Cayuses accepted the laws, and Tauitau was elected high chief, these matters being probably expedited by the prospect of the feast which followed. But on the following morning Tauitau, remembering what Tiloukaikt had said, when the natives were assembled voluntarily resigned the chieftainship, saying that it was better so, on account of the difference in religious matters between himself and the majority of the people. His brother, Five Crows, was thereupon elected in his place, the day closing with another feast of fat beef. On the 27th of May, White took leave of the Nez Percés and Cayuses, well satisfied with having averted the thunderbolt of war. Mrs Whitman returned to the Dalles with the fur company's brigade, just down from the upper forts, and there remained till the return of her husband in the autumn.
Thus ended, more fortunately than might have been anticipated, White's second official essay for the protection of citizens of the United States in Oregon. But though he was frequently called on to interpose his authority in conflicts between the white inhabitants and the natives, or where the laws of the United States concerning intercourse with the natives were being violated, he was no nearer being recognized as governor of the colony than on his arrival, the missionary influence being directed against him, and the number of aspirants for that office belonging to the Mission party causing the other colonists to oppose the election of such dignitary. [1]
During White's administration the colony adopted a provisional form of government—an action which was undoubtedly hastened by missionary jealousy of White's pretensions in connection with another matter,
- ↑ The only one of the missionaries who seemed disposed to give White a fair indorsement was Hines, who at White's request wrote a letter to the secretary of war, declaring that he had discharged his duties with diffidence, but with energy and decision; for the performance of which he was entitled to the 'warmest respect of this infant and helpless colony,' and to the confidence of the department. White's Or. Ter., 4, 5.
