Page:Oregon, her history, her great men, her literature.djvu/62

Rh of both nations were firm in their contention; and the American Government not being able to press her claims, accepted a provision for the joint occupation of Oregon for a term of ten years. This treaty resulted in enabling both nations to settle on land and to trade on equal standing in all parts of Oregon until the boundary question was finally decided and American right to the Oregon Country fully confirmed by Great Britain. The reader will find the account of the final settlement of the Oregon boundary question in ../Epoch III/.

Hall J. Kelley Advocates Occupation of Oregon. A Boston schoolmaster by the name of Hall J. Kelley performed an important part in keeping before the American people the question of Oregon occupation and settlement. "As early as 1815 he directed public attention to the Oregon Country. He organized a land expedition in 1828, but which failed in its equipment. Then soon after he urged the formation of an expedition by sea with a view of colonizing the Puget Sound country. In this he also failed to secure the needful support." In 1828 he organized the American Society which was incorporated by the State of Massachusetts, for the settlement of the Oregon Territory Two years later the society presented a memorial to congress setting forth that they were engaged in the work of opening to a civilized and virtuous population that part of