, 1865-11-10
The Annexation of walla walia County
to Oregon.


1t would seem from the reports and publica-
ticns that reach us relative to the "annexation
movement at ,'Walla Walla, that a portion ut
least of the people of that locality are really in
earnest upon that subject. We regard it as a
matter not undeserving attention. We are not
sufficiently posted in regard to many details OF
the scheme to pass definite and final Judgment
upon it. We have q few suggestions to make
regarding it, however, and some reasons for and
against it to offer. 1t will be recollected that
when Washington Territory was organized in
1858, the tract in the bend Of Snake river above
the torty-sixth parallel was put into that terri
tory. When our Constitution was framed in
1871, our Convention made the Snake river the
boundary, thus taking that tract OF land into
Oregon. Congress saw fit to change it SO as to
make the iorty-siXth parallel the boundary of
Oregon, -and restore the tract in Question to
Washington Territory. Since that time the
WHlla Walla country has been settled and the
natural advantages and the real convenencies
of the locality uscertained. The settlers there
now ask to be annexed to Oregon. Is it best for
all concerned that their request be granted, and
how onght it to be done?
1t seems not unlikely that these questions
will arise in practical shape il our Assembly
and in Congress,
We find in favor of the scheme on the part Of
the State of Oregon, large accession of valua-
bic territory, well adapted to most branches of
agriculture and stock raising-and destined to
be the seat of great wealth and material power
the addition OF several thousand people to our
population and considerable increase to the
revenues Of our State, BY annexation the river
would form a natural boundary, and the con-
hlcts of jurisdiction, the frequent escape of
criminals by an easy passage frOW one jursdic-
tion to another, would be in some degree pre-
vented, and the administration of Justice be
made easier, speedier and more certain. BY
having the river for boundary, the trade of
Oregon by water between the UPPER Snake river
and the Columbia, if it shall be found practica-
BILE, will be exempt from the regulations, orpos-
sbly uniriendly policy Of q neiGhbOring State.
As a local question, annexation will, no doubt,
be beneficial to Eastern Oregon, by increasing
the number OF representatives in the Assembly
and the votes for member of Congress which it
is to be presumed will be in sympathy with the
local feelings of that section. Annexation will
not he advantageous to the Willamette valley in
case Of any strife between the sections for polt-
ical supremacy or commercial superiority
As party question, it will add several hun
dred votes to the opposition and materially
weaken the Union party of this State. 1t will
increase the expenses of our State Government
and require second judicial district east of the
Cascades. Perhaps the incress sed expense would
more than equal the additional State revenue
To have it fairly done there shoild be the
consent of the Oregon Legislative Assembly, of
the Legislature of Washington Tetritott, and of
Congress. If these three bodies shall agree that
it be done, we say to the Walla Nallans, come
in and let us do each other good od.-Oregonian