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 314 FRANCES PACKARD YOUNG issippi had the densest population, while between these two dates, five new western states were admited to the Union. 44 In 1820 over one-third of the people of the United States lived in this region. These facts made the Indian question one of national importance. Since 1802 Congress had managed the trading stations, but in 1819 it considered abolishing these posts CHANGE IN SYS- and opening the fur trade to individ- TEM OF INDIAN uals. 45 In December of that year Calhoun TRADE made a report dealing with this change. 47 Before taking up the real subject of the report, he summarized the history of Indian trade. When there were no European settlements in America, the Indians had been able to supply their own meagre wants, but after they began to trade with white men, they demanded CALHOUN'S more than they knew how to make for REPORT themselves. This made them dependent on the merchants of the colonies and later, of the United States. By taking advantage of these circum- stances, Calhoun wanted the government to establish a just and efficient control over the Indians, and our trade with them. He advised the government gradually to abolish its factories and to open the trading privileges to every man who bought a license from his department. Calhoun planned to sell the per- mits for $100, intending by this means to protect the Indian from the merchant with small capital. These traders would be hard to keep under government control, for if they were tried for some offense, they would forfeit their outfit, rather than obey the laws which secured justice to the Indian. 44 Turner, F. J. Rise of the New West, 70. The new states were Louisiana (1812), Indiana (1816), Mississippi (1817), Illinois (1818), Alabama (1819). 45 Walker, Statistical Atlas of U. S. Region including Kentucky, Tennessee, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida. The original 13 Atlantic States had in 1820, 7417 inhabitants. The above named group had in 1820, 3,216,390 inhabitants. 46 Annals of Congress, isth Cong., and Sess., Ill, 546. Annals of Congress, isth Cong., ist Sess., II, 1675. 47 Niles' Register, XV, Supplement, 25. Annals of Congress, isth Cong., 2nd Sess., Ill, 366.