Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly volume 11.djvu/10

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4
Frederick V. Holman


According to the "Oregon Archives," this session adjourned July 5, 1845, t0 meet August 5, 1845. After meeting according to adjournment it held continuous meetings until August 20, 1845, when it adjourned sine] die. Among these copies of laws is one passed July 3, 1845, an d fi ye passed July 5, 1845, all of which were approved August 15, 1845. The only acts which, according to the Journal, as set forth in the "Oregon Archives," were passed in July, 1845, an ^ are not contained in these copies, are: "The bill concerning the sittings of the Legislature," passed July 3, and "The bill for locating county seat of Tuality," passed July 5, and two bills granting divorces, passed July 3. None of these laws is contained in the compilation of the laws of 1843-1849, published in 1853, or otherwise printed so* far as I have been able to ascertain. The next Legislature should cause these laws to be printed.

This book formerly belonged to Judge William Strong. After his death it was given by his son, Thomas N. Strong, of Portland, to the Oregon Historical Society. Judge Strong was appointed a Judge of Oregon Territory in 1849, arrived in Oregon in August, 1850. His judicial district comprised all of Oregon Territory north of the Columbia River, which was the original Vancouver District, and also Clatsop County.

This Act creating Vancouver County appears on page 24 of this manuscript book. The following is a correct and full copy:

"An Act to Organize the District of Vancouver, passed 1 8th Aug., 1845.

"Be it enacted by the House of Representatives of Oregon Territory as follows

"That all that portion of the Territory of Oregon lying north of the middle of the main channel, of the Columbia River, shall be and the same is hereby declared a seperate District, under the name and style of Vancouver District and the said District shall be entitled to elect one member of the House of Representatives, at the next annual Election.