CHAPTER XXXIV.--1846-1863.

The Oregon Treaty -- Boundary Question Settled -- Company Proposes Undertaking Colonization of North America -- Enmity and Jealousy Aroused -- Attitude of Earl Grey -- Lord Elgin's Opinion of the Company -- Amended Proposal for Colonization Submitted -- Opposition of Mr. Gladstone -- Grant of Vancouver Island Secured, but Allowed to Expire in 1859 -- Dr. Rae's Expedition -- The Franklin Expedition and its Fate -- Discovery of the North-West Passage -- Imperial Parliament Appoints Select Committee -- Toronto Board of Trade Petitions Legislative Council -- Trouble with Indians -- Question of Buying Out the Company -- British Government Refuses Help -- "Pacific Scheme" Promoters Meet Company in Official Interview -- International Financial Association Buys Company's Rights -- Edward Ellice, the "Old Bear." 459