Page:Centennial History of Oregon 1811-1912, Volume 1.djvu/311



THE CENTENN'IAr. HISTORY OK OIM<;(iON 189

liciK'tactor, as it is related of him, that, when he and his good wife were about slartiug from Missouri to Oregon, Nineveh remarked that it was likely there was nothing growing in that country that was good for "greens," and that as they i-oukl not get along without "hog's jowl and greens," they had better take some seed and roots with them, which they did, by bringing the "dandelion" to this country, where it did not exist before, and planting it in the virgin soil of Oregon, tiiiiiiMl hiose an unmitigated pest to all pastures, lawais, gardens and orchards.

<)ii August 15th, the legislative assembly shows its pronounced sentiment on two subjects by resolutions as follows:

"licsolvcd, That M. M. JlcCarver has been ojjposiMl to the organic law, as adopted by the people of Oregon, and contrary to the voice of this house in regu- lai- session, clandestinely, and in a manner unworthy the confidence reposed in him, placed his name to a copy of those laws transmitted to the United States, thereby conveying a false impression, and did, also, sign his name to two resolutions con- trary to a direct vote of this house ; therefore,

'■// IS further resolved, That we disapprove of the course lie has pursued, and feel ourselves under the humiliating necessity of signifying the same to the United States government b.y causing a copy of this resolution to accompany those documents. ' '

Mr. Hill introduced the following :

"Resolved, That no pei-son belonging to the Hudson's Bay Company, or in their service, shall ever be considered as citizens of the government of Oregon, nor have the right of elective franchise;" which resolution was rejected.

From these proceedings it can be seen that the pioneer lawmakers could not only deal with a stern hand with those who trifled with the interests of the people, but they could also be just and magnanimous to those who did not support the Provisional government.

On August 16th a bill was reported "to prevent litigation." If such a meas- ure was proposed to the legislature of the present day, the la\\yers and judges would be paralyzed.

On August 18th the house went into secret session to till the office of supreme judge for Oregon, which resulted in choosing Peter H. Burnett for that position.

Mr. Burnett accepted the office and so far as is known, discharged its duties to the satisfaction of the people and credit to himself. After the United States assum.ed control and organized the territorial government, Mr. Burnett was ap- pointed one of the district judges, but declined the office, removed to California and became the first governor of that state.

The following are some of the proceedings for the ensuing session of the legis- lature for August 19, 1845 :

"On motion of ]\Ir. Barton Lee,

'■ h'l siilnd. Tli;it when this house adjourns tomoi'row night, it adjourns sine die.

"Oumotionof Mr. Hill,

"Resolved; Tluit all resolutions and other proceedings of this house calculated to cast censure upon the speaker, be expunged from the journals, and the clerk is hereby authorized to erase the same; which, after some discussion, was laid upon the table.

"The house proceeded to the election of district judges, for the Cla