FEDERAL RELATIONS OF OREGON
387
very fully for the course I had pursued. It was well known at that time that it was due to my work that Oregon became a State, and for a few days I was roundly abused by some of the inferior Republican journals and the Tribune. Soon, however, under the lead of the New York Evening Post and the National Era, nearly all the Republican papers defended my position.
"Among those whose confidence in their own judgment Greeley had seriously impaired was Schuyler Colfax, who remained undecided to the day of voting. That morning I 'I was walked to the Capitol with him. On the way he said never in such perplexity about my duty as I am in this Oregon matter.' were just then passing the office of the National Era, and I suggested that he get Dr. Bailey's opinion. Ac'Dr. Bailey, I do not cordingly we went in, and he said: know what to do about Oregon. Thayer wants me to vote for admission, while Greeley is just as earnest the other way. Now I have come to you for a decision. I shall vote upon this question as you advise.' Bailey at once replied: 'Vote with proceeded to the Capitol, and Mr. Thayer, for he is right.' Colfax cast his vote in favor of the bill. "I had felt sure of John Sherman's vote, but he did not
We
We
appear in the House at
." all that day intentional or not, it proved fortunate for the .
.
.
Reher vote was for otherwise admitted Oregon would have been lost in the Chicago Convention of 1860, and the Senate in the Thirty-seventh Congress would have had less
Whether
publicans that
Republican strength. Contrary to Republican fears Oregon did not remain in the Democratic ranks.
in 1859,
The bill was fought to the very last ditch; a roll-call was demanded upon all amendments which were offered (the chief of which were to require a larger population and to prevent non-citizen suffrage), and upon motions to table. There were
by roll-call and one by tellers. On its passage secured 114 affirmative votes and 103 were cast against Thirteen Republicans and one Whig saved the day for
six divisions
the it.
bill
Oregon.
In the Democratic ranks there was no such unanim-
the Republicans, nor did the division within the party follow sectional lines. Seven of the ten Virginia votes (one was paired), four of the eight from North Carolina (one ity as
among
