parties, on national as well as local issues, began with, the contest between Lane and Skinner for the place as delegate, by the advice of Lane, and with all the ardor of the Salem clique of partisan democrats, whose mouth-piece was the Oregon Statesman. The canvass was a warm one, with all the chances in favor of Lane, who could easily gain the favor of even the whigs of southern Oregon by fighting Indians, whereas Skinner was not a fighting man. The whole vote cast at the election of 1853 was 7,486, and Lane's majority was 1,575, large enough to be satisfactory, yet showing that there was a power to be feared in the people's party, as the opponents of democratic rule now styled their organization.
As soon as the result became known, Lane repaired to his land claim near Roseburg, and began building a residence for his family.[1] But before he had made much progress, he was called to take part in subduing an outbreak among the natives of Rogue River Valley and vicinity, which will be the subject of the next chapter. Having distinguished himself afresh as general of the Oregon volunteers, he returned to Washington in October to resume his congressional labors.
- ↑ 'I had determined to locate in the Umpqua Valley, on account of the scenery, the grass, and the water. It just suited my taste. Instead of in vesting in Portland and making my fortune, I wanted to please my fancy.' Lane's Autobiography, MS., 63. Gaines also took a claim about ten miles from Salem. Or. Statesman, June 28, 1853.
worthy and accomplished women sent out to Oregon as teachers by Governor Slade. On the death of Riley E. Stratton, in 1866, he was appointed by Governor Woods to fill the vacancy on the bench of the sup. ct. On retiring from this position he removed to Coos co., and was appointed collector of customs for the port of Coos Bay, about 1870. He died in April 1877, at Santa Cruz, Cal., whither he had gone for health. Judge Skinner was an old-style gentleman, generous, affable, courteous, with a dignity which put vulgar familiarity at a distance. If he did not inscribe his name highest on the roll of fame, he left to his family and country that which is of greater value, the memory of an upright and noble life. See Portland Oregonian, Oct. 1877.
