Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly vol. 2.djvu/385

Rh deem expedient, to promote and encourage all persons to use their vigilance in destroying all the animals named in the fourth resolution.

"7. That the bounties named in the fourth resolution be limited to whites and their descendants.

"On motion it was—

"Resolved, That no one receive a bounty (except Indians) unless he pay a subscription of $5.00.

"It was moved and seconded that the Indians receive one half as much as the whites.

"It was moved and seconded that all claims for bounties be presented within ten days from the time of becoming entitled to said bounties, and, if there should be any doubts, the individual claiming the bounty shall give his oath to the various circumstances, which was carried."

In the mean time, however, it was becoming apparent to the settlers of the Willamette Valley that the protection of their own lives and rights, as well as their herds, could not be longer safely postponed. There can be no doubt that the Champoeg meeting had this end chiefly in view, although the intention had evidently been largely confined to the knowledge of those who sympathized with an American government.

An incident which emphasized this necessity was the death of Ewing Young on February 15, 1841. Mr. Young was the wealthiest American citizen in the country, and, leaving no will or heirs, as far as was known, and there being no probate officer, the distribution of his property was a question of great importance. His property finally went to the territorial government, but it required some years to effect this result. On December 11, 1845, Mr. Garrison presented a petition to the provisional legislature "from Daniel Waldo and Thomas Jeffries, in rela-