Page:The History of Oregon Bancroft 1888.djvu/464

446 home to him who would cultivate and defend it, were announced as the measures which the republican party pledged itself to support. Lastly, congress was earnestly invoked to pay the war debt of Oregon, not holding responsible the people for any errors or misconduct of officers or individuals, whether truly or falsely alleged.

On proceeding to ballot for congressmen, the names of David Logan, B. J. Pengra, and W. L. Adams were presented, Logan receiving a majority of thirteen over Pengra. Delegates were chosen to attend the national republican convention of 1860, who were instructed to vote for W. H. Seward for presidential candidate; but in case this were not expedient, to use their discretion in selecting another.

The republican party of Oregon was now fairly launched on the unknown sea of coming events. Logan was admitted by his opponents to be the strongest man of his party, one possessed of positive qualities, and an eloquent and satirical orator. He had, however, certain moral defects which dimmed the lustre of his mental gifts, and always stood in the way of his highest success. How near he came to a victory, which would have been unprecedented, Stout's majority of only sixteen votes pointedly illustrates.

Anything so near a republican triumph had not been anticipated, and both parties were equally astonished.