Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly vol. 3.djvu/31

Rh dispelled and hope rose quickly to take its place. The industrial and social life of Oregon had received an impulse that was significant in its development.

The effects of the discoveries of 1848 were a strange mixture of good and bad for the community. Nothing so stirs to its foundation a community as the discovery of the precious metals. Many of the population of Oregon were unsettled in their industrial habits. The old and steady lines of industry were deserted for the chances of larger rewards. Emigration was turned to the newer settlements of California. Immediate relief from the isolated condition had been obtained, but a rival had been established to the south, whose attractions were destined to lead to speedy settlement. With the rapid growth of that community Oregon saw the hope of a connection by railroad with the East slipping away and a position of subordination to California gradually forced upon her. The markets, at first established, failed to bring the large returns when the supplies were being produced nearer to the point of consumption. A speculative spirit invaded the industrial life. Undesirable characters were brought into the country by the rush for gold. The Indians alarmed at the growing numbers and the irritating acts became hostile. Such were some of the objectionable features of the new influence that had entered the community.

In the long run, however, it must be counted as an advance in the industrial and social evolution. A center of population had been established where there had been nothing that was of benefit to Oregon. Wealth and capital were added to the community. If population that was undesirable came much also that was helpful drifted northward and entered the steadier life of Oregon in preference to the less certain life of the mining region. If some were upset and turned from a steadier life to one