The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1845-09-10
OREGON.

A
We are indebted to an official source in this city
for several interesting MSS. received from Oregon.
They are written as far back as November last; and
yet they contain some information Of much novelty
and value They represent the much-talked-of 1--WE
might almost say, celebrated) country in a new Po-
sition. The settlers have established government
for themselves-a legislature, Judiciary, &c. We
are furnished with copies Of some of the laws they
have passed; and, among them, "An act to prevent
the manufacture sale, and introduction of ardent
spirits in Oregon;n also, Gan act on land claims, "
passed as far back as 25th June, 1874 We shall
confne ourselves, however, to such extracts from
the letters before u.s. as are most descriptive OF the
general measures and proceedings Of the new settle
ment We shall look to Capt. Fremont for later
and more important information
WALLAMErTE, Nov. 4, 1874.
| Sir The Hudson Bay ship Columbia sailing in
| few days. via the Sandwich islands, for England,
by the politeness Of her owners have the honor Of
again addressing you, and certainly under circum-
stances most favorable and gratifying.
| Since my last forwarded in March, aside from
two three incidents of an unpleasant nature, the
colony and country have been in state of unusual
| quietness, and the season has been one of great
prosperity.
| Inc legislative pOdy, composed OF nine members,
met the Oath of May, at the falls of Willamette,
and closed their short but effective session in nine
days; having passed, in due form, twenty-five bills,
most of which were of importance to us in the reg
ulation of our intercourse. A few of these laws l
transmit to you; and would here remark, that the
taxes were in general cheerfully paid, the liquor
bill is popular, and the laws of Oregon are honored
The liquor act not coming in force under sixty
days from its passage, few individuals, having
candestiney prepared before its passage, improved
this favored moment to dispose Of all they could,
with any hopes Of safety or this was mmed-
ately notified, and hastened in from the Falatne
Plains; all the mischief Gas heretofore) being done
in and about the town at the falls Of the Walla-
mette
| resolved at whatever danger or COST to nip this
in the bud procured the call Of public meeting at
once and had the happiness to receive the following
expression from all convened, but one
Resolved, That it be the sense Of this meeting,
that Doctor White, in his official relation, take such
assistance as he may require, and forthwith search
out and destroy all Intoxicating liquor that may be
found in this vicinity or district of country"
/ P. G. Stewart, (executive) chairman, and John
E. Long, M. D., secretary, started with ten volun-
teers early the ensuing morning, and found the dis
| tiery in deep dense thicket eleven miles from
1 town, at 3 o'clock, p. m. The boiler was large
sized potash kettle, and all the apparatus well ac-
4 corded Two hogsheads and eight barrels of slush,
or beer, were standing ready for dstillation, with
part of one barrel Of molasses. No liquor was to
| be found nor as yet had much been distilled.
i Having resolved on my course, left no time for
reflection, but at upset the nearest cask, when
1 my noble volunteers Immediately seconded my
measures, making river of beer in moment; nor
did we stop till the kettle raised and elevated in
triumph at the prov of our boat, and every cask,
| with all the distng apparatus, was broken to
pieces and utterly destroyed. We then returned in
high cheer to the town, where presence and re-
port gave general joy.
i Two hours after my arrival, received from James
Conner, one ofthe owners, a written challenge for
bloody combat, which ended last week in his be-
ing indicted before the grand jury fined five hundred
dollars and DISTINGUISHED for life.
i Six weeks since, an unhappy afray occurring be-
tween one Joel Turnham, late from Missouri, and
j Webley Hauxhaust, of Willamette, and serious
threats passing from the former, warrant was is
sued and Turnham resisting with a deadly wea-
pom, was shot down by the officer, for which he
comes before the grand jury tomorrow. Tumham
i expired at once, being shot with three mortal
4 wounds through the neck and head; but, with sin
gular desperation, fought and resisted to the last
4 So far as understand the public expression, all
/ unite in acquitting the officer, who has ever been
a harmless quiet, good citizen; while Turnham was
regarded most desperate and dangerous character
all abroad having left Missouri under circumstances
most unfavorabe to his reputation and quiet here,
where he has been particularly sour, irritable, and
quarresome; and was the more obnoxious, as he
was reputed brave, and generally too stout for his
antagonist.
1 NOVEMBER s.--Snce penning the last, the grand
jury have unanimously declared no bill; and here
allow me to say, having accompanied Judge Bah
cock to four of the courts embraced in the circuit OF
five counties, have not seen, in any county, such
| uniform decorum and quietness as has prevailed
throughout at these courts Much of this mildness,
sobriety, and good order sdoubtless attributable TO
the absence Of all intoxicating drinks.
i The laws of this country, framed to meet present
i circumstances are taking deeper and stronger root
continually; and some already suggesting, (not-
withstanding our infancy,) whether, if longer left
without mothers protection, It will not be well to
/ undertake TO run alone.
ing and the expectations of the people generally
high. The mildness of the climate and the strength
of the soil greatly encourage the large emigration OF
last year. For the last twelve months the mercury has
ranged from SO to 80; our-fths ofthe time from 30
4 to 55--makng an agreeable summer and mild winter;
| grazing being good throughout--so much so, that
the jaded and worn-down animals Of the poor emil
grants faened up greatly TO their surprise, before
spring, without feeding or the least attention.
Crops of all kinds unusually good, even to Indian
corn; and cheerfulness prevails throughout since
harvesting. As statements have been made in the
States derogatory to soil, allow me to say it is
believed, with the same cullivation country pro-
duces better wheat, oats, peas barley, potatoes, or
| any other crops save Indian corn, for which the
nights are generally too cool for heavy growth.
The wheat crops being never injured by the frosts
Of winter or rains of summer, Gas in the States,
are remarkably sure nor as yet have our crops been
disturbed by flies or insects.
Wheat crops are heavy, as you will judge when
! assure you, from simply turning over the prairie
in June, scattering the seed in October, and then
with farther trouble than passing the harrow over
it, ten acres upon my plantation grew five hundred
and forty.one bushels and half. The river flats
containing much alluvial deposite are very rich
the plains beautiful and vcrdant, being admirably
watered, but generally sparsely tmbered; the high
lands well timbered and watered in many parts
and the soil tolerable, producing heritage for an
abundance of deer, elk, mountain sheep, &C., &c
The entire Willamette and Umpqua valleys, capa-
BILE Of sustaining population of several millions, il
is generally believed cannot be exceled as whole
for richness of soil, variety, grandeur or beauty Of
scenery; nor, considering the latitude, can 1t be
equalled in mildness, equablity, and agreeabenesa
Il of climate.
/ Our exports are wheat, beaver, salmon, and lum-