POLITICAL PARTIES IN OREGON 79 crat, the coercive, domineering attitude of his political con- freres in Oregon was a revelation to him. Plainly, he did not fit into the scheme of Oregon Democracy. The situation be- came unbearable to him, and after serving nine months, he re- signed in August, 1854. Thereupon the Democrats asked the privilege of banqueting him. He declined the honor in a public letter in which he took the occasion to suggest a few pertinent facts and to offer a little significant advice. 1 Evidently, the Democrats had insisted that he become actively partisan in the canvass for statehood, as he defended himself for not becoming so, on the ground that his position would not allow it. He told his political compatriots plainly that they should abandon per- sonal and sectional considerations and base their actions on principles. He reminded them that "our opponents are entitled to their opinions equally with ourselves" mild heresy accord- ing to Salem Clique standards. The situation was aptly summed up by Dryer in the Oregonian. 2 "Gov. Davis was a foreigner. . . . He had neither driven his team across the plains nor been to the mines. Besides, if treated decently at first he might become popular in Oregon. . . . We think he has fairly revenged himself." Every event or crisis in the Territory was viewed by the Clique at the focus of the narrowest partisanship. This is well illustrated by their attitude concerning the prosecution of the Indian war in Southern Oregon in 1855-6. During the summer of 1855 trouble had been plainly brewing in the south. Depre- dations and murders were committed by the Indians, followed by a pretty general outbreak. Gov. Curry undertook prompt and vigorous measures toward quelling the disturbance. The Clique frowned upon such undue haste and hampered the governor by attacks and bickerings. 3 Sufficient time should be taken to place the operations on a thorough Democratic basis. "Where would they lead us ?" demanded Dryer in the Oregon- iThe Oregonian, August 5, 1854. 2The Oregonian, August 5, 1854. 3"Like you, I'm disgusted with this d Injun excitement. Curry ought to be held in. D a man who has no judgment." Bush to Deady. October 22, 1855.
