POLITICAL PARTIES IN OREGON 33 speakers. The Democrats made a desperate effort to carry the state or at least to win enough seats in the legislature to give them a voice in the election of the next United States Senator. To this end they centered their efforts in certain counties. 37 In the June election Henderson was victorious over Kelly by a majority of 2643, the latter carrying but the four counties Columbia, Jackson, Josephine and Umatilla. 38 The Democrats elected but seven members of the legislature ; two in the sen- ate, one each from Josephine and Linn ; five in the house, three from Jackson, and one each from Josephine and Umatilla. 39 The member from Umatilla was La Fayette Lane, son of the old General. It was for the legislature of 1864 to elect a successor to Senator Harding.-* Both Harding and Nesmith had been giving the Lincoln administration good support in the United States Senate. Oregon's Republican Congressman, McBride, had written to the Argus March 13, 1863, lauding the two Democratic Senators for devoting their energies to the support of Lincoln in overthrowing the rebellion. The Oregonian, March 18, 1864, cheerfully credited Harding with having "gen- erally reflected the wishes of the majority of his constituents in his congressional action." Nevertheless, neither Harding nor Nesmith was in accord with the Republican policies that were rapidly being developed by the issues of the war. They, and particulary Harding, had taken positions that were not at all satisfactory to those to whom they owed their election.^ 1 They were far from representative of the Union party in Oregon in 1864. Hence, naturally, Harding was not considered seriously for re-election. The two recognized candidates were Judge Williams and T. H. Pearne. 37 In Polk county, voters were colonized in large numbers from outside districts to vote for the Democratic ticket (see Statesman, June 6). 38 Official returns in Statesman, July 18. 39 Statesman, Sept. 5. 40 When Nesmith and Baker were elected Senators in 1860, the latter was elected for the short term, ending in 1864. On his death, Stark filled the vacancy by appointment until the Legislature of 1862 elected Harding to serve the remaining two years. 41 Oregonian, Dec. 19, 1863.
