The Arkansas banner., 1845-04-09
From the Hhaca Joura


 The following is an extract of letter re- ceived few days since by Gen. D. D. Mi nier, of Lansing, from pr. White, of fOregon. The action of Congress on the Oregon ques- ton, and the increasing importance of that country, render any communication from there replete with interest.
 OREGON CITY, July 8, 1844
 DEAR S1R-The colony is rapidly increas- ing in numbers, and propotionably rising in importance. Oregon City Gas the little town is called at the falls of the Willamette) con- tans population of several hundreds, four respectable stores, three saw-mills, two four mills, one ofwhich has five run of stone, and is worth at least S15,000. It is a stupendous building, put up in the best manner, and all the running gear is of cast iron.
 The surrounding country is rising and im- proving correspondingly. We have now a regular colonial form of government, well admnistered-fv distinctcounties, represen- ted by thirteen members. The legislature closed quiet but effective session of eight days, week before last, having passed twenty five bills, all in due form, and several of them of considerable length and much importance -one of which, though only lobby meni- Der, by proAerng to pay {510 into the trea- surv, had the privilege voted me of speak ing upon. This bill was to prevent the in troduction, manufacture, or sale of ardent spirits in the Territory. Being deeply inter- ested, pleaded hard, and had the happiness to see 1t pass by a unanimous vote into a law of the Iand-every member coming up to the | d. but one of the number communieant of religious body. Peter Burnett, Esq, late from Mo, sbe it said to his honor,n introduc- ed the bill and spoke to it in in a masterly manner It was proud day to us, and the bill is popular.
 Since my arrival several artful attempts have been made to introduce 1t among Us ]; but the greet majority ofthe people being with me, we triumphed thus far, though under the necessity in two instances of imposing heavy bonds, once of throwing a distillery in the Willametee river. Our judge with probate powers, is supreme in his department, visit ing each country twice annually. Our exc cutive is composed of committeee of three; but one sheriff, colonel, with several cap tains, magistrates, and constables, constitute the machine of our simple but effective go- vernment
 This is only got up in the absence of all law from our mother country, to meet pre- sent necessities, and proves most serviceable to me aregulatng intercourse between whites and Indians. We have now general quiet all abroad, and l have for this year, or for the las! few months, much less 10 oppose than heretofore. Though in several instan- ees have narrowly escaped from the Indians, and in one, from the pistol of a white savage, vet believe both parties have now eonelu- ded to suffer me to live a while longer, and l am probably quite as iavorably regarded generally, as could be expected.
 My post Is now becoming less difficult, trying, and dangerous, as the premises are laid, andw understand each other better.- Crops ofall kinds come in favorable this sea- son. and the late emigrants are delighted with the connIry-say of the Willamette that it is by far the finest country they have cvcr seen; and really, General, can myself hardly avoid saying tint believe 1t one of the most heal thy, delightful, and promising districts of country on the globe; and depend upon it, dear sir, Oregon will soon take an honorable stand among the nations of the earth. If it please God, Ahope to see you and my dear 1 family, of whom you made so honorable mention, next year. E. WHITE.