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1 66 A History of the Pacific Northwest

of 1845, headed by Jesse Applegate, resolved upon a thorough-going revision of the government. They presented to the people a choice between the fundamental law adopted in 1843, ^^^ ^ revised draft, much improved in literary style and in completeness, which had been drawn up by Mr. Applegate. The people balloted and adopted the revised draft by a very large majority. They also continued the committee in office. Then the Legislative Committee reconvened, passed necessary laws, and adjourned.

Thus the political problem in Oregon was settled. The constitution, based on compact, was similar in form to the constitution of an American state. It established a good government,—firm, just, and effective in all its departments. The settlers supposed it was to last only a few months, believing the United States was about to take control of the country; but in fact this event did not occur till nearly four years later. In the meantime there was no reasonable cause of complaint against the government maintained by the sturdy, sober, order-loving pioneers themselves.

Effect of the great migration on later emigrations. While these political matters were being settled, western Oregon was filling up with new people whose coming was due very largely to the success of the 1843 emigration. When that company started, many thousands of people followed their movements with anxiety, not a few regarded them as foolish adventurers, and Horace Greeley declared: "This emigration of more than a thousand persons in one body to