The Fur Traders. 21 



into those of the manufacturers and skin dealers is in- 

 creasing, but the final values are still, to a large degree, 

 determined by the prices obtained at the Pur -Marts, or fairs, 

 held at stated times in various parts of Europe, and which 

 form the subject of another chapter. 



"The organization of the Hudson's Bay and Northwest 

 companies, their internal regulations, method of dealing 

 with the Indians, and policy in preserving the fur-bearing 

 animals from extinction, were the outgrowth of long ex- 

 perience, and embodied the highest wisdom in the man- 

 agement of their extensive affairs. The experience of each 

 of the rivals was added to that of the other in the 

 amalgamated company after 1821, and formed one of the 

 most perfect commercial organizations of which the world 

 has any knowledge. The systems of service and pro- 

 motion protected the company from incompetent servants. 

 To gain high position in the service one must begin at the 

 bottom and work up. All must work for the company's 

 interest, and none were allowed to engage in any private 

 trade. Employes were frequently changed in station to 

 break up any irregular practices which might grow up 

 with long residence in one place, and this rotation was 

 taken advantage of to reward faithful service and punish 

 the reverse. The company's ofiScers had power to try and 

 punish offenders. Military duty was exacted whenever 

 necessary, and a regular uniform was provided. The 

 whole organization, from the governor down through fac- 

 tors, traders and clerks, to the lowest local manager, 

 was based upon the principle of perfect discipline, absolute 

 subordination of individual interest to that of the com- 

 pany, and a regular promotion based upon merit. Long 

 experience had perfected all parts of this intricate 

 machine, and not even the greatest of modern railway 

 systems can excel it in thoroughness of detail and or- 

 ganization. ' ' 



"In its dealings with the Indians the same wise policy 

 was apparent. Where not necessary to meet competition 

 the sale of liquor to the natives was not generally indulged 

 in. All trade was upon a fixed, though just, basis, and th& 

 Indians knew exactly what to expect. The traders were 

 men of experience with the natives, and were well 

 acquainted with the Indian character. Intermarriage with. 



