mills. Hired farmers cultivate these fields, the produce of which is used for the relief of widows and orphans, and for the founding of schools and apprentice shops for adults. The aid that Messrs. Blanchet and Demers receive from France not sufficing for the creation of these establishments, the diocese of Quebec made up the deficiency by sending during these last three years an annual contribution of one hundred louis. Dr. MacLoughlin generously furnished an equal sum from his private purse. A year ago two French priests, MM. Langlois and Bolduc, came by sea to the Columbia river to aid the missionaries. These clergymen are in harmonious relations with the Spanish Franciscans of California, the French Jesuits stationed on the upper waters of the Missouri, at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, and our mission at the Sandwich Islands. The influence of the missionaries over the Indians is considerable. It is not unusual to see the natives travel a distance of one hundred and fifty to two hundred leagues to become acquainted with the Black Gowns, the Great Chiefs of France, as they call our missionaries. As to the free Canadians situated in the vicinity of the missions, it must be said to their credit that in the absence of civil authority they voluntarily accept that of the French priests, which is wholly paternal. These instruct their children, adjust their differences and make the division of their lands.
We witnessed during our sojourn at Saint Paul on the Willamette a touching example of this patriarchial justice. A French Canadian was accused of having stolen a horse from an American and confessed his fault. A council of the heads of families, presided over by Abbe Blanchet, condemned him to restore the horse to its owner, and besides to remain three months at the door of the church during the services, without being permitted to enter. This man having submitted docilely to the ordeal for two Sundays, Abbe Blanchet, after a short address, went to seek him, led him into the church, embraced him
