FIRST EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
The first Executive Committee consisting of Alanson Beers, David Hill and Joseph Gale, constituted the executive head of the new government of Oregon Territory for one year ending May 14, 1844.
First Organic Laws of Oregon. July 5, 1843, the first Organic Laws of Oregon were adopted "until such time as the United States of America extends jurisdiction over us." These laws, sometimes known as the First Oregon Constitution resembled usual announcement of principles, powers and duties of an American commonwealth with the further provision that slavery should be prohibited. Settlers were denied the right to hold more than one section of land, and permission was given to boys of sixteen and girls of fourteen to marry, the consent of their parents having been obtained. The legal fee for marriage was fixed at one dollar, and for recording the same fifty cents. The laws of Iowa Territory were adopted, with the provision that "where no statute of Iowa Territory applies, the principles of common law and equity shall govern."
SEAL OF THE OREGON PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT
The Salmon Seal. Upon the organization of the Provisional Government, a seal was adopted which was so designed that it would in no way prejudice either American or British interests. It was called the Salmon Seal because it contained the figure of a salmon typifying the fish industry which the settlers as well as the Hudson's Bay Company could promote. Above the salmon were three sheaves of grain symbolic of agriculture—the principal vocation of the makers of the Provisional Government. In the form of an arc above the sheaves "Oregon" was inscribed.
