, 1860-02-17
The OregOn and Wa,hIngtOn war Debl


this claim by Congress, as DEBT against
the United States, we insert the following
memorial to that body, which passed unan,
imously both branches of the Legislature
of this Territory, at its late session. The
statements therein made are so true, that
an inhabtant of the country during the
war, cannot be found but would be willing
to verify the same upon the most sacred
oath. Who, then, will henceforth deny
that our people hold Just claim agans,
the government? Where are the people to
whom justice has been so long denied? And
how much longer are we yet to wait?
Memorial
RELATIVE TO THE WAR DEBT OF THE TERRITORY
OF WASHINGTON AND THE STATE OF OREGON.
WHEREAS, Certain claims in favor of the
citizens of this Territory, and the State oI
Oregon, have been recognized as existing
against the Government of the United
States, on account Of the war with the In
dams during the years 1855 and 80; and
Whereas, Congress, at its last session
referred said claims to the Third Auditor Of
the Treasury department, to be reported to
the House of Representatives by the first
Monday of December, A D., 1859, under
certain rules or restrictions, the second ol
which is as follows He (thc AUDITOR
shall allow to the volunteers engaged in said
service no higher pay and allowances than
were given to officers aud soldiers, of equal
grade at that period, in the army of the
United States, including the extra pay oI
two dollars per month given to troops Serv
ing on the Pacific coas, by the act OF 1852; :
and
Whereas, The liquidation of said Clair,
based on any report made in accordance
with such rule Or instruction, would work
manifest wrong and injustice towards the
citizens Of the, Territory Of Washington and
the State Of Oregon, who were forced tc
sacrifice property, time, aud oil the quic'
and conveniences of civil life, and take u
arms to maintain their existence.
Therefore your memorialists, the Legis
lative Assembly Of the Territory Of Wash
ington, would respectfully represent: Tha
during the ekisteacelof said Iadiah war il
1856, and previous thereto, the wage.
Of the citizens who served as volunteers
when engaged in ordinary employment o
civil life, amounted to from two to four dol
lars per day; that the amount of pay foi
volunteers, contemplated by the rale pre-
scribed by Congress for the report Of tht
said Third Auditor, would not meet the ac
tual and necessary expense incurred in theil
outfits, and extra clothing, during the cx
tended period of their service. That nc
deduction could be made from the pay o
volunteers, as reported by the commissioner,
appointed to adjust the same. which woulC
] leave anything like fair or reasonable re
muneration for their time, to say nothing o
an equivalent for the sacrifices they were
compelled to make in order 10 enable then
to render the service at all, wonld also
represent that 10 pay those, who furnished
supplies the cash value of such at the time
they were SO furnished, and refuse to pay the
volunteers the cash value Of labor at tho
same period, is making an invidous distinc.
ton in favor Of property vendors, against
which we earnestly protest Again, fit be
the purpose Of Congress to pay the expense
Of our late Indian war, we hope that an ap
preparation will be at once made; otherwise
the scrip given for property furnished and
services rendered will have passed from the
hands Of the original holders into the hands
of bankers and spectators.
That inaccurnoies may hay. occurred in
the accounts Of the purchasing and disburs.
ing officers Of our volunteer forces IS pos$.
bic, but that frauds such as charged by the
third Auditor in his report about year age
have been pcrpetrated is almost incredib e.
and if such frauds exist we have no sympathy
with the perpetrators thereof, and hope that
the same may be exposed to the end, that an
indignant people may know what it is and
by whom perpetrated. Your memorialiSts
believing that the report of the commission.
ers, composed Of gentlemen long resident in
the couutry, one Of them Tor long time a
Quartermaster in the army, and fully ac.
quainted with the prices OF the various Kinds
Of labor in the .couRtry, aud the absolute ne
cossities Of volunteers suddenly called into
service, presents the f4irest estimate and the
most accurate adjustment Of the claims Of
the volunteers against the government, earn
estly rotest against the reduction Of lheiI
pay as contemplated by said rule aud re
Spectfully ask that they be paid in accor
dance with the report Of said commissioners
The Secretary Of the Territory is respect
fully requested to forward printed copy Of
this memorial to each member Of the U. S
Senate, and copy to each member and del
egate in the House from the Pacific coast
Passed the House Of Representatives Jan
uary 9th, 1860.
JOHN d. BILES,
Speaker Of ne House Of Representatives.
Passed the Council January 75th
H. J. g. MAXON,
Presidsrg Of he Council