The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1845-09-17
From the st, Louis Republican.
GOVERNMENT OF OREGON.

GOVERNMENT OF OREGON.
The ST. Joseph's Gazette publishes two letters
from an emigrant to Oregon. The first dated the
18th of February aludes chiefly to the progress
which the settlers making. The writer speaks in
warm terms Of the country, and says that the emf
grams raised surplus of wheat last year of 100 900
bushels. The other letter is important because
it shows hat the emigran,s have already established
a separate government. Politics, it seems, were
running hsh and there, here, there appears TO be
no lack of men ready to take the responsible Office
of governor. The organization of this government
viii very likely bring about collision between the
emigrants and the Hudson Bay Company. That
company, for several years past, has had govern
ment organized under an act Of the English Para-
ment, under which there is resident justice Ofthe
peace at Fort Vancouver, and one at several other
stations. These justices have jurisdiction over all
suits and contracts not exceeding g200, and over
certain offences, for which they may nfct punish
ment Suits for larger sums, and offences Of high
grade referred to the superior courts of Can
ada and, in criminal cases the accused may be sent
there for trial The jurisdiction of these ustit es,
we believe, extends to all cases arising between
members Of the Hudson Bay Company, or persons
in their employ, and to cases arising between the
company and their employees, and persons not con-
necied with them. As there must necessarily be
many transactions between the cmgrants and the
Hudson Bay Company and their employees, in
which disputes and difficulties will arise it is rea-
sonable to suppose that in such cases. both govern
menis will probably claim jurisdiction, and such
conflicting claims will doubtless lead to difficulty.
II the emgrants feel sufficient security in themselves
TO establish an independent government, they will
not tamey submit TO any assumptions Of the Eng
iish company, or oftheir officers.
We learn by the annexed letter, that there are
three candidates for governor in the field We
should like to know the designation of the parties,
and the principles they respectively contend for.
The fact that our citizens have gone TO Oregon--a
country claimed by the United States as a part of
her territory-and that they have been forced, as
means of self-protection, to establish government
Of their own, and at their own expense, speaks
badly for the attention and guardian care of the ma
tional government. This state of things and the
necessity for it, should not have been permitted by
our national legislators. The emigrants, it seems,
from the first letter. are not very well prepared TO
meet the expense Of an independent government,
unless skins, pcltres, &c. are made lawful tender.
The writer says; "'rhere is little or no money in
this country--busness is carried entirely by ex-
changing commodities. ] did not believe that the
people could do as well without money" A grst-
mill with three OF stones has been put into oper-
alton at the Willamette Falls. Merchandise is said
10 be very scarce.
"MARcH 2Sth.
ave have had some beautiful weather in this
month. The farmers are driving business as they
should. There lwere some fears entertained, few
days since, Of difficulty with Indians, but do moi
think there was any cause for alarm. Politics are
rum ing very high at this time here, our general
election comes on in May. think that it is the
opinion of everybody that Uncle Sam is treating us
with great neglect; in consequence Of which, have
organized into government known by the name Of
the government of Oregon. We have three candi.
dates for the executive Office, to-wt George Aber.
nathy, Osborn Russell, and Dr. Bailey. 1 was
member of the legislative committee last year. Mr..
Burnett was also a member. Oregon City at the
falls is improving finely.
"JAs. A. COCHRAN"