Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly volume 13.djvu/219

 SLACUM'S REPORT ON OREGON, 1836-7 211 C. WALLAMETTE SETTLEMENT, January 2, 1837. GENTLEMEN: Whereas we, the members of the Oregon Temperance Society, have learned with no common interest, and with feelings of deep regret, that you are now preparing a distillery for the purpose of manufacturing ardent spirits to be sold in this vicinity; and whereas we are most fully con- vinced that the vending of spiritous liquors will more effectually paralyse our efforts for the promotion of temperance than any other, or all other obstacles that can be thrown in our way; and whereas we do feel a lively and intense interest in the suc- cess of the temperance cause, believing, as we do, that the pros- perity and interests of this rising and infant settlement will be materially affected by it, both as respects their temporal and spiritual welfare; and that the poor Indian, whose case is even now indescribably wretched, will be made far more so by the use of ardent spirits ; and whereas, gentlemen, you are not ignorant that the laws of the United States prohibit American citizens from selling ardent spirits to Indians, under the pen- alty of a heavy fine ; and, as you do not pretend to justify your enterprise, but urge pecuniary necessity as the reason of your procedure; and as we do not, cannot, think it will be of pe- cuniary interest to prosecute this business, if, as you have determined to do, you discontinue it the present season; and as we are not enemies, but friends, and do not wish, under existing circumstances, that you should sacrifice one single penny of the money you have already expended, we do, there- fore, for the above, and various other reasons we could urge, Resolved, first, That we, the undersigned, do most earnestly and feelingly request you, gentlemen, to abandon your enter- prise forever. Resolved, secondly, That we will, and do hereby agree, to pay you the sum you have already expended, if you will give us the avails of your expenditure, or deduct the value of them from the bill of expenses.