June 1819, the question of rivalries and existing disputes was brought before the British parliament. Later a compromise was effected and the two companies merged into one. "In conjunction with this coalition" according to H. H. Bancroft, "an act for regulating the fur trade and establishing a criminal and civil jurisdiction in certain parts of North America was passed by parliament July 2, 1821, which consummated the union. The name of Hudson's Bay Company was retained in preference to the other by reason of its age, respectability and charter."

Doctor McLoughlin Sent to Oregon. "In 1824 the new organization, called the Hudson's Bay Company, sent out Dr. John McLoughlin to take charge of its business in the Columbia region. This remarkable man had a genius for organization and command. He was of a resolute character with great kindliness of disposition. He never tolerated the slightest disobedience in his