126 FREDERICK V. HOLM AN other message in which it was said of the claims of the United States and of Great Britain to the Oregon country: "But one claims as much right as the other, and both claim the right of joint occupancy of the whole, without prejudice to the claims of any other state or power to any part of said country."
"We would advise that provision be made by this body for the framing and adoption of a constitution for Oregon, pre- vious to the next annual election, which may serve as a more thorough guide to her officers, and a more firm basis of her laws. It should be constructed in such a manner as would best suit the local situation of the country, and promote the general interests of the citizens, without interfering with the real or pretended rights of the United States or Great Britain ; except when the protection of life and property actually re- quire it." (Oregon Archives, page 57.) In conclusion, the message set forth: "As descendants of the United States and of Great Britain, we should honor and respect the countries which gave us birth; and, as citizens of Oregon, we should, by a uniform course of proceeding, and a strict observance of the rules of justice, equity, and republican principles, without party dis- tinction, use our best endeavors to cultivate the kind feeling, not only of our native countries, but of all the powers or states with whom we may have intercourse." (Oregon Archives, pages 58-59). THE ORGANIC LAW OF 1845. Another election was held in May, 1845, and the newly elected Legislative Committee met June 24, 1845. Jesse Apple- gate, an immigrant of 1843, became its leader. Article 3 of the report of the Legislative Committee upon the Judiciary, adopted July 5, 1843, is as follows : "Art. 3. Each officer heretofore elected, or hereafter to be elected, shall, before entering upon the duties of his office, take an oath or affirmation, to support the laws of the territory, and faithfully to discharge the duties of his office." (Oregon Archives, page 29). Notwithstanding this provision of the original provisional government, when the Legislative Committee met June 24, 1845, it appears from the record as follows :
