Year: 1865

and, on the following morning


aed at the head of his devoted band to


rear of the Gubernatorial mansion, and
rnere arranged his signal stations SO that in
stant communication could be had with the
house. AT one time it was believed charge
was about being made, as his men were seen
deploying into line, but a reconnaissance
showed that they were merely taking the
OATH over bottle Of Hudson Bay" How
ever, the disciple of Kscuapius soon after
drew off his forces, somewhat demoralized,
and resigning his command, set sail the fol
lowing morning for Abraham's bosom, there
to hatch out some new plan for the suppress
sion of Democracy in Washington Terri
tory


A large number of local bills have been
passed, though but few of them have as yet
received the autocratic signature of His Ex-
cellenoy. Two have been returned with
pery modest vetoes, one of which was passed
over his head and there is now but little
doubt that he will abuse the veto power,
and instead Of using it in cases of unconsti-
tutional legislation will prostitute it to par
tizan purposes, and visit retributive ven
geance on everything which does not origi.
nate on the Republican side of the house,
In fact, bills have been drawn by Democrats
who have had them introduced by the oppo-
sition. as a measure Of safety against the We
to- But from present foreshadowings his
veto will nos be sustained in more
than two bills during the entire session, as
his own partzans will not all sustain him.
The Specific Contract Act passed the
House, with an incubus attached to it which
it is feared will effectually paralyze it. There
was no necessity of the adoption of the
amendment as there was clear majority in
! favor Of the naked bill, but Mr.. Dugan, who
introduced the bill accepted and voted for
it, when, some of the opponents Of the bill,
believing that they had extracted the sting
from it, supported it.


1t will probably be defeated in the Coun-
ell, as Judge McFadden is opposed to it and
if no strategy is actised the vote will be a
tie. But, should it pass the Council, it will
make no difference. as the Gubernatorial
| guillotine is already whetted, and the bas-
ket set to receive its head The Sperm,
| Court of this Territory will have no trouble
in regard to its Constitutionality, as its fate
is sealed


I There is now a sort of triangular fight go
ing on for the monopoly, or rather, right of
way, &C., &C., of the Cascade railway. There
are two prominent parties endeavoring to
secure Charters, each having a lobby repre-
sentative in the field, besides counsel while
there is also another bill pending, introduced
by Mr. Langford, which is intended to open
the matter to any Company who will act in
good faith and to secure the people against
monopolizing prices or practices. The first
bill of this character, introduced by Mr.. Du-
gan, was passed, with a condition attached
Frequirng the ineorporators to give bond
/ for the performance of the work in the sum
of $4,000, but this was stricken out and
the bill passed in the Council, and will prob
ably be rolled through the House, though it
will meet with some opposition from mem
bers beyond the mountains There are
some in the House who think they "smell a
mice" in the shape of huge black mail op-
Grafton, which the people of the upper coun-
try will have to refund in the shape of in
creased rates of freight and passage.


The subject of divorces received its qui-
etus in the Council which refused to enter
tain any bills Of this nature, but the chances
are that law will be passed giving District
Judges the right to hear and decide suits for
divorces in Chambers, or during recess.


No change will be made in the appOrtion-
ment bill except to rearrange the represen-
tation for Skamania County, which has been
divided, and attached to Clarke and Cicki-
| tat counties.


A bill, providing for holding one term of
the District Court in each year, at Colville,
has passed the House.


A bill to provide for keeping penitentiary
convicts from this Territory, in the Oregon
State prison, was defeated on legal grounds.


A bill has passed incorporating the Walla
Walla & Wallula Turn Pike Company, and
another is pending for Rail Road Charter
from Walula to Grand Ronde. If all these
Improvements are made in your country ii
will make times quite lively during the pro
gress Of the work A change has been
made in the spring term of your District
Court, to enable Judge Wyche, who has
been assigned to the First Judicial District
! to hold the spring term at Vancouver. The
first week Of the term is set apart for ma
king up issues for the term, and the Jurors
and witnesses are returnable the second
week This, it is thought. will be matter
of economy both to the county and to indi
viduas


1t would seem that your City is on the
progressive, as a bill has been passed author
izing the Council to levy special tax for
building an Engine House and Council
Chamber


The Memorials in regard to establishing q
Distributing Post office at Walla Walla, and
the Dalles Mint, were introduced by Mr.
Brown of your county, and passed at au early
day of the session, and Immediately tele
craphed to Mr.. Cole at Washington, copie;
being sent by express at the same time.


A memorial was introduced by the astute
Editor of the Seattle Gazette, praying Con