The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1845-09-13
From the Platte Mo.) Argus.
THE GOVERNMENT OF OREGON.

and will all be here in few weeks at the furthest
and expect TO receive other letters and papers
which am informed are on the way. ] have
now an opportunity to write hasty letter, as one
of Fl. B. Cos ships the Columbia, leaves Van
cover in few days, for the Sandwich Islands.
Our countryis most beautiful, fertile, and well
watered, with the most equitable and pleasant eli
mate. Our population IS rapidly increasing, and
the country is making great progress in wealth and
refinement. / have never yet before seen popu-
ation so industrious, so sober and honest as this
know many, very many youngmen, who were
the veriest vagabones in the States, who are here
respectable, and doing exceeding well. Our crops
for the past year (lS44) have been most bountful;
and we have not only full supply of wheat for
our consumption, but large quantity for expor-
tation. Large numbers OF cattle are raised here,
which are never fed or sheltered. Many men
have from three to four hundred head of cattle.
Sheep can be had here In any desirable number,
as the H. B. Company have large flock, and
many private individuals have them.
Ere this reaches you, perhaps you will have
learned that we have regular government in
most successful operation in Oregon. When
first reached this region, about year ago, thought
an attempt organization might be premature.
had not, however, been here long, before it was
conceived that government of some kind was
inevitable. 1t grew out Of stern invinsbe neces-
sity. Our commercial and bushes transactions
were considerable. Difficulties were daily occur.
ring between individuals in relation to their
"claims;" the estates of deceased persons were
daily devoured, and helpless orphans plundered;
crimes were committed, and the base and unprin-
cipled. the reckless and turbulent, were hourly
tramplng upon the rights ofthe honest and peacea-
BILE. A civilized population; numerous as we
were, could not exist without government. The
thing was impossible. We therefore, organize a
government Of our own.
We had no money, no means-I was member
do. We passed tax bill, we appointed an asses
sor, and permitted every man not to pay tax, if
he choose so to do, but if he did not pay. being
able, we debarred him from sueing in the courts as
plaintiff. At the same time we passed acts to
protect all bona fde settlers in their claims 10 the
amount f640 acres. The tax bill operated like a
charm Nearly all the whole population paid
without hesitation. We selected tall East Ten
nesseean, Joseph L. Meek, for our sheriff He
had been in the mountains with VIM. L. Sublette
for eight or ten years, is exceedingly good humor.
ed, very popular. and as brave as Julius Cesar
The very first warrant he had delivered to him,
wa. issued for the apprehension of very quarre J.
some and turbulent man, who resisted Meek with
broad-axe, but Meek, presenting cock ed pistol;
took the fellow nclens uolens. The next, and only
case of serious resistance to our laws, was on the
part of Joel Turnham, OF Missouri, son of Mary
Turnham, Of Clay county. He had assaulted an
individual, and warrant was issued by Justice
of the Peace. Turnham was himself constable,
and John Edmonds was deputized to arrest him.
Turnham resisted with large butcher knife; but
Edmonds had pistol with six barrels well charg-
entering above the temple, when he Immediately
expired. These are all the distractions to the ad-
mlnstraton of justice we have had, and in Ed
mond's case, he was fully justhable in killing
Turnham, even if be had no warrant, as Turnham
assaulted him first, and pursued him with great
violence to the last.
We have now FIVE counties and two terms of
the circuit court in each county in every year,
We have but one judge, who discharges the duties
of probate Judge, chancellor, and what not; in fact
we have only as yet circuit courts and justices OF
the peace. Our government was intended only
as PROVISIONAL to exist until some regular govern
ment could be established. We adopted the stat
ute laws of Iowa, were applicable to ourcondtion
and not modified by-our Legislature.
We are now waiting most anxously for the re-
suit Of Packenham's mission, and if the two gov
ernments have not settled the question between
them, the moment the fact is known, there will be
one universal movement made. A regular con-
vention will be held, and constitution adopted,
Republican no doubt,) and an Independent gov
ernment put in operation at once. Necessity will
compel us to the STEP The population Of this
government of the United States. but if she will
never do any thing for us, we must and will do it
for ourselves. The people here are worn out by
delay, and their condition every day becomes more
intolerabe. speak to you with great candor, for
you knew me, and know that l withhold nothing.
We are all well satisfied that the United States
government as well as Great Britain could not
object, and would not object. if we form an inde-
pendent government tor ourselves situated as we
are. Treaties must be made with the Indians, and
many other things ofimportance must of necessity
be done.
Our population almost doubles every year, and
our business trebles. We will soon have print
ing press, and paper Of our own. We can then
publish our laws
The practice of law has commenced, and have
,everai important suits on hand.
have fine "claim, perhaps among the best in
Oregon, situated in the centre of one of those
a llol IL