Page:History of Oregon volume 1.djvu/480

Rh secretary in the absence of J. E. Long. The message of the executive committee was then read. To the Honorable the Legislative Assembly of Oregon Territory—Gentlemen: As a rising colony, under no immediate external control or civil protection, we have abundant reason for rendering up our thanks to the Great Ruler of the Universe for his parental care and protection over us, from the first entrance into this country unto the present day. And it becomes us humbly to acknowledge our dependence on him as our protector and preserver, and implore a continuance of his care and watchfulness over us and wisdom to direct us in the discharge of the duties devolving upon us. This country has been populated by powerful Indian tribes, but it has pleased the great disposer of human events to reduce them to a mere shadow of their former greatness, thus removing the chief obstruction to the entrance of civilization, and opening a way for the introduction of Christianity where ignorance and idolatry have reigned uncontrolled for many ages. There have perhaps been few colonies planted in North America under the same circumstances in which the present settlers of this territory are placed. We are situated in a portion of country remote from civilized nations, among the few remaining savages who are the original proprietors of the soil. The country is claimed by two powerful, civilized, and enlightened nations, proud of their national liberties, and jealous of their respective rights and privileges. It is obvious that these claims must be adjusted, and the soil purchased from the original proprietors, previous to any right being conferred upon the citizens of those governments, relative to the cultivation of lands in this Territory. The government of Great Britain has never publicly extended her claim so far south as to include the lands now under cultivation in this colony. But a treaty now exists between that government and the United States, giving to either party the right of mutual occupancy of this Territory in relation to the Indian trade. The United States have held out inducements to their citizens, and indirectly encouraged the settlement of this country by them. Consequently we are now improving the country by their consent, but without their protection; and it is self-evident that every community have a right to make laws for their mutual benefit and protection, where no law exists. It was under these impressions that the settlers in this Territory established a form of government last year, and adopted such rules and regulations as were at that time deemed necessary for the protection and prosperity of the colony. These regulations were so constructed as to be altered or amended by a legislative assembly, whose members were to be chosen by the people, annually, until such time as the government of the United States shall extend their jurisdiction over the Territory. At the time of our organization it was expected that the United States would have taken possession of the country before this time, but a year has rolled around, and there appears little or no prospect of aid from that quarter, consequently we are yet left on our own resources for protection. In view of the present state of affairs, gentlemen of the assembly, we would recommend to your consideration the adoption of some measures for a more thorough organization. Also to take into consideration the propriety of laying a light tax for the support of government. We would also recommend to your consideration the propriety of vesting the executive power in one person; and the impropriety of vesting the power of supreme, probate and district judges in one person; and the necessity of having an individual judge for each court. We would recommend that such of the laws of Iowa as have been or may be