Page:History of Oregon volume 1.djvu/352

Rh Gervais had always been the active helper and friend of the Methodist Mission, of which he was a sort of lay member; and it was customary to hold meetings of a religious or secular nature at his house, which was a convenient centre of business for the settlers, about half-way between Salem and Champoeg. As almost every settler had suffered from the ravages of wild beasts, the meeting was fully attended. James O'Neil was chosen chairman, and George W. Le Breton secretary. The business for which the people had come together was conducted to a satisfactory conclusion; a bounty being fixed for every species of animal killed. A committee was appointed to receive the proofs, a treasurer chosen, and regulations were established. The association thus formed was known as the 'Wolf Organization,' and was what it purported to be, a measure for the protection of domestic animals.

At the close of the day's business a resolution was offered and passed, "that a committee be appointed to take into consideration the propriety of taking measures for the civil and military protection of this colony," and another that it should consist of twelve persons, who were accordingly chosen. The choice of the meeting fell on I. L. Babcock, Elijah White, James O'Neil, Robert Shortess, Robert Newell, Étienne Lucier, Joseph Gervais, Thomas J. Hubbard, W. H. Gray, Sidney Smith, and George Gay. The passage of this resolution was brought about by considerable manœuvring, Le Breton and Smith being previously employed to ascertain who could be relied upon to support it. Moreover it is hinted that certain men, notably the clergy, were absent through prearrangement, lest their presence should alarm the settlers, who were not in favor of a government by the missionaries.