, 1877-02-17
Early Days in Oregon.
From he O,egon Statesman.

lie Illi Oi Al VIII long NC remembered
by the people OF old Oregon, as the
immigration of that year brought to the
struggling Territory prepondernnce of
Americans, and one among the big
thoughts that engaged the pioneer brain,
was "who shall rule US, Americans, the
United States, or England, through the
Hudson's Bay company" This was then
the important question. The immigra-
ton OF 45 was 50 numerous, and 80 thor
oughIy American, as to settle the ques-
tion in numbers and sentiment. There
was, therefore, deep feeling of security
pervading the hearts Of the almost out
casts Of this then wild, but magnificent
country.
The few that were here had been, in
deed, benefited by, but "srarted" under,
tue despotic sway Of the Hudson's Bay
company. There was, however, for the
good Of the Territory and its future pros
poets, at the head of that grasping com
pany, II great, and, though trummelled, u
good man. Standing between two great
and conflicting interests, he often acted,
to the unintiated, strangely. But, to the
initiated he showed great strength OF
mind and love of the American cause.
Those who knew him intimately, could
but admire his honest, sound and com
prehensive policy. Attentive to the in
terest of the company over which he
ruled, attentive to the interests Of the
struggling Americans here, he did his
best to satisfy both. That he failed in
some measure, to gain the good will OF
both parties, is true, But that .hs sidsd
In great Work-,.the settling o. this
country--is equally true. This is Mich
in his favor. There was still danger OF
loosing this splendid country, but less
than hitherto. Hence, the immigration
cf AS was considered the big anker'
which was to hold firmly the ship, Ore
gon Territory, though rolling in heavy
breakers, and the channel obstructed
The immigration OF 46 and AZ settled
the question OF occupancy" forever
though our unparalleled difficulties and
heroic struggles were yet in the future.
There two forces ut work, "united in
our destruction" A Monopoly and an
Order. 1t is my firm conviction, and l
ought to know, being an actor in the
scene-that to these two united forces
may be traced, mainly, the causes that
piled up, pile on pile, upon our devoted
heads, those difficulties we had to fight
through for years to remove, These
difficulties called forth, on our part Her
culean etforts-etforts which tried US in
cruciblc OF peril. In this peril many OF
us lost property, and some their lives.
A monopoly crushing us into the dust,
physically an order, stirring up sedi-
ton and murder in our midst styling
themselves spiritual guides" All! who
knoNsl Hell's deep, dark dens may be
tul ofjust sach spiritual guides" And
this monster Monopoly aud this hideous
Ordcr! are but counterparts OF the Iuttr.
nal Regions we read abUut..!
With all the trials incident to the set
Ting OF new and distant country, W,
had to contend against, these Two powers
or really, these two in one, for the order
was an understood instrument in the
hands of its instructors. The heroic
efforts put forth by the early settlers OF
Oregon Territory can never all be told
See Whitman, returning to Washington
at inclement season of the year, ITO rep.
resent the true state of this country:'
Does the great Webster listen to him
Does Tyler lend m attentive ear! To
his honor be it said lie does. The treaty
ceding away our own Oregon is delayed
the immigrants pour in, and the corRtry
in part, is saved! Ever glorious Whitman
ever glorious Tyler.
Shall we ever forget Whitman
While the oceans billOws roll
While our bOkl mountains stand,
Thy services will be enrolled
IN the archives OF this unrUnuucrel land