GOVERNOR SYLVESTER PENNOYER January 12, 1887—January 14, 1895
The administration of Governor Sylvester Pennoyer, lasting from January, 1887, until January 1895, was sensational to a degree that attracted national attention. He was the head of the state government during four sessions of the legislature. These sessions were overwhelmingly dominated by the Republican party. Though meeting with constant opposition, he enjoyed the conditions thus presented. In his inaugural address Governor Pennoyer declared that the Supreme Court of the State had no right to pronounce an act of the legislature unconstitutional, and asserted that the registry law, enacted at the previous session of the legislature, but declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court, was, nevertheless, "in full force and effect." Assuming that President Cleveland was transcending his authority when he advised the Governor what course to pursue as to the labor troubles that were threatened in Oregon, he sent a telegram to the President to the effect, that "if you will attend to your business 1 will attend to mine". He carried his resentment so far that in 1 894, he declared Thanksgiving day a week goveenor sylvestee pennoyer
later than the date proclaimed by President Cleveland, thus giving Oregon two Thanksgiving days in that month.
Governor Pennoyer's administration was notable for
