of a public jail in this country. Although the community has suffered very little as yet, for the want of such a building, and perhaps another year might pass without its being occupied, which it is hoped might be the case; yet we are assured that it is better policy to have the building standing without a tenant, than a tenant without the building. And, in order to promote industry, and the peace and welfare of the citizens of Oregon, this government must be prepared to discountenance indolence, and check vice in the bud.
We would recommend to your consideration the propriety of making provision for filling public offices which are now, or may become vacant, by resignation or otherwise, previous to the next annual election.
We would recommend that the act passed by this assembly, in June last, relative to blacks and mulattoes, be so amended as to exclude corporal punishment, and require bonds for good behavior in the stead.
We consider it a highly important subject that the executive of this government should have laws which may direct them in settling matters relative to lands reserved by Indians, which have been, or hereafter may be, settled upon by whites.
We would also recommend that provisions be made for the support of lunatics and insane persons, in Oregon.
With regard to the state of the treasury, we would refer you to the treasurer's report to this assembly.
We are informed that the number of emigrants who have come from the United States to this country, during the present year, amounts to upwards of 750 persons.
We would recommend that the act passed last June, defining the northern boundaries of Twality and Clatsop counties be so explained as not to conflict with the act passed in this assembly, in June, 1843, extending the limits of Oregon to 54° 40′ north latitude.
And we would suggest, in conclusion, that to preserve the peace, good order, and kind feelings which have hitherto existed among the inhabitants of this country, depends very much upon the calm and deliberate judgment of this assembly. And we sincerely hope that Oregon, by the special aid of Divine Providence, may set an unprecedented example to the world, of industry, morality, and virtue.
And although, we may now be unknown, as a state or power, yet we have the advantages, by united efforts of our increasing population, in a diligent attention to agriculture, arts, and literature, of attaining, at no distant day, to as conspicuous an elevation as any state or power on the continent of America.
But, in order to carry this important measure and arise to that distinguished station, it becomes the duty of every citizen of this country, to take a deep interest in its present and future welfare.
As descendants of the United States, and of Great Britain, we should honor and respect the countries which gave us birth; and as citizens of Oregon, we should, by a uniform course or proceeding, and a strict observance of the rules of justice, equity, and republican principles, without party distinction use our best endeavors to cultivate the kind feeling not only of our native countries, but of all the powers or states with whom we may have intercourse.
(Signed)
Osborn Russell,
P. G. Stewart,
Executive Committee of Oregon.
(Dated)
Willamette Falls, December 16, 1844.
At this meeting of the legislature the territorial treasurer W. H. Willson, presented the first report on the treasury, as follows:
