History of Oregon Literature/Chapter 11
CHAPTER 11
Vivid Editors of the 50’s
if they were the mere social amenities of the day.
W. C. WOODWARD.
A half dozen editorials have been selected for this chapter, from as many different leading pioneer Oregon papers and by prominent editors of the period. The topics are varied, some of them advisedly chosen from non-controversial fields to show the editors in their more amiable moods as well as in their fiercer aspects of attack or rebuttal.
The editorials have been taken from issues of the following papers published in the period from February 6, 1851, to September 26, 1857: The Western Star, Milwaukie; The Oregon Statesman, Oregon City; The Oregonian, Portland; The Democratic Standard, Oregon City; The Oregon Argus, Oregon City; and the Oregon Weekly Times, Portland. The editorial authors of the selections were respectively John O. Waterman, Asahel Bush, T. J. Dryer, Alonzo Leland, W. L. Adams and E. C. Hibben.
Of three of these editors and their far from gentle way of referring to each other, Professor George Turnbull of the University of Oregon school of journalism has said: “It would probably be libelous in this day to print many of the little exchanges indulged in by Bush, Dryer and Adams; and others of this early group were not far behind these three in vitriolic vehemence.”
It was the kind of journalism characterized in the next decade by Harrison R. Kincaid of the State Journal as substituting for reasons and ideas "nick-names and vulgar personal abuse, for which the Oregon press has always been too much noted."
1
"Pleasure Excursion on the Steamer Lot Whitcomb"
The Western Star, Milwaukie, February 6, 1851
John Orvis Waterman, Editor
The Milwaukie Star, the first number of which was issued on the 21st day of November, 1850 . . . was owned principally by Lot Whitcomb, the proprietor of the town of Milwaukie. The prospectus stated that Carter and Waterman were the printers, and Orvis Waterman editor. The paper ran for three months under its first management, then was purchased by the printers, and in May, 1851, Waterman purchased the entire interest, when he removed the paper to Portland, calling it the Times.
By the politeness of the gentlemanly proprietor, Capt. Whitcomb, who extended to us an invitation to join the pleasure party on the new Steamer "Lot Whitcomb of Oregon," on her first trip down the rivers, we were permitted to enjoy the pleasure of the excursion. The party was composed of ladies and gentlemen from Oregon City, Milwaukie, Fort Vancouver, Cathlamet, and Pacific City. On the evening previous to leaving Milwaukie, the party assembled on board, . . . partook of refreshments, and enjoyed a dance in the cabin throughout the evening. The steamer left Milwaukie at about 11 o'clock, A. M. on the 25th of January, and made her trip to Portland, 6 miles, in 25 minutes. Stopping at Portland about an hour, we turned and ran back up the river above Portland a short distance and passed down by the town . . . and, as we passed the steamer Gold Hunter, Capt. Hall gave us a gun and three hearty cheers. Portland has so much advanced in improvements, since we were there four months ago, that we should have hardly known the place. It shows every evidence of prosperity, which we are extremely happy to see in every town in Oregon.
From Portland, we proceeded down the Willamette passing Milton on the way, to the junction of the Willamette and Columbia, thence up the Columbia six miles to Vancouver—where on our arrival we were saluted by the thunder of cannon from the Fort, and the friendly greetings of the citizens of the place. Stopping here for the night, the evening was passed in a most pleasant manner —the company being entertained by the excellent music of the Vancouver Band, until a late hour. Vancouver is pleasantly situated on the Columbia, six miles above the entrance of the Willamette. Here appears to be a good location; and it is the head quarters of the trading establishments of the Hudson Bay Company. It is also a military station of the U. S. Army, where Government has built several large buildings, the last summer, for the use of the officers and soldiers stationed here. The mild weather, the beautiful level wood lands, and the fresh green grass which is here visible, presented to the eye a most striking contrast, with Mr. Hood looming up in majestic grandeur in the distance with its towering summits capped with eternal snow. We were forcibly struck with the view of that extensive valley between the Columbia and Willamette, as viewed from this place. When this beautiful valley is peopled and cultivated, we doubt whether it can be surpassed by any farming country in the United States—the Mohawk and Hudson river bottoms not excepted.
