Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly volume 13.djvu/150

142 ROBERT CARLTON CLARK their Indian wives. 5 The latter, of those attached to the Methodist and other missionary enterprises, ministers and lay- men; and independent and unattached American element, mountain men, ex-trappers with native wives, and a few men who had gradually filtered over the mountains from various of the western states (some had come via California.) In addi- tion there were a few of various nationalities upon whom sat lightly any especial allegiance. These people were scattered along the prairies bordering on the Willamette river and its tributaries. Such a community was naturally fitted for a com- mon government since communication by means of the water courses was fairly easy and certain bonds of common interest had arisen. The immediate need of more efficient legal machinery was seriously felt when one of the better-to-do residents of the valley died leaving a valuable estate and no heirs to take pos- session of it. Out of this situation developed a movement to create an organization with sufficient authority to deal with such matters. This movement was not a complete success, but as a result of it the community secured a full corps of officers, with the exception of an executive head. These were chosen in February, 1841, at a gathering described as a "full meeting of the inhabitants of Willamette Valley" 6 and the supreme judge was instructed to act according to laws of the State of New York until a code of its own be adopted by the com- munity. A legislative committee, appointed at this time to draft a constitution and laws, failed to report to a subsequent meeting in June and so the settlement failed to secure a fully organized and constitutional government. It is to be noted, however, that as a result of this movement a definite body of officials were given authority to administer justice for the community. Though their power and tenure of office were not placed upon a constitutional basis, yet they had an authority emanating directly from the people. The instruction to follow 5 Lord Durham's description of the contemporary French in Canada seems a good characterization of those in Oregon. "They are mild and kindly, frugal, industrious, and honest, very sociable, cheerful and hospitable, and distinguished for a courtesy and real politeness." Report of Earl of Durham, 1838, p. 17. 6 Grover, Oregon Archives, p. 5.