Political Parties in Oregon 339 ment was in operation. Under the constitution, the three de- partments were arranged for as follows : Executive — an elec- tive committee of three; Legislative — an elective committee of nine, representing the various districts according to their popu- lation; Judicial — a supreme court, consisting of a supreme judge and two justices of the peace, a probate court, and in justices of the peace. Various officials necessary to effective administration were provided for. Though the large reinforcement of 1843 was on the way, for the time, those owning allegiance to the new government were in the minority in Oregon. 1 Increasing population with growing interests demanded an enlargement of governmental machinery, with the result that amendments to the Constitu- tion were made in 1844 and again in 1845. The people showed themselves apt in their school of political experience, corrected mistakes made in the first organization and readily adapted their government to meet changing conditions. This Pro- visional Government, framed under such peculiar and difficult circumstances gave the new country order, peace and security for six years. Its markedly successful administration is the crowning glory of the Oregon pioneers. 2 Beginning with a minority of the people under its jurisdiction, it soon encom- passed all, including the British element itself. It provided regulations governing business and social relations, enforced its laws against criminals with despatch, provided for the settle- ment of lands, made internal improvements, prosecuted suc- cessfully an Indian war far from the scene of main settlement; and all with commendable economy and conservatism. No bet- ter example can be found of the political resourcefulness of the American frontier settler. 3 It did more than merely pro- iH. W. Scott, "The Provisional Government," in Oregon Historical Society Quarterly for June, 1901, pp. 108, 109. 2 The Provisional Government— the crowning glory of the Oregon pioneers,— a striking exhibit of patient submissiveness when the American settlers were in the minority — of the magnanimity and conservatism when in the majority. . . We must commend pluck, endurance, tact, their sturdy republicanism displayed in their persistent effort to secure the consent of the governed; . . . nor must we withhold our meed of praise for that scrupulous regard for the national prejudice of the British subject, who was their fellow citizen." — Elwood Evans, address before the Oregon Pioneer Association, in Proceedings for 1877. 3Robertson, "Social Evolution in Oregon," p. 31.
