Coming in greater state than his predecessor, the new governor was more royally welcomed,[1] by the firing of cannon, speeches, and a public dinner. In return for these courtesies Gaines presented the territory with a handsome silk flag, a gift which Thurston, in one of his eloquent encomiums upon the pioneers of Oregon and their deeds, reminded congress had never yet been offered by the government to that people. But Governor Gaines was not sincerely welcomed by the democracy, who resented the removal of Lane, and who on other grounds disliked the appointment. They would not have mourned if when he, like Lane, was compelled to make proclamation of the death of the president by whom he was appointed,[2] there had been the prospect of a removal in consequence. The grief for President Taylor was not profound with the Oregon democracy. He was accused of treating them in a cold indifferent manner, and of lacking the cordial interest displayed in their affairs by previous rulers. Nor was the difference wholly imaginary. There was not the same incentive to interest which the boundary question, and the contest over free or slave territory, had inspired before the establishment of the territory. Oregon was now on a plane with other territories, which could not have the national legislature at their beck and call, as she had done formerly, and the change could not occur without an affront to her feelings or her pride. Gaines was wholly unlike the energetic and debonair Lane, being phlegmatic in
- ↑ The Or. Statesman of March 28, 1851, remarks that Gaines came around Cape Horn in a government vessel, with his family and furniture, arriving at Oregon City nine months after his appointment, and drawing salary all the time, while Lane being removed, drew no pay, but performed the labor of his office.
- ↑ President Taylor died July 9, 1850. The intelligence was received in Oregon on the 1st of September. Friday the 20th was set for the observance of religious funeral ceremonies by proclamation of Gaines. Or. Spectator, Sept. 5, 1850.
store-ship Supply, in November 1849, arriving at San Francisco in July 1850, where they were transferred to the Falmouth. California Courier, July 21, 1850; Or. Spectator, Aug. 22, 1850; Strong's Hist. Or., MS., 1, 2, 13.
