water-falls now; their disappointment was complete; the indignation of the schemers knew no bounds. And then began an ill-suppressed rebellion which vaunted itself in threats of an independent empire to be made out of California and Oregon,[1] which never could be more than idle threats—for opposed to them was always the wise and loyal majority.
And while all this seething discontent arose from not being able to get rid of the possessory rights of the British companies, the Canadian settlers of the Cowlitz Valley, to the disturbance of good discipline, were imitating the ways of loyal Americans and praying to be made citizens of the United States, for by this means only they could secure their claims.[2] On the 23d of March, while the Modeste was still in the river, the Canadians of Lewis County raised the American flag, made by Canadian women, at a public meeting, and resolutions were passed declaring their joy at being permitted to fling to the breeze the star-spangled banner of their adopted country, which they promised to protect from harm as long as they should live, and to gladly perform any service which the United States might require of good naturalized citizens.[3]
Finding themselves prevented by the treaty from invading the lands of the two British corporations, the disaffected made themselves amends by trespassing upon the private claim of McLoughlin, who brought suit in the circuit court of Clackamas County against the corporation of Oregon City, and published a notice forbidding trespassers upon his land. Much excitement grew out of the proceedings, and a public meeting was held at this place to denounce the prac-
- ↑ Home Missionary, xx. 20.
- ↑ Roberts complains of the demoralizing effect on the Canadians of the donation law, both in fact and in expectancy. It made the servants of the company restless and independent, and destroyed their former systematic obedience. This, he says, with the duties on imported goods, and the discovery of gold, ruined the company's business in Oregon long before the expiration of their charter. Recollections, MS., 81.
- ↑ Or. Spectator, April 1, 1847.
