THE STORY OF JESSE DE FOREST AND THE HOME-MAKERS shiploads of
American furs sold in Amsterdam set Dutch money-makers hot on
the trail for more. Led by Usselinx, they urged in the State
Legislature of Holland that a West India Company be formed. Asia
had enriched the Republic. Why should not New Netherland? Not
while the truce with Spain lasted could the national congress
grant the petition of Usselinx; but in 1621, when war was
renewed, consent was given. Then, like hounds from the leash,
the Dutch leaped to lead all nations in commercial enterprise.
In June, 1621, the West India Company was chartered. The
governor-general of the new corporation must be commissioned and
approved by the congress; but, except on this point, its powers
were sovereign. It could effect treaties and alliances with
princes and potentates, erect forts, levy and arm soldiers,
dispatch war vessels, plant colonies, carry on war, and
establish government. Its products imported into Holland were
free of all taxes for the space of eight ye