vidual wishing to settle, without any distinction of origin, and without asking him anything, either to become an English, Spanish, or American citizen." This was signed by men proclaiming themselves "English subjects," numbering about fifty. It was "laid aside for the present,as the business of the meeting was understood to have been completed by the appointment of the committee of twelve, which was to develop a plan of organization.
This committee was to report at a general meeting, called to assemble at Champoeg, May 2, 1843. On the appointed day about an equal number of American citizens and British subjects came together in mass meeting, and it was announced that the report of the committee of twelve was ready. Doctor Babcock took the chair and the report of the committee was read. From the composition of the committee it was not doubted that it would report in favor of political organization, to continue in force until the United States should establish a territorial government. Such the report proved to be. The subjects of Great Britain could not be expected to participate and acquiesce, for such action on their part would have amounted to renunciation of their allegiance to Great Britain and consent to the American claim of sovereignty. So when the motion was put that the report be adopted there was a division on national lines; and so close was it that the chairman was unable to decide which party had the majority. Then Joseph L. Meek, one of our sturdy pioneers, a native of Virginia, who had come West in the spirit of boyish adventure, and had passed many year,s on the plains and among the mountains, sprang to his feet and called for a division. Appealing to the Americans, he exclaimed, in his impetuous way, "Who's for a divide? All for the report of the committee and an organization, follow me!" The effect was electrical. The men on either side fell into their places
