342 W. C. WOODWARD tioned by some. Since the death of Baker, the Republicans were again without a commanding leader and their fear was not unwarranted that Bush would make himself the power in the new organization that he had been in the old Democratic regime. This apprehension was clearly manifested in a private letter 1 from Dr. James McBride to D. W. Craig, now editor of the Argus. 2 McBride expressed his fear that the Statesman would secure the nomination on the Union ticket for state printer, in preference to Craig. "You are our dependence among the Republicans" wrote McBride, "and if you fail, all is lost. Tis not only a temporary loss, but a loss of principle indeed all those valuable principles for which we have con- tended for years. And the Statesman, under the conduct of the 'Clique' as in days of yore, will merge the Union party into that shapeless thing called Douglas Democracy; will cringe and manage and fish for some modified Democratic and pro- slavery humbug, and finally, when Republicans won't bear it any longer, it will call for a 'reunion of the Democracy.' And so all the factions will unite again and leave us to reorganize and fight the battles over again. Ten years will not elapse before all this will be done if the Statesman is elected printer ; perhaps not five. . . Stir up your friends with a red hot pitchfork. Write to W. L. [Adams] to be up and doing to save himself and Republicanism." In view of the grave crisis confronting the country, the majority of the Republicans were inclined to allow the future of their party to take care of itself. They wanted united action now, and if it could be best secured in a Union party, they would acquiesce. The Oregonian indicated that the manner or plan of union was in the hands of Republican State Central Committee and promised to abide by the judgment and action of its members. 3 In January a formal call was issued for the, holding of a Union State Convention. 4 It was addressed to those who were 1 February 16, 1862. 2 Adams had been appointed collector of customs at Astoria by the new Administration. 3 Oregonian, Jan. 14, 1862, Editorial, "The Demands of the Hour." 4 See Argus, Jan. 18.
