Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly vol. 9.djvu/362

 334 T. W. Davenport. When the writer began this article his intention was that it should end with the adoption of the Constitution and tbe decision as to slavery in Oregon, but as he proceeded with the work, it became more and more apparent that the lesson derivable from the conflict would be incomplete at that period, for there was a marked distinction between the interest mani- fested before and after that decisive event. From a high- class, rational standpoint, one would be inclined to say that the major interest or involvement would have occurred before the vote, but so far as can be judged by the actions of men, it seemed otherwise. The persons who took an active interest in defeating slavery in Oregon were not numerous, but as sood as statehood was assured and partisan relations established with the Republican organization reaching to Washington, there was a great accession to the Republican party in Oregon. Many men who till then had taken no part in any movement or demonstration in opposition to slavery here, and some who were of indeterminate affiliation as respects the question, rallied to the party conventions and were active participants therein, as though they were native to the manor born. Very likely this manifestation of preference, or invigoration oi' spirit, depended upon several causes set in motion by the change from a Territory to a State, but whatever they were, creditable, discreditable, or indifferent, there is a lesson in it just the same. That a large part of the Oregon people should have be^n uncommunicative and inert when the great question was pend- ing, and after its decision become active partisans in a work which they had refused, needs inquiring into. Silence upon the slavery question was not a rational strategy for anti- slavery men, though it was mentioned as an excuse for the silent Democrats. It was a very silly excuse and it did not cover their nakedness. Their silence has been accounted for on rational grounds. When politicians seek to carry an elec- tion they are far from silent; they want every man to use his voice as well as his vote. In such a contest the expression of an earnest opinion founded upon reason and the inutire