The meeting at Champoeg.—Tactics of the Jesuit party.—Counter-tactics of the Americans.—A division and its result.—Public record.—Opposition to clergymen as legislators.—Mr. Hines as an historian.—His errors.—Importance of Mr. Hines’ history.—Extract.—Difficulty among the Indians.—Cause of the difficulty.
The 2d of May, the day fixed by the committee of twelve to organize a settlers’ government, was close at hand. The Indians had all learned that the “Bostons” were going to have a big meeting, and they also knew that the English and French were going to meet with them, to oppose what the “Bostons” were going to do. The Hudson’s Bay Company had drilled and trained their voters for the occasion, under the Rev. F. N. Blanchet and his priests, and they were promptly on the ground in the open field near a small house, and, to the amusement of every American present, trained to vote “No” to every motion put; no matter, if to carry their point they should have voted “Yes,” it was “No.” Le Breton had informed the committee, and the Americans generally, that this would be the course pursued, according to instructions, hence our motions were made to test their knowledge of what they were doing, and we found just what we expected was the case. The priest was not prepared for our manner of meeting them, and, as the record shows, “considerable confusion was existing in consequence.” By this time we had counted votes. Says Le Breton, “We can risk it; let us divide and count.” “I second that motion,” says Gray. “Who’s for a divide?” sang out old Joe Meek, as he stepped out; “all for the report of the committee and an organization, follow me.” This was so sudden and unexpected that the priest and his voters did not know what to do, but every American was soon in line. Le Breton and Gray passed the line and counted fifty-two Americans, and but fifty French and Hudson’s Bay Company men. They announced the count—“fifty-two for, and fifty against.” “Three cheers for our side,” sang out old Joe Meek. Not one of those old veteran mountain voices were lacking in that shout for liberty. They were given with a will, and in a few seconds the chairman, Judge I. L. Babcock, called the meeting to order, when the priest and his band slunk away into the corners of the fences, and in a short time mounted their horses and left.
The minutes of the meeting are as follows:—
“At a public meeting of the inhabitants of the Wallamet settlements, held in accordance with the call of the committee, chosen at a former meeting, for the purpose of taking steps to organize themselves into a civil community, and provide themselves with the protection secured by the enforcement of law and order, Dr. I. L. Babcock was chosen Chairman, and Messrs. Gray, Le Breton, and Wilson, secretaries.
“The committee made their report, which was read, and a motion was made that it be accepted, which was lost.
“Considerable confusion existing in consequence, it was moved by Mr. Le Breton, and seconded by Mr. Gray, that the meeting divide, preparatory to being counted; those in favor of the objects of this meeting taking the right, and those of a contrary mind taking the left which being carried by acclamation, and a majority being found in favor of organization, the greater part of the dissenters withdrew.
“It was then moved and carried, that the report of the committee be taken up and disposed of article by article.
“A motion was made and carried, that a supreme judge, with probate powers, be chosen to officiate in this community.
“Moved and carried, that a clerk of the court, or recorder, be chosen.
“Moved and carried, that a sheriff be chosen.