Page:Oregon, her history, her great men, her literature.djvu/94

92 following day to provide for the settlement of the estate. At the mass meeting held, February 18, Doctor Ira L. Babcock, of the Mission was appointed supreme judge with probate powers. It is of interest in this connection to know that Ewing Young's estate was later settled, but for the want of a known heir it temporarily escheated to the commonwealth. A sheriff, three constables and as many justices of the peace were chosen, and a committee of nine with Rev. F. N. Blanchet as chairman was appointed to form a constitution and draft a code of laws to be reported at a meeting to be held June 7, 1841. At the June meeting, the Committee of nine failing to report, the colonists adjourned to meet October 1. But Charles Wilkes, U. S. N., and many leading citizens believing the time was not auspicious to organize an American government, "the project was dropped;" and for more than a year nothing further was publicly attempted.

Preliminary Meeting. Protection of Stock. When Doctor Elijah White returned with one-hundred and twenty emigrants in 1842, the American party was so strengthened that civil government was again discussed. Accordingly, a preliminary meeting was held February 2, 1843, at the Oregon Institute, to provide for a general meeting to be held on the second Monday of the following March, ostensibly for the purpose of providing for bounties for killing wolves, lynxes, bear and panthers.

Why Called the "Wolf Meeting." The meeting in March was known as the "Wolf Meeting" because funds were voted for suitable bounties for killing wolves and other destructive animals, and an officer placed in charge of that service. It was adroitly stated, however, that though provision had been made for the protection of their flocks, yet it was far more important that provision should be made for