Page:The Early Indian Wars of Oregon.djvu/83



contempt for the as he regarded him intriguing United States sub-Indian agent and would-be-governor of the colony of which Hines was a member.

There is nothing to show that White was not as con scientious in the discharge of his duties as any man would have been in his place. At an early period in the history of the Wallamet colony he had a quarrel with Jason Lee, the superintendent of the mission, as he himself said, on account of an honest difference of opinion as to the best way of carrying forward the objects of the mission. The quarrel was a bitter one, and he* resigned, the home board, on his return to the states, disapproving of his leaving the mission. But the superintendent had the more or less cordial support of some of the most prominent men in the colony, of whom Mr. Hines was one, a cause sufficient, under the circumstances, to explain his attitude towards the sub-Indian agent.

The council was called to order in a few grave words by Tauitowe, and his speech being interpreted, the subject that was uppermost in all minds began immediately to be discussed. "They were told," says Hines, "that much had been said about war, and we had come to assure them that they had nothing to fear from that quarter," and the pres ident of the United States had sent an agent only to regu late their intercourse with his people. They were assured that the government agent was not there to catch them in a trap like beaver, but to do them good ; and that if they would lay aside certain practices and prejudices, cease quarreling, cultivate the ground, and adopt good laws, they might become a great and happy people.

So far, so good. But they were also informed that they were few in comparison with the white people; and that in order to accomplish anything, they must be united advice that was good for the Indians, but dangerous for the colonists. The chiefs were counseled to culti vate friendship towards each other, and to be considerate towards their people; and the people were told to be