Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly vol. 3.djvu/48



On February 24, 1873, the Board of Capitol Building Commissioners was organized with John F. Miller, president, and plans for a state capitol prepared by Krumbein & Gilbert were adopted; and pursuant to the joint resolution of the legislature of 1872 the commission selected block 84 in Salem as the site, the selection being made May 13, 1873, and the foundation of the present state capitol was laid May 17 of that year. An appropriation of $100,000 was made in 1872, and the building was completed so as to be occupied by the legislature in September, 1876. The building commissioners were Henry Klippel, Samuel Allen, and E. L. Bristow.

The legislative assembly for the year 1874 convened September 14, and concluded its labors October 23. This was the eighth biennial session. R. B. Cochran, of Lane, was elected president of the senate, and John C. Drain was elected speaker of the house. Among the prominent members of the senate mention may be made of John Myers, of Clackamas; J. F. Watson, of Douglas; J. N. Dolph, of Multnomah; T. R. Cornelius, of Washington; R. B. Cochran, of Lane; Dr. James A. Richardson, of Marion, and Sol Hirsch, of Multnomah. Among the members of the house of prominence may be mentioned the names of C. G. Chandler, of Baker; James Bruce, of Benton; G. W. Riddle, John C. Drain, and D. W.