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334 W. C. WOODWARD of a letter written several years ago, raising the idea of a Pacific Republic and has ever since claimed to be the repre- sentative of this scheme." 1 The Oregonian asserted that the citizens of Oregon had been wronged beyond measure, but thanked God the state would have to submit but a few months to the degradation. 2 Actual extracts were published of vituper- ative and treasonable utterances of Stark. 3 In announcing his departure the Argus said :* "It is indeed a humiliating posi- tion occupied by our state, three-fourths 5 of which are loyal, to be represented in the United States senate by a blatant little peppery sympathizer with treason." A mass meeting was held at Salem at which Whiteaker's appointment was denounced 6 and the appointee charged with treason. The leaders in the meeting were loyal Democrats of prominence, such as R. P. Boise, Lucien Heath, J. C. Peebles, C. N. Terry and Harvey Gordon. Sufficient opposition was aroused to delay Stark's being seated by the Senate until in February, 1862.7 Encouraged by Southern victories, as time passed on, the Oregon secessionists became bolder in expression and more active in demonstrations against the Government. Before the end of 1861, the Oregonian announced the existence of the Knights of the Golden Circle in Oregon. 8 After sketching the movement in the Eastern States and its purposes, the edi- tor declared that many of the leaders among those ^n Oregon opposing and denouncing the Government, were Knights of the Golden Circle. The opposition press made light of this and similar charges, but the denials failed to carry conviction, espe- cially in the light of later disclosures. The secession papers be- 1 Statesman, Nov. n. 2 Oregonian, Nov. 9. 3 Oregonian, Nov. 30. 4 Argus, Nov. 23. 5 Nine-tenths were loyal in May, according to Adams! 6 A thrust, evidently at Judge Deady, was given in the statement "We hold Gov. Whiteaker less responsible than the judicial functionary in whose hands the Executive is as clay in the hands of the potter." 7 When Stark's credentials were presented to the Senate, papers from Ore- gon citizens protesting his disloyalty were also submitted. All were referred to the Judiciary Committee, which on Feb. 7, reported in favor of seating him, Senator Lyman Trumbull presenting a minority report. The majority report was adopted. At the same time, Stark asked for a full investigation of the charges made. The committee appointed reported the charges substantiated and action was brought for a recommital of the case, but failed. 8 Oregonian, Nov. 9, 1861.