Page:Portland, Oregon, its History and Builders volume 1.djvu/326



legend "State of Oregon." In 1903, the seal was amended to include thirty- three stars and an elk, with branching antlers.

But in the new seal were made additions of a rising sun, some horses and some material alterations in the location of the various objects described. Chief clerk, Corey, is at a loss to know just how to send the state seal for use at the national capital, as there are apparently some unauthorized additions as the seal now stands.

The large prices paid for Oregon produce and lumber by the great influx of population to the California gold fields and towns, together with the bushels of gold dust brought back to Oregon by returning Oregonians from the mines, produced a vital change in every phase of Oregon life and development. It was in fact the first breath of prosperity the little community had received since casting off all the old ties in Missouri and other eastern states. Before gold was discovered, it was free land that attracted the immigrants for two thousand miles. And the land hunters had made as many and severe sacrifices to reach and get the land as did the gold hunters in their crazy rush to get the yellow metal. But there was a difference. The men and women who came to get land were not land speculators, but land cultivators. They were not of the class that wanted to grow rich suddenly. In fact they did not think of great riches. It was independence and homely comforts they sought, where they could sit under their own apple trees, owing no man anything, and repose in dignified inde- pendence. And those of this class that went to California for gold, soon satisfied their desires and returning to their farms with well filled purses, prudently and sensibly expended their treasures from the mines in improving their farms and building better homes.

Nevertheless the easily gotten gold had a powerful influence on the state, and especially on this city. The gold fields were near enough to Portland to stimulate its trade and largely increase its shipping. This built up the city and kept its population at home and interested in matters more permanent than placer gold mining. Then also, the distance from the gold mines and the steady going character of the Oregon people protected them from the demoralization, gambling and dissipation of all kinds which afflicted California for years, and in fact colored the whole life of that state down to the present. The provisional government of Oregon would not have stood twenty- four hours in the excite- ment, crime and reckless craze for gold in California in 1849. But here it was universally respected, and made the servant of peace and security for life and property.

The gold dust era produced a remarkable change in another quarter. The Hudson's Bay Company had always been the controlling factor in all business transactions involving the progress of the community ; but now a new master of business appeared on the Oregon stage. The gold craze in California car- ried away the company's servants and left them without men to trap for furs or man their forts and manage the Indians. But worse even than this, the newly made land laws required all land claimants to take the oath of allegiance to the United States, and the British subjects lost no time in abjuring old Eng- land and casting in their lots with the Missourians. It was an awful trial for ardent Britishers, but it had to be done. All disputed questions were settled, the stars and stripes floated everywhere, and Portland took on new life and ambition for the future.

The plethora of gold, just as much as the over-issue of paper money, al- ways raises the prices of goods. It did so in Portland in 1849. Everybody road horseback in those days, and saddles were a prime necessity. And saddles that cost from ten to twelve dollars in New York, were sold here in Portland for from fifty to seventy-five dollars apiece. Playing cards that cost f