e now began to determine which country should possess this vast and
most important territory. When Dr. Whitman learned of the new efforts of
the English to settle the country, and the danger of losing Oregon by
treaties pending at Washington, he started for St. Louis, by the way of
Santa Fe. This ride, often called "Whitman's Ride for Oregon," is one of
the poetical events of American history. He went to Washington, was
treated cavalierly by the State Department, but secured a delay of the
treaties, which proved the means of saving Oregon and Washington to the
United States.

So his missionary efforts gave to our country an empire that seems
destined to become ultimate America, and a power in the Asian world.

III.

GOVERNOR STEVENS.

In the long line of brave American soldiers, General Isaac Ingalls Stevens
deserves a noble rank in the march of history. He was born at Andover,
Mass., and was educated at West Point, where he was graduated from the
Military Academy in 1839 with the highest honors. He was on the military
staff of General Scott in Mexico, and held other honorable positions in
the Government service in his early life.

But the great period of his life was his survey of the Northern route to
the Pacific, since largely followed by the Northern Pacific Railroad, and
his development of Washington Territory as a pioneer Governor. He saw the
road to China by the way of the Puget Sea, and realized that Washington
stood for the East of the Eastern Continent and the Western. He seems to
have felt that here the flag would achieve her greatest destiny, and he
entered upon his work like a knight who faced the future and not the past.
His survey of the Northern Pacific route led the march of steam to the
Puget Sea, and the great steamers have carried it forward to Japan, China,
and India.

His first message to the Legislature at Olympia (1854) was a map of the
future and a prophecy. It was a call for roads, schools, a university, and
immigration. The seal of Washington was made to bear the Indian word
_Alke_--"by and by"--or "in the future." It also was a prophecy.

He created the counties of Sawanish, Whatcom, Clallam, Chehalis, Cowlitz,
Wahkiakum, Skamania, and Walla Walla. Olympia was fixed upon as the seat
of government, and measures were taken by the Government for the
regulation of the Indian tribes.

Stevens was the military leader of the Indian war. He reduced the tribes
to submission, and secur