The 4 
Columbia 
River— 
e 
Hudson’s 
Bay 
Company” 
— 1i2— 
they get in the Sandwich Islands $60.00 to $100.00. 
In California, they generally exchange for cattle at 
$3.00 a head. ‘The company conducts this trade with 
its own vessels. It owns at present one ship, one brig, 
one schooner, one sloop and one steamboat. The 
inner organization of the Hudson’s Bay Company is 
based on strict subordination. The company consists 
of one hundred shareholders, who are such, however, 
only for life. Headquarters are in London. The 
general agents, who live in America (partners), re- 
ceive one-eighth of the profit on one share, which 
amounts annually to $4,000 to $5,000; chief traders 
receive one-sixteenth; clerks receive yearly £100; and 
laborers £15 to £17 with fixed rations of potatoes, 
salmon, beans and salt in addition. The company 
engages its men for five years, and sends them back 
to their homes if they do not wish to serve longer. 
Old employes it permits to stay in the country on 
leave of absence, assigning them land to cultivate. 
During the time they receive no salary, but can be 
called into service at any moment. Promotions are 
made on a system based on rank and age. A yearly 
meeting of the partners and chief traders is held at 
York Factory on Hudson’s Bay, which meeting has 
jurisdiction over all employes of the Hudson’s Bay 
Company, and issues its orders from there. Gwnstant 
communication is maintained between Vancouver and 
York Factory by land through express messengers. 
In addition a ship comes yearly from London to the 
Columbia River to bring fresh merchandise, and to 
