Page:The History of Oregon Bancroft 1888.djvu/447

Rh, but being conscientious republicans, allowed the free negro to come or go like any other free man.

The adoption of the constitution was a triumph for the regular democratic party, which expected to control the state. Whether or not congress would admit Oregon at the first session of 1857–8 was doubtful; another year might pass before the matter was determined. The affairs of the territory in the mean time must go on as usual, though they should be shaped as much as possible to meet the anticipated change.

The legislative assembly met on the 17th of December, and on notifying the governor, received a message containing a historical review from the beginning. The governor approved the constitution, and congratulated the assembly on the flourishing condition of the country.

The legislature of 1857–8 labored under this disadvantage, not altogether new, of not knowing how to conform its proceedings to the will of the general government. Although not yet admitted to the union, a