utmost importance to a community. In the accomplishment of this work the community mainly looks to three institutions—the public press, the church, and the school.
It was a significant event in the higher life of the people when the first printing press was brought from the Sandwich Islands in 1839 and given to the mission at Lapwai. It marked the beginning of a movement that was to be a powerful agent in stimulating mental activity and in molding public opinion and moral sentiment. The establishment of the Oregon Spectator in 1846 brought into existence a journal that served the needs of the primitive colony. Joined by the Free Press, there was little development until 1850, when the establishment of the Oregonian, and a few months later, in 1851, of the Statesman, led to a stimulus that was to be felt throughout the succeeding years. Other journals of a more local character followed and each has performed its part in the social evolution. In the pages of these journals is to be found the completest record of every stage of development in Oregon's life. The public questions which have agitated the community are all seen reflected in vigorous language and with the coloring of the times in which they were living matters. Bringing to the population of a community the record of events and questions of a common interest, the newspaper has served to create a spirit of community life, and the news from distant parts of the world has broadened the life of those who have come in contact with it.
For the creation of a moral and religious sentiment among the early population of Oregon events were favorable. In the period of the fur trade distinctly religious influences were not prominent, but there was a higher moral tone than usually exists under similar circumstances. The officers of the fur company were men of high character. Intemperance and immorality were dis-