At this place, Col. Porter, Lieut. Lane of the U. S. A., Judge Short and others joined the party. Leaving Vancouver at 11 o'clock A. M. on the 26th, we proceeded down the river to St. Helens, where we halted and left A. E. Wait, Esq., and the mail for that place. From thence we glided on our course down the broad and deep Columbia, enjoying the wild and novelscenery which the river and surrounding country presented. On arriving at Cathlamet, we took on board Judge Strong of the U. S. District Court, who joined our party. Cathlamet (Burney's), is situated on the north bank of the Columbia, about 75 miles below Fort Vancouver, and contains from 15 to 20 buildings. Judge Strong has commenced clearing here, and is about to erect a dwelling-house, and make this place his home. May success crown his efforts to serve Oregon in this capacity of a judge to administer the laws, as well as in his labors to cultivate and improve the soil.
On reaching the vicinity of Woody Island it grew dark, and a strong wind blowing, we anchored for the night. During the night we experienced heavy squalls, and our anchor dragged at one time so considerably, that it was deemed prudent to get up stream to keep from drifting on shore. Serious apprehensions were, for a short time, entertained, for the safety of the boat and the passengers on board, by those who were asleep—but as soon as the efficient engineer, Mr. Kamm, informed us that "steam was up," our fears vanished, "and all was well."
On the morning of the 27th we got under way, and on arriving at Astoria we were saluted by the loud booming of cannon. The U. S. Pacific Mail Steamer Oregon having just arrived, we received from the gentlemanly Purser, files of late California papers.
Astoria is well known as being the first settlement of the white men in the territory. It was for many years the principal trading post of the North West Fur Company. The location of this place so near the mouth of the Columbia, will insure its growth and advancement as the country increases in trade and commerce; and the same may be also said of her younger sister, Pacific City, a thriving little town, on the north side of the river and some 18 or 20 miles distant from Astoria. It has a good harbor, known as Baker's Bay. We visited the place on the afternoon of the 28th; but being late we did not any of us land; but the citizens of the place to the number 12 or 15 met us in a boat—came on board—exchanged friendly salutations; and on leaving gave three cheers for the "Lot Whitcomb," which was responded to by three cheers for Capt. Holman; and three cheers for Pacific City, when we returned to Astoria, and anchored for the night.
On Tuesday morning at 11 o'clock, we left Astoria on our return. Although we had strong tide and heavy wind against us, we made good progress, and arrived at a point a few miles below the entrance of the Cowlitz, where we stopped for the night, and took on all the wood that could be procured at this place. Next morning we proceeded up to the mouth of the Cowlitz river, where we were detained some hours in procuring wood. While wooding-up—some of the party went on shore, and set about turning over stones, breaking them, and digging up the dirt—when lo! very large specimens of gold, from 1½ lbs.down to a buck-shot, were exhibited to the gaze of the party on board. Col. Richmond was apparently the lucky holder of the "big lump." Some, for a time, gave credit to the idea that gold had actually been found there; but it was more generally believed to be a good natured hoax—as it really was—the gold having been held in the hand while digging, and besmeared with dirt so as to have the appearance of being found on the spot. It was finally concluded by all hands to be a fair offset to Gold Bluff and Klamath diggings; and thus ended a very good joke which furnished amusement while stopping to wood up.
From this place we made a quick passage to Fort Vancouver, where we arrived near dark, and stayed there over night. In the evening most of the party attended a ball given by the officers of the army which we heard spoken of in high terms by those who were in attendance. We left this place early on the morning of the 30th,—stopping at Portland to take on freight and passengers. On coming up with the Bark Louisiana, two miles above Portland, she took her in tow and brought her up to Milwaukie, with ease, against a stiff current.
Of the speed of the boat—when timed at different points, she made good time. She made fourteen miles an hour up the Columbia against a strong current on one occasion. We understand that the proprietor is so well pleased with the boat, that he has made the master constructor, Wm. L. Hanscom, the handsome present of $1,000.
