Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly volume 12.djvu/393

 NOTES Through the exercise of fine historic sense and activity Baker is preparing for a fitting observance of the centennial anniversary of the passing of the main division of the Hunt overland expedition through that section in the winter of 1811-1812. It will be remembered that Wilson Price Hunt was the leader of that part of the Astor expedition to the mouth of the Columbia that proceeded across the continent. The, suggestion of Mr. Walter H. Abbott for the preserva- tion of Indian names of natural features and of localities should elicit some response. Many undesirable geographical names should be discarded. Important natural features and developing population centers are still to receive their designa- tions. Mr. Abbott reveals a fine opening for the activity of historical societies and suggests effective modes of procedure. An analysis of the census bulletin on population of Oregon discloses some interesting facts. The growth of the State during the last decade amounted to an increase of 62.7 per cent, a nearly two-thirds addition in numbers. During the same period the United States as a whole added 21 per cent. Oregon grew nearly twice as rapidly in the decade from 1900 to 1910 as it did from 1890 to 1900. The gain was 259,229, making a total population in 1910 of 672,765. The largest growth in any preceding decade was from 1880 to 1890, when 142,936 comprised the gain. The increase during the last de- cade was as great, very nearly, as one and a half times the entire population of the State in 1880. Portland with its 207,214 people lacked about 20,000 of having one-third of the population of the state as a whole. Salem was the second city with 14,094 ; Astoria was third with 9,599; Eugene with 9,009 was a close fourth. Medford had the highest percentage .of increase, 393.6 per cent; Salem's was 231 ; Eugene's, 178.4. The urban population as a whole that of the cities and in- corporated towns of 2,500 inhabitants or more numbered