Page:The History of Oregon Bancroft 1888.djvu/111

Rh agreeable to the majority of the Oregon people. No sooner had the news been received than a meeting was held in Yamhill precinct for the purpose of expressing regret at the removal of General Lane from the office of governor. The manner in which Lane had discharged his duties as Indian agent, as well as executive, had won for him the confidence of the people, with whom the dash, energy, and democratic frankness of his character were a power and a charm. There was nothing that was of importance to any individual of the community too insignificant for his attention; and whether the interest he exhibited was genuine, whether it was the suavity of the politician, or the irrepressible activity of a true nature, it was equally effective to make him popular with all but the conservative element to be found in any community, and which was represented principally in Oregon by the Protestant religious societies. Lane being a Catholic could not be expected to represent them.

As no official notice of his removal had been received, Governor Lane proceeded actively to carry into execution his plans concerning the suppression of Indian hostilities, which were interrupted temporarily by the pursuit of the deserting riflemen. During his absence on this self-imposed duty a difficulty occurred with the Chinooks at the mouth of the Columbia, in which, in the absence of established courts in that district, the military authorities were called upon to act. It grew out of the murder of William Stevens, one of four passengers lost from the brig Forrest while crossing the bar of the Columbia. Three of the men were drowned. Stevens escaped alive but