On the whole, we had a very fine excursion. Those having charge of the boat were assiduous in their endeavors to make everything agreeable—and such tables as were set would have done credit to any steamboat or public house in the states. Nor were those of the pleasure party lacking in their endeavors to render the trip most pleasant and agreeable. The feast of wit and flow of soul was enjoyed through out the trip. His Excellency, Gov. Gaines, and daughter, Gen. Hamilton, Sec. of Territory, and daughter, Dr. Dart, S. Indian affairs, Hiram Clark, Esq., Col. Richmond, and others from Oregon City; Capt. Whitcomb and two daughters, with many other ladies and gentlemen from Milwaukie; with Drs. White and Morse of Pacific City, comprised in part the company, and added much to the festivities of the occasion.
We had the pleasure of forming an acquaintance with Gov. Gaines, Gen. Hamilton, Dr. Dart, and Judge Strong, who are all Government officers, recently sent here to ad minister our Territorial Government; and from our short acquaintance, we have every confidence in their abilities and integrity.—We hope the President may always be as fortunate in his selections for Government officers in Oregon. In conclusion, we wish the smiles of fortune and happy days to attend those of the pleasure party—and abundant success to the "Lot Whitcomb of Oregon" and her enterprising owner.
2
"The Oregonian on Personalities"
The Oregon Statesman, Oregon City, April 4, 1851
Asahel Bush, Editor
"The Statesman was founded by A. W. Stockwell and Henry Russell of Massachusetts, with Asahel Bush as editor. It was published at Oregon City till June 1853, when it was removed to Salem, and being and remaining the official paper of the territory, followed the legislature to Corvallis in 1855, when the capital was removed to that place and back again to Salem, when the seat of government was relocated there a few months later. As a party paper it was conducted with greater ability than any journal on the Pacific coast for a period of about a dozen years. Bush was assisted at various times by men of talent.... During the first eight years of its existence it was the ruling power in Oregon, wielding an influence that made and unmade officials at pleasure. 'The number of those who were connected with the paper as contributors to its columns, who have risen to distinguished positions, is reckoned by the dozen'." Asahel Bush later devoted "himself to banking, and as a member of the firm of Ladd and Bush added largely to his already considerable wealth."
The Oregonian, after announcing that the contents of the Statesman is a curiosity, and that "it has made war against the Spectator, Star, Oregonian, Secretary Hamilton and Gov. Gaines, and all others who has said aught against the acts of the late Legislative Assembly, or has not joined, etc.," devotes about a half column to a blustering lecture on personalities, and a whining complaint of having been attacked in that manner by the Statesman.
Complaints of this kind come with a special grace from a paper devoted from its first to its last number, almost exclusively, to the grossest personal abuse, the most foul mouthed slander, grovelling scurrility, falsehood and ribald blackguardism; insomuch that it has long since ceased to sustain any but a pot-house reputation, or to receive the countenance and respect of any party or community. Nothing that incurred the editor's displeasure has escaped. Business concerns, personal difficulties, public and private matters, have all alike been drawn through the slime and slander of his columns. And now he complains, and without reason too, of our employment of personalities, and whines over the matter like a whipped spaniel. He should learn to take blows before he ventures to give them. After showering his personal abuse and fish-market slang about him without stint, for months, he flies into a passion about a little newspaper squib, and makes an exhibition of himself that few men would be unashamed of. If the gentleman is not himself chagrined at his conduct, his friends are sorely so for him.
But the gentleman's shrewdness should have taught him better than to have made such a public display of his weakness; for people are apt to suspect a fluttering bird of being wounded. He would do well to study the following Quaker maxim, and govern his conduct by it in the future. "Be not affronted at a jest. If one throw salt at thee thou wilt receive no harm, unless thou hast sore places."
We are truly sorry to see this exhibition of ill temper and over sensitiveness on the part of the Oregonian editor; for, occupying his present post, he must be always in nettles. We knew he was a highly excitable gentleman, and liable in his anger to commit almost any indiscretion; but we were not prepared to see him make so perfect a "Judy" of himself as he has.
But, assuming a belligerent aspect, the editor wants us "to distinctly understand (the italics are his own), that we cannot be permitted to assail his private character with impunity," and threatens us in genuine Bombastes Furioso style generally. He blazes away about his "reserved rights," his "determination to protect (his own italics again), himself," "to defend himself to the last, regardless of consequences," etc., etc., in a manner most ridiculous to himself and mortifying to his friends. If the gentleman means by all this display of paper bravery and ruffianism merely to gratify his propensity for swaggering and braggartism, we are not disposed to deprive him of the harmless amusement; although he makes himself, as in this instance, the laughingstock of the public. But if he intends by it to intimidate or frighten us, and expects to deter us from the utterance of one syllable we are disposed to utter, we assure him, most emphatically, that he has mistaken his man....
And we have lived long enough to see the frequent verification of the homely adage that "a barking cur never bites," and to learn that a man who carries his sword constantly in his mouth never wields one with his hands. If the editor would have us believe that he is possessed of rare courage he should boast of it less loudly and less frequently.... 3
“DRAWING PARTY LINES”
The Oregonian, Portland, August 9, 1851
T. J. DRYER, EDITOR
“The Oregonian was founded by T. J. Dryer, who had been previously engaged upon the California Courier as city editor, and was a weekly journal. Dryer brought an old Ramage press from San Francisco, with some second-hand material, which answered his purpose for a few months, when a new Washington press and new material came out by sea from New York, ... Dryer conducted the Oregonian with energy for ten years, when the paper passed into the hands of H. L . Pittock, who first began work upon it as a printer in 1853.” “Dryer was a member of the Territorial Legislature, and also of the Constitutional Convention. On Lincoln's inauguration he became minister to the Sandwich Islands. Returning to Portland . . . he filled the office of justice of the peace for many years.....”
The self-constituted oracles of the democratic party—the Times and Statesman—have decreed that party lines must be drawn in Oregon. The Times has struck up the old party song, and the Statesman joins in the chorus, and they per form their parts to the mutual admiration of themselves and some of their party. In addition to this, the mandate was issued from Salem by the Solons of the party, for a convention of the “faithful” to meet at that place on the 4th of July, “armed and equipped as the law directs,” to organize, and to send out their edict to the “great unterrified party” throughout the Territory, to fall into the ranks, and learn and obey the special orders as they were issued from the “future capitol.” The convention assembled, and after deep research and profound investigation, respecting the origin of the principles of their party, issued their Ukase in the shape of an address and resolutions, which appeared in the par excellent democratic journals; while the aspirants to political renown are heard loudly calling upon all men, who profess democracy, to walk up to the work, and ask no questions,—and denounce those who dare question the authority of these pseudo democrats to mark out a course for the people to follow, as unworthy of the democratic name. It is well known that in all communities, there are men whose impudence knows no bounds, and whose selfish political ambition has no parallel; but it remains for these boys—mere striplings in the work of public journalists—to manifest their unparalleled egotism by presuming to give direction to the political welfare of Oregon, and fully develop the extent which their self-conceit would carry them.
We have carefully watched their movements and endeavored to see one good reason assigned why the public good would be advanced by drawing party lines. We had supposed there were other interests at stake in Oregon, of more importance even than to decide who should go to the Legislature,—or that all laws passed should benefit certain localities or particular men,—or whether the capitol should be located at Salem or some other place,—or which should be the organ of the democratic party, the Times or the Statesman; and believe so yet....
What are the people to gain by drawing party lines at this time within the Territory? If the object is to secure the election of such men as have already disgraced the Territory by their party votes and regard for local interests, the people are not to be benefitted thereby.If it is to support the rickety and sinking prospects of the Statesman press, or to endorse and justify the despicable course pursued by the Chicopee stripling who conducts it, who has undertaken to teach the people their duty to his party, the country will not surely be benefitted by it.
A paper that gratuitously devotes at least one quarter of its columns to old patent medicines and periodical advertisements of agencies in St. Louis and Philadelphia, an... compelled to keep standing a column or more of advertised letters, week after week, and leads all its miscellaneous matter to fill up, must require at the hands of some political potentate or power, support as well as forbearance....
Such a paper, we repeat, requires something else besides its merits to sustain it; therefore, it becomes necessary that it should receive party pap, ergo the party lines must be drawn, says the verdant bush; amen! says "our near neighbor," forward march! into the party lines shout the quintessence of democracy of Salem....
4
"Hudson's Bay Company"
The Democratic Standard, Portland, September 27, 1854
Alonzo Leland, Editor
The Democratic Standard was first issued by Alonzo Leland in Portland on July 19, 1854. It was "used to express Leland's doubts as to the advisability of asking for statehood. His stand on this question was referred to by the Statesman as the 'Iscariotism of the Standard'." He was a graduate of Brown University. He later moved to Idaho and conducted newspapers at Lewiston.
In another column we publish intelligence, communicated to us by Mr. Gardiner, relative to the late Indian massacres near Fort Boise. The reader will not fail to observe that our informant states that several hundreds of Indians were gathered in the immediate vicinage of the fort; that some were in possession of considerable money, and engaged in disposing of a quantity of clothing, and that persons in charge of Fort Boise were selling to those Indians powder and ball. Fort Boise is the property of the Hudson Bay Company, and is in their possession and used as a trading post.
... The directors and servants of this huge foreign corporation existing on our soil by their traffic, are not merely in different to the fate awaiting the immigrants upon the plains, but they are countenancing, encouraging and aiding the Indians in the robbery and murder of Americans, and richly deserve to be dealt with as outlaws and murderers. Not only should all their business be interdicted, but their forts should be leveled and destroyed with fire, their trading posts rooted out, trunk and branches, and the whole tribe of its governors, factors, directors, managers, agents, traders, servants and slaves, hunted from the face of the country.
This Hudson Bay Company is a terrible curse to this country. It is diametrically at war with our best interests. It is British in all its features. It is uncongenial in its structure, nature and operations with our laws and institutions. It is thoroughly hated by our people, and its falstaffian managers hate and despise everything savoring of Americanism.... We believe the time has arrived when this deadly Upas tree should be torn from our soil. It grows nothing but evil fruit, and can well be dispensed with; and we further fervently hope that the United States government may never be induced to bestow the first dime upon this miserable, bullying corporation for their imaginary possessory rights.
5
"Oregon Winters"
The Oregon Argus, Oregon City, December 8, 1855
W. L. Adams, Editor
"The first real red Republican newspaper in Oregon is the distinction accorded the Oregon City Argus, started with W. L. Adams as editor, April 21, 1855. The Spectator was now dead, and its plant was used to print the Argus. Adams was a minister of the Christian denomination. He and Asahel Bush of the Statesman kept the air frequently full of journalistic fur. Neither was in the habit of 'pulling' his editorial punches, and it was 'Airgoose' on the one side and 'Ass-of-Hell Bush' on the other." W. L. Adams was author in 1852 of a locally famous satire, A Melodrame Entitled Treason, Stratagems and Spoils, by Breakspear, in connection with which much more will be said about him in the next chapter called "The First Five Literary Books."
This makes our eighth winter in Oregon, and it comes about as near being an average one as any we recollect to have seen. The oldest settler in this country never saw two winters alike; we believe there has never been a winter known here in which the land suffered with the drouth. Rain we always expect, and rain we always get in quantities that justify us in concluding it has "set in," some time between the middle of October and the tenth of November. Some winters we have a great deal of snow, and some none.
Twenty-one days is the utmost limit that we have ever known the ground covered with snow; and in our long residence in Oregon we have never known the thermometer down to zero but once. In the noted cold winter of '48-49 the mercury stood four degrees above ezro on the coldest day....
During what is termed a "mild winter," we are blessed with a clear sky and a warm sunshine, perhaps one half the time from the first of Nov. to the first of April, which embraces the Oregon winter, or "rainy season." As a general thing, we may look out for rain such as raised the streams in the time of Noah, "about this time." We had heard so much in the states about Oregon "mists" that wouldn't wet a laborer's shirt sleeves through in a whole day, that after we came here we neglected digging our potatoes for a time or two, till after the "mist" set in, thinking it would be pleasanter to encounter the cooling mist than the hot sun. We thought our experience wasn't quite equal to the "anticipation," as all day long we waddled through the mud, determined to save our "murphies," although the cold rain fell on our bended back at such a rate that it only took about ten minutes for the old "swallow fork," that served as a roof, to convey enough water down into our boots to take up what room there was vacant. That took about a gallon; for in that early day we were all dependent upon the Hudson's Bay Company for boots, shoes, and other clothing. This, it was said, was all made up in England, by Dr. McLaughlin's measure, and sent over here with the express understanding that no body should go naked for not being able to get into the boots and breeches. This, by the way, was a benevolent idea, which would hardly ever have got into a Yankee merchant's head. Now as we weigh something less than 140 lbs., and the "good old English gentleman" exceeds 200 lbs., it may be guessed what a figure we cut, "cum-digin-a-taty," in a pair of the Dr.'s boots and a pair of heavy English corduroys made up after his pattern.—At all events we have a very distinct recollection of trying to straighten up occasionally, with a very vivid impression that what, between what was in the boots, what had soaked into the corduroys, and what stuck to the old "swallow fork," (we brought that from the states), we bore about our body something less perhaps than half a barrel of water.
We haven't time just now to say any thing more about Oregon winters, but shall resume the subject hereafter....
6
"The Sheriff Question"
The Oregon Weekly Times, Portland, September 26, 1857
Ethelbert C. Hibben, Editor
The Western Star of Milwaukie was moved in May, 1851, to Portland, where it became the Oregon Weekly Times. In 1857 Hibben came as editor. According to Dryer of the Oregonian, he had been imported from the east to edit the Times as a pro-slavery organ. At any rate, the Democratic state convention of 1857 recognized "the Portland Times as Democratic and its owner as a worthy man." Hibben was editor until December, 1858. He is said to have had much editorial experience. He was from Indiana and was an old friend of Joseph Lane.
Will not some friend of Dave Powell's be charitable enough to push him over on his all fours? It must be very irksome and painful thus to keep him strained up against all his natural instincts to an erect attitude and "playing man," where the silly fiest and incorrigible puppy so wholly predominates. We see that through the columns of the Standard (his kennel), he continues ki-yie-ing about our condemnation of his action in the matter of the attempted removed of McMillen and the appointment of Stansbury. After having provoked us to the use of invective against him, the brainless idiot alternately whines and unlips his incisors as if he would fain bite. His pet shyster now uses him as engine hose through which to eject upon the public what of fish-market slang Dave may endorse, but is without the intelligence to mix up. If the people who aided in placing this fellow upon the board of county commissioners are not yet satisfied that they could not well have made a meaner selection—we think this last effusion of Dave's will clinch all the testimony required upon that head....
In view of the magnitude of the offense, our animadversions were far from being bitter or wantonly severe; and it was only when the "cat's paw" game was put in operation against us, individually, that we considered Mr. Powell outside of the pale of courteous treatment. We descend to the arena he has chosen, with reluctance; but with no disposition to yield the real issue to the vile uses of Mr. Powell's admiration for slang....
That Powell believed himself in the legitimate discharge of his sworn duty, is a statement fit only for nursery romance. He knew he was gratifying his spleen against Mr. McMillen at the expense of the expressed will of the people of the county; ... McMillen had then filed his bond,—been qualified, and was then, as now, discharging the duties of that office.... So we have two sheriffs in the field,—the one actual and lawful and the other—nothing.... Until appeal is had to the proper judicial tribunal, nothing of "official" action of either of these so-called sheriffs can be safely regarded as legal. The one or the other is properly the sheriff—but which one? This question remains, as we have before stated, for the decision of Judge Williams. That his decision will confirm the claims of Mr. McMillen we cannot doubt; but, however that point may be determined, the fact that the majority of the board in the appointment of Stansbury wontonly, ungenerously and meanly disregarded the will of the people as expressed through the medium of the ballot box, is a matter to be approbated or condemned by the people hereafter. No maudlin abuse that Mr. Powell, per shyster amanuensis, may seek to heap upon us, will avail him to escape the dreaded ordeal; and, if his heirs hereafter inherit no legacy from him save the reputation he wins in this field, our opinion is that the less they derive from his estate the better off and happier they will be.