Page:Oregon Literature by Horner.djvu/122

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96
OREGON LITERATURE.

herdsman now graze upon the thousand hills over which we once saw the bison and wolf roaming. Great marts of trade have arisen upon spots that it only seems to us like yesterday were inhabited by hostile savages and wild beasts. Agricultural and mechanical industries have sought out beauti- ful and remote places, which we recollect as many days' travel from the nearest settler's cabin. Com- merce, in its ceaseless activity, not content with vexing all our rivers with the steamer's prow, has sought out the remote valleys, and sent the iron horse to disturb with his resounding scream, sol- itude which had existed since the hour of creation.

—U. S. Senator J. W. Nesmith.



TO THE OREGON PIONEER.

The chilling autumn winds blow hard upon you now; many of you are far down on the sunset side of Time and will soon pass from this life. Long will you and your acts be remembered by a grate- ful posterity. Your early settlement of this coun- try and the many dangers and difficulties you have encountered will outlive the English language.

—Colonel John Kelsay.



THE AMERICAN SETTLER.

The American settler was always animated—often it may have been unconsciously—with the