Page:The History of Oregon Bancroft 1888.djvu/191

Rh act were pointed out, and they were reminded that no sites for the public buildings had yet been selected, and until that was done no contracts could be let for beginning the work; nor could any money be drawn from the sums appropriated until the commissioners were authorized by law to call for it. He also called their attention to the necessity of re-arranging the judicial districts, and reminded them of the incongruous condition of the laws, recommending the appointment of a board for their revision, with other suggestions, good enough in themselves, but distasteful as corning from him under the circumstances, and at an unusual and inconvenient time. In this mood the assembly adjourned sine die on the third day, without having transacted any legislative business, and the seat-of-government feud became quieted for a time.

This did not, however, end the battle. The chief justice refused to recognize the prosecuting attorney elected by the legislative assembly, in the absence of Amory Halbrook, and appointed S. B. Mayre, who acted in this capacity at the spring term of court in Clackamas county. The law of the territory requiring indictments to be signed by this officer, it was apprehended that on account of the irregular proceedings of the chief justice many indictments would be quashed. In this condition of affairs the democratic press was ardently advocating the election of Franklin Pierce, the party candidate for the presidency of the United States, as if the welfare of the territory depended upon the executive being a democrat. Although the remainder of Games' administration was more peaceful, he never became a favorite of either faction, and great was the rejoicing when at the close of his delegateship Lane was returned to Oregon as governor, to resign and run again for delegate, leaving his secretary, George L. Curry, one of the Salem clique, as the party leaders came to be denominated, to rule according to their promptings.