It is not surprising that there should be those who regarded the existing organization as imperfect. The organic laws, however ably drawn, had clearly been framed by one not versed in law; and while the compact, notwithstanding the looseness of its provisions, might be kept by the few who were in the country at the time of its adoption, and who were accompanied to govern themselves without law, it was likely to fail of its object with the addition of several hundred persons annually from all parts of the United States and the world. So, at least, the executive committee had decided, and they threw upon the legislative committee the ungrateful task of casting a doubt on what the friends of the original organization thought good and sufficient, by asking them to remodel the most important portions of that work.
adopted, be so amended as to suit the circumstances of the country. That the militia law be so amended that military officers hold their commission during good behavior, and that each company shall have the privilege of electing their own officers, at such time and place as they shall think fit, excepting the days of annual review; and that such portions of the militia law of Iowa be adopted as will suit all the circumstances of our military organization. We would recommend that the first article of the land law be so amended as to require that some permanent improvement be made on a claim before recording, and that such improvement be designated on record, with such other regulations relative to land claims, as, in the opinion of this assembly, will be most beneficial to the interests of the public. We would recommend that the fourth article of the land law be repealed, as it is considered detrimental to the interests of the community. We would recommend that commissionars be appointed to locate roads, in such places as this assembly shall deem necessary for the interests of the public, and that a law be enacted for the purpose of establishing ferries at different thoroughfares crossing the Willamette River. We recommend the encouragement of the means of education, as far as our limited circumstances will allow. We would also recommend that the laws of Iowa be taken into consideration, concerning blacks and mulattoes, and that a law be enacted for the punishment of offenders inciting the Indians against the whites, and regulating the intercourse of the whites among the Indians of this colony. And in conclusion, we desire to impress upon your minds, that although the colony is small, and its resources feeble, yet the life, rights, and liberties of an individual here are of equal value to him as to one in the city of Washington or London. And it is a duty which devolves on you, and on us, to use as much discretion, vigilance, and caution in maturing and adopting measures for promoting the interests of this little colony, as if we expected our names and acts would be enrolled in the pages of history, or inscribed on pillars of stone, when our day and generation shall have passed away.
Willamette Falls, June 18, 1844. P. G. Stewart,
O. Russell,
W. J. Bailey,
Executive Committee.
