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 our wives, and burning our houses over our defenseless families. Common sense, prudence and justice to ourselves demand that we act consistent with the principles that we have commenced. We have mutually and unitedly agreed to defend and protect our cattle and domestic animals; now, fellow citizens, I submit and move the adoption of the two following resolutions, that we may have protection for our person and lives, as well as our cattle and herds: Resolved, That a committee be appointed to take into consideration the propriety of taking measures for the civil and military protection of this colony. Resolved, That said committee consist of twelve persons.

The donation act had passed, and the people were happy. The 4th of July, 1851, was celebrated through the Willamette Valley in suitable style. There was rivalry at that time between Oregon City, Salem and Champoeg. At the barbecue dinner in Salem, Dr. Robert Newell—who brought the first wagons to Walla Walla—"an old and prominent citizen of Champoeg," proposed the following toast:

Delazon Smith came to Oregon from Iowa in 1852. He established the Albany Democrat in 1859 and in that year was short-term United States senator for Oregon. Previously he had been active in politics, serving as a member of the Territorial legislature, and of the Constitutional Convention of 1857, where, on August 19, he made a speech, from which the following selection is taken, on limiting the time of debate.