____________
____________
Washington Statesman
Walla Walla, Washington Territory
December 27, 1861
Vol. 1, No. 5
N. Northrop, R. B. Smith, R. R. Rees, Editors and Proprietors
p. 1, col. 2
____________
p. 1, col. 3
National Anthem for America
[From the "rejected addresses" of the national Hymn Committee]
Anthem, of liberty,— Richard Storrs Willis
Solemn and grand,
Wake in thy loftiness,
Sweep through the land!
Light in each breast anew
Patriot fires,
Pledge the old flag again —
Flag of our sires!
Fling all thy folds abroad,
Banners of light!
Wave, wave forever,
Flag of our might!
God for our banner,
Freedom and right!
Amen, Amen!
Spirit of Unity,
Potent, divine,
Come in thy kindliness,
All hearts entwine!
Prove to our enemies
Ever a rock,
And to each traitor scheme
Ruinous shock!
Wake the old banner word!
Shout it amain;
Union forever!
Once and again —
Union forever!
God it maintain!
Amen, Amen!
Shades of our forefathers,
Pass through the land,
Clothed in full majesty,
Terrible, grand!
"Faith, Hope and Charity,"
Rule in each breast,
Faith, in our Fatherland,
Hope, in the Lord,
Charity, still to all
Blindly who've erred!
God save the Government,
Long it defend!
Thine is the Kingdom,
Father and Friend!
Thine be the glory,
World without end!
Amen, Amen!
____________
p. 1, col. 5
The patriot, Parson Brownlow, has issued the last number of his paper, he having received the ultimatum of the Secession State authorities — indictment by the grand jury and imprisonment for treason, or an oath of allegiance to the Southern confederacy, and the adoption by his paper of secession views. He boldly chooses the former course, and says he will submit to imprisonment for life or die at the end of a rope before he will make the least concession to the traitor tyrants of Tennessee or the Southern confederacy. He concludes as follows:
The real object of my arrest and contemplated imprisonment is, to dry up, break down, silence and destroy the last and only Union paper left in the eleven seceded States, and thereby to keep from the people of East Tennessee the facts which are daily transpiring in the country. After the Hon. Jeff. Davis had stated in Richmond in a conversation relative to my paper, that he would not live in a government that did not tolerate freedom of the press; after the judges, attorneys, jurors, and all others filling positions of honor and trust under the "Permanent Constitution," which guarantees freedom of the press; and after the entire press of the South had come down in their thunder tones upon the Federal government for suppressing the Louisville Courier and the New York Day Book, and other succession journals, — I did expect the utmost liberty to be allowed to one small sheet, whose errors could be combated by the entire Southern press! It is not enough that my paper has been denied a circulation through the ordinary channels of conveyance in the country, but it must be discontinued altogether, or its editor must write and select only such articles as meet the approval of a pack of scoundrels in Knoxville, when their superiors in all the qualities that adorn human nature are in the penitentiary of our State! And this is the boasted liberty of the press in the Southern confederacy!
I shall in no degree feel humbled by being cast into prison, whenever it is the will and pleasure of this august Government to put me there, on the contrary I shall feel proud of my confinement. I shall go to jail as John Rogers went to the stake for my principles. I shall go because I failed to recognize the hand of God in breaking up the American Government, and in the inauguration of the most wicked, cruel, unnatural and uncalled for war, ever recorded in history. I go, because I have refused to laud to the skies the acts of tyranny, usurpation and oppression, inflicted upon the people of East Tennessee, because of their devotion to the constitution and laws of the government, handed