Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly volume 12.djvu/89

 POLITICAL PARTIES IN OREGON 81 the service from which it had ever been excluded by true patriotism. 1 The Argus referred to the petition as "the climax of villainy" and quoted the Democratic Standard as saying "We hesitate not to distinctly declare that we have no sympathy for and partake not in the spirit that would beget such a petition." 2 But the Clique were not to be denied their peremptory de- mands. The following session of the legislature reorganized the military department, removing from the governor the power of appointment of officers and substituting election by the legis- lature. This proved an easy solution. The offensive officers were summarily decapitated and replaced by "competent Demo- crats." 3 The war was placed on a partisan Democratic basis and the members of the Clique were appeased. To all outward appearances the utmost harmony existed at this time between Lane and the Democratic Junto who ruled Oregon. But the private correspondence of members of the latter show that as early as 1855 Lane was under the dis- pleasure of the Clique. Hailed as the "Marion of the Mexican war", the "Cincinnatus of Indiana", and heralded as a hero in the role of Indian fighter in Oregon, Lane's popularity was unbounded. 4 This popularity was political capital for the party manipulators and viewed by them as a very valuable asset. As for Lane himself, they were inclined to patronize him among themselves as a "thick skulled old humbug," 5 to be cultivated as long as he could be used, especially at Washington where his influence was recognized. In 1855 General Joel Palmer, super- intendent of Indian affairs in Oregon, was marked by the Democratic leaders for overthrow, and his removal was de- manded of Lane. In the accusations against Palmer, sent to Washington by the Legislature, it was charged that "While representing himself as a sound national Democrat, he had perfidiously joined the Know Nothings, binding himself with lOregonian, December 8, 1855. aArgus, November 10, 1855. 3See Oregonian, February 9, 1856. 4Lane had done effective service against the Southern Oregon Indians in 1851 and again in 1853. sNesmith to Deady, September 14, 1855.