, 1853-07-30
Public Meeting.

Pursuant 10 notice given, a large number
of the citizens Of Washington Territory as
sembled at Olympia on the afternoon of the
23d inst, to take into confederation the ir-
regularity of the mails, and to express their
sentiments in regard 10 the unrardonable
neglect of the postal agents in forwarding
mail matter 10 the various Offices in the
Territory.
On motion, W. W. PLUMB, Esq, was
called TO the chair and A. J. Moss ap-
pointed Secretary.
The chairman explained the object Of the
meeting and commented briefly upon the
disappointment and loss the present mis-
Infringement of the mails eniailed upon all
portions of the community.
Jos. CUsHMAN, Esq, after entering into
detail Of the grievances caused by the
non-arrival of the msils--and showing that
for some time past, tho time consumed by
carriage of the mail from Astoria 10 Olym-
pia was actually greater than in coming
from the States to Rainier, offered a series
of resolutions, which, after accepting amend.
menls from Capt. w. A. HowGRD, were ac-
cePIed unanimously by the meeting.
Whereas, The great irrogularity, and the
ofleniimes total failure OF the mails between
Olympia and Rainier, deprive our commu-
nifty Of all communication with the States and
San Francisco for months al time-and in
consideration of the fact that we have not
had mail from the States for weeks-all Of
which inconvenience result in the greatest
injury to all classes of our community, alike
TO the merchant, trader and farmer, There
fore, be it
RssOlred, That We deem il our duty 10
communicate 10 the Postmaster General al
Washington City, and also 10 the Postal
Agent residing in Oregon, the great incon-
veniances TO which we are subject, and that
it is our firm belief that the irregularities
and failures herein complained Of are al
tributable to the incapaciiy or gross negli-
gence Of the officers al Rainier, or the mail
contractors between Rainier and Cowlitz
Lnndug, and their failure to comply with
their contract.
ReSolred, That we earnestly request him
TO take some immediate and decisive steps TO
correct the above abuses, and relieve us
from the consequent inconveniences.
Resolred, That a committee Of Eve be ap-
pointed by the meeting, whose duty it shall
be 10 frame and circulate petition TO be
sent to the proper department at Washing
ton City, praying for the establishment Of
direct steam postal Communication from
Son Francisco to Olympia and the various
ports upon Puget Sound, via the Straits of
San Juan de Fuca.
The following gentlemen were appointed
said committee:
w. A. HowARD, F. F. McELRor, s.
P. MosEs. s. S. FoRD, JNo. M. MoNRoE.
Capt. w. A. Howard moved that the
committee just appointed be instructed 10
correspond with the Hon. THOMAS II. BEN
TON for the purpose Of enlisting his valua-
BILE services in getting the prayer of the pc.
tltion before Congress at an carly day for
its action. Carried.
Col S. P. Moses moved that the COM
mitiee be also instructed 10 correspond with
the Hon. THos. ]. RusK, chairman of the
committee on Post Offices and Post Routes
in the Senate, for the same purpose. Car
ried.
On motion Of Mr.. E. j. ALLEN, it was
Rssoired, That the Columbian ~ and
the papers of Oregon and California be re-
quosted to publish the proceedings Of This
meeting.
On motion, adjourned.
w. W PLUMB, Chm'n
] Al. MosE5 Sec'y