, 1853-02-19

the mechanics and traders who pursue their
business This class cannot occupy in per.
son their claims, and al the same lime car
ry on their business, without great inconye-
nirnce 10 themselves and their employers.
And being equally useful and meritorious
with the farmer, why should moi their priv
ileges be equall
The provisions made for settlers under
twenty 10 years of age arc accompanied
with conditions so onerous that il is unrea-
sonable for government TO exact them. II
is hardly 10 be expected that as a general
thing the youth Of Oregon arc TO marry lie.
fo;e they are by law cmancipated from pa.
rental control. Government for obvious
reasons ought not 10 encourage such poll.
cy; and yet TO require them 10 reside upon
their claims, without the comforts and ad-
vanlages which flow from the family eslab-
lishment, as a condition Of retaining them,
is impolitic if not unjust II, in lieu Of
four consecutive years actual residence, il
were made lawful 10 pay into the County
Treasury sum not exceeding fifty cents
pr acre, at the discretion Of the settler,
much relief would be afforded to many who
are justly entitled 10 the benefits OF the act,
and very handsome sum would thus be
raised for county purposes, as very many
wsuld prefer (who really intend 10 remain
on Their cAlms), 10 pay this small sum
rather than be required to occupy them in
person for SO great length of time.
II is also Of the utmost importance, and
an act of but sheer justice, that those who
have become widows and orphans on their
way TO the Territory, or since their arrival
in it, should have the benefit of the dona-
lion act extended 70 them. II could never
have been the intention OF Congress TO ex-
clude this meritorious and unfortunate class
Of our citizens. A proper representation 10
the Government upon these subjects would
have great weight in inducing modi6e1-
ton Of the law, so that ii will be in a shape
which will be more in accordance with the
true interests of the Territory, and The be-
nefcent intention Of lis trainers.
From the great extent Of the Territory,
from its limited population, and the sparse
ness Of the settlements, il is not to be ex-
pected that any very rapid advancement in
lis developments can he made without the
assisting hand Of the National Government.
We have Schools 10 establish, roads 10 lay
out and make, bridges 10 build, rivers to I'M
prove, and public ediiees to erect. Much
can and will be done by individual enter
prise much may be accomplished by your
own wise legislation and much we have a
right 10 expect will be done for US by the
General Government.
Tho Pioneers in the settlement Of the
country cannot be neglected by Congress.
Their 6rmness, their hardships, their virtue
in journeying across the wilderness, in sub
DUNG the land, in contributing 10 settle the
geat boundary dispute, will appeal, and
not in vain, to the generous sentiments of
the nation at large. Congress will reward
such virtues II will aid US by liberal ap-
proprialions in the development Of our re-
sources. Policy, if not magnanimiiy, will
dictate them. For whilst such provisions
will promote the growth and advance tho
prosperity of the Territory, they viii al tho
same time add TO the wealth, extend the
usefulness, and enlarge the grandeur Of Ilc
Union itself.
Con6ding in your disposition 10 discharge
faithfully the high and sacred trust with
which you bavc been honorcd by your fel-
low-ciIizens. tender 10 you the sincere as
surancc that my best efforts will be given to
aid You in accomplishing every object that
will rebound 10 the interests, and honor, and
happiness OF the Territory.
In conclusion, invoke upon your coan~
ellis the Blessings of that Infinite Being
without whose approving smile all hnmsn
deliberations are vain.
JOHN P. GAINES.
herewith certify that the foregoing is
true copy Of the original on fle in the hands
Of the Clerk OF the II Of r.
r. J. WHITE, Chief Clerk.
Per J. e, PEEBLs, Asst. Clerk.