48 W. C. WOODWARD such a course necessary in order to placate what he termed privately the "tender footed, toady Democrats," who berated the Statesman, denouncing it as too violent. He went so far as to ask his friend Deady if he would not get a resolution passed by his county convention sanctioning the manner in which the Statesman had been conducted. 1 In spite of all the obstructive tactics employed by the Whigs and minority Democrats, party organization was steadily pro- gressing. During the session of the last legislature, a Demo- cratic caucus had been held at which it was unanimously re- solved that it was "expedient to organize the Democratic party in the Territory of Oregon." 2 A central committee was chosen for one year, of which J. W. Nesmith was chairman. 3 Dates were set for the holding of county conventions throughout the territory. This was the first step toward a general, systematic organization. Nearly all these conventions passed resolutions to the effect that political parties are inseparable from a re- publican form of government; that they constitute the surest means of selecting faithful and competent servants. They very generally vindicated the Salem legislataure and denounced the obstructive measures of the two federal judges and the Whig officials as a whole. There was no united opposition to the various county Democratic tickets nominated by these conven- tions. The non-partisan convention of Clackamas county has already been noticed. In other counties "Law and Order" tickets were put out. 4 In Umpqua county there was a Whig ticket. Bush urged all to vote the straight Democratic ticket, which is the first appearance in Oregon of this old party slo- gan, "Vot'er straight." 5 The June election, 1852, was very favorable to the Democrats. The opposition carried but two counties, Clackamas and Washington. The result was divided in Yamhill. In commenting upon the result, Bush said the iBush to Deady, April 8, 1852. sStatesman, January 27, 1852. sNesmith to Deady, February 6, 1852. 4Oregonian, May 8, 1852. sStatesman, April 27, 1852.
