The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1849-12-14
Message Of the Governor of Oregon.


The Indiana State Sentinel publishes the message
of Governor Lane to the Legislature of Oregon Ter
ritory. The message of the Governor is sensiby
brief; the following extract and summary present
its substance. After a brief and well expressed
salutaory, he says:
"Widey separated and exposed as are our peo
pie by reason of the great extent Of country over
which they scattered, peace and harmony
with the natives are of vital importance 10 the sue
cess Of our settlements. The well being of the in
habitants of Oregon, no less than the cause OF hui
manity, requires that should always encourage
relations of the most friendly character with our
red brethren"
He then sums up their relations with the various
Indian tribes by which they bordered, init
mating desire to promote friendly intercourse be-
tween the tribes, and determination to punish
those who have been guilty of outrages against the
whites. After which, he enlarges moderately upon
the natural advantages of Oregon-the fertility of
her soil, her inexhausbc forests, her never falling
streams, her mines (believcd to EXIST of gold sill
yer, iron, lead and coal her immense river, the
Columbia, navigable hundred and fifty miles
for vessels Of the largest class and with entrance
by no means dangerous it has been reported,
Sc, &c.
The appropriations made by Congress for light
houses and buoys are insufficient, he says III conse
quence of the high price Of labor occasioned by their
proximity to the gold mines; and he advises the
Legislature to memorabilia Congress on the subject.
He goes on to say;
81 am happy to know that many of our people
who have been to the mines arc returning to their
homes and FARMS and, 1t is to be hoped are salts
fed and determined to remain and renew their
farming and other occupations The gold excite
ment occasoned the absence of large part of our
laboring population; many Of them had failed to
put in crops; fine farms lying idle; consequent
ly, this year. the crops will fall short of average
But there is no doubt that, with the grain on
hand there will be sufficient supply for home
consumption We have good reasons to believe
that the extraordinary emigration to California, III
consequence of the gold mines, will in short time
result in adding largely to numbers, that
population, now only about nine thousand, will
be doubled in the next twelve months. The healthy
climate, rich and beautiful valleys OF Oregon will
doubtless induce many of them 10 seek perma-
nept home among us. Sic will thus be benefited
by those mines equally with her sister territory 1t is
estimated that upward of two millions OF dollars in
gold dust have been brought into Oregon since their
discovery"
The expenses of the Cayuse war he sets down at
$4,000. The justice Of this war, and the good
conduct of the citizens in turning out for the de-
fence Of the country, entite them to appropria-
ton from Congress sufficient to pay these expenses.
Various roads are recommended.
The attention of the Legislature is earnestly called
to the necessity of providing an adequate revenue.
Also to the better arrangement of the statute laws,
now loose and defective. Also to the important sub
ject of education By the law of Congress sections
10 and SO in every township reserved for school
purposes, when the lands surveyed; liberal
and wise provision, from which the governor hopes
the best results.
An early and efficient organization of the militia
is advised. The governor says in conclusion:
Your attention is invited to the act entitled 'An
act to prevent the introduction of fre-arm among
the Indians This law not only prevents the in
PRODUCTION of firearms, but prohibits the sale OF
powder and ball to the Indian, thereby depriving
him in great measure Of the means OF procuring
subsistence, and, if strictly enforced, would pro-
duce much suffering among this unfortunate race
of people. Humanity requires that we should afford
them every facility that safely do To me
liorate their condition. Il is well known that the
tribes bordering the settlements friendly and
well disposed toward us, and that there is no dan
ger to be apprehended from them by placing in
their hands the means of procuring subsistence by
the chase i would therefore recommend the re-
peal of the law, or its modification, 50 as to dis
criminate between friends and enemies
IL will be your duty by enactment 20 fix tile
time, place, and manner of holding and conducting
elections to provide for the apportionng the repre-
sentation in the several counties ard districts to the
Council and House of Representative; to define
the qualifications of voters and Of holding office, and
also TO fix the day of the commencement of the reg
ular sessions of the Legislative Assembly.
90 1t will be for you, in your wisdom, to deter
mine whether you will proceed to locate the seat of
government at the present or some subsequent SEES
sion of the Legislative Assembly.
:" In closing this communication il only remains
adoption OF such measures as will tend 10 the gen
era welfare, prosperity, and happiness of our peo-
pie. JOSEPH LANE.
g OREGON CRY, July ls49."