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POLITICAL PARTIES IN OREGON 237 Oregon. The fact soon became known that Lane had done practically nothing toward securing favorable action in the house. No satisfactory explanation of his strange attitude could be had. Oregon Democracy was surprised, disappointed and chagrined. Popular adulation of the idolized leader, who had just been honored by Democracy's unanimous vote for United States Senator, began to give way to doubt and sus- picion. His attitude was attributed to ulterior motives. It has been pointed out that the relations between Lane and the Clique had never been cordial. 1 Especially was this true between Lane and Bush, as the private correspondence between the various leaders clearly shows. 2 But a public break between them did not take place until in December, 1858. In a long editorial, "Why the State was not Admitted," Bush attacked Lane for his inaction, intimating that Lane, fearing he might not be elected Senator, was not anxious to have the Terri- torial government superseded, under which he had an un- expired term to fill out as delegate. He declared that there was no room for doubt that Oregon's delegate had proven un- faithful and false to his trust.3 From this time on the States- man bitterly attacked Lane.* And as Delazon Smith, who, with Congressman-elect Grover, had. gone on to Washington, took sides with his colleague, he came in with Lane for a full share of abuse. Contributed articles in the Statesman indicate that the feeling against Lane was general and that the Demo- crats were losing faith in his devotion to the interests of Ore- gon as above his own personal interests. The difficulties of the Oregon Democracy in 1858 in finding and maintaining a status, in harmony with conditions at Wash- ington, demand more than the passing notice already given. The Democratic policy was to evade expression on any issue i Supra, pages 81 82, 142. 2"Lane didn't get anything allowed me for that 2nd volume of statutes says Black Republicans prevented him. Likely, I reckon he thinks it best to keep that suspended over my head to 'hold the wretch in order.' Well, let it hang. 'Who's afeard'"? Letter, Bush to Deady, Oct. n, 1856. 3Statesman, Dec. 21. 4The Democratic Crisis, Feb. 9, 1859 attributed Bush's sudden attack on Lane to the fact that the latter did not secure the passage of a bill introduced in Con- gress for the relief of Bush to the extent of $6000 for printing the statutes of Oregon.