by hundreds of men who had travelled the road to Oregon, and could speak intelligently of its facilities for railroad building. This delegate should also promote the mail service to Oregon. It was mentioned with regret that the bill before congress for organizing a territory would allow a delegate to be sent only when there were 5,000 voters or 25,000 inhabitants in the country, and this could not be expected for three or four years. The present population could not afford to wait; they were not numerous, but they were far advanced beyond political infancy, and were in favor of demanding, if need be, the rights of men.[1]
On the 26th of September a public meeting was held at Oregon City to take into consideration matters relating to the interests of the country. At this meeting McCarver offered a resolution in favor of holding primaries in each of the counties, which should send delegates to a general convention to meet at Oregon City, which convention should elect a delegate to congress. The resolution also provided for as many delegates to the convention from each county as the law of apportionment would give them members in the legislature.
In the apportionment of the legislature, Champoeg had five members, or two more than any other county, and would probably secure the election. Therefore the resolution was not cordially received by the citizens of Clackamas County, who chiefly composed the meeting; and it became evident at once that party spirit would be developed in colonial politics as it had never been before. The resolution of McCarver was amended by P. G. Stewart, who wished the delegates instructed to draught a memorial to congress; and Mr T'Vault embodied the several suggestions in one resolution, to the effect that it was the duty of the colonists to petition congress to relieve their wants, and that in order to obtain unanimity, a convention should be held at Oregon City on the 2d of November for the
- ↑ Or. Spectator, Sept. 17, 1846.
