Page:History of Oregon volume 1.djvu/528

Rh surrection, to look to the execution of the laws, and recommend others which he might deem essential, and to sign or veto the bills passed by the legislature; the house having the power by a two-thirds vote to pass a vetoed bill, the governor's objections to which were to be entered on its journal. The governor might convene the legislature on extraordinary occasions. His term of office should be for two years, or until the election and qualification of his successor; and in case of death or resignation, the secretary should fill his place. His salary was left for the legislature to fix. The article on the judiciary differed from the original, and also from the laws of 1844. Like the first, it vested the judicial power in the supreme court, and such inferior courts of law, equity, and arbitration as might from time to time be established. Unlike the second, the supreme judge was to be elected by the house of representatives for a term of four years, or until his successor was elected and qualified. Unlike the first, he should have appellate jurisdiction only; but should have a general superintending control over all inferior courts of law, with power to issue writs of habeas corpus and other original or remedial writs, and hear and determine the same. The supreme court was to have power to decide upon and annul any laws contrary to the provisions of the articles of compact, and should give an opinion when called upon by the house of representatives, concerning the validity of any pending measure. Also, the house might provide by law for the supreme court having original jurisdiction in criminal cases.

The land law, the chief object of solicitude to all, was incorporated in the organic laws, and was changed from the original in letter, if not in spirit. No distinction of color, nationality, age, or sex was made; but every person was allowed to hold six hundred and forty acres upon complying with certain conditions. The claim must be designated by natural boundaries