and Clark were there, but Blanchet did not fear them. How far the absence of Lee abated the activity of the Canadians cannot be known.
The course of another man at that meeting was puzzling to some people. F. X. Matthieu's vote decided the result; and yet Matthieu was the last man to line up with the Americans; although he had fled from British intolerance in his native land, and had advocated American organization to his Canadian countrymen. His course at Champoeg was dictated by the hope that by staying with his own people to the last, he might in the end, take over with him to the American side one or more wavering Canadians who were halting between two opinions. If there were any such, and there doubtless was, they had been braced up against just such a crisis, and did not dare to incur the displeasure of their leader.
The Committee made their report, which was read. And thereupon, the Canadian citizens of Oregon who were opposed to organizing a government submitted the following address, which was read.
"We, the Canadian citizens of the Willamette, considering, with interest and reflection, the subject which unites the people at the present meeting, present to the American citizens, and particularly to the gentlemen who called said meeting, the unanimous expression of our sentiments of cordiality, desire of union and inexhaustible peace between all the people, in view of our duty and the interest of the new colony, and declare:
1st. That we wish for laws, or regulations, for the welfare of our persons, and the security of our property and labors.
2d. That we do not intend to rebel against the measures of that kind taken last year, by a part of the people; although we do not approve of certain regulations, nor certain modes of laws, let those magistrates finish their time.
3d. That we will not address a new petition to the government of the United States, because we have our reasons, till the line be decided, and the frontiers of the states fixed.
4th. That we are opposed to the regulations anticipated, and exposed to consequences for the quantity, directions, etc., of lands, and whatsoever expense for the same lands, because we have no direct guarantee from the government to come, perhaps, tomorrow, all those measures may be broken.
5th. That we do not wish a provisional mode of government, too self interested, and full of degrees, useless to our power, and over-loading the colony instead of improving it; besides, men of laws and science are too scarce, and have too much to do in such a new country.
6th. That we wish either the mode of senate or council, to judge the difficulties, punish the crimes (except capital penalties) and make the regulations suitable for the people.
7th. That the same council be elected and composed of members from all parts of the country, and should act in body, on the plan of civilized countries in parliament, or as a jury, and to be represented, for example, by the president of said council, and another member, as judge of peace, in each county, allowing the principle of recalling to the whole senate.
8th. That the members should be influenced to interest themselves to their own welfare, and that of the public, by the love of doing good, rather than by the hope of gain, in order to take off from the esteem of the people all suspicions of interest in the persons of their representatives.
9th. That they must avoid every law loading, and inexpedient to the people, especially to the new arrivals. Unnecessary taxes, and whatever records are of that kind, we do not want them.
10th. That the militia is useless at present, and rather a danger of bad suspicion to the Indians, and a delay for the unnecessary labors; in the same time, it is a load; we do not want it, either, at present.
11th. That we consider the country free, at present, to all nations, till government shall have decided; open to every individual wishing to settle, without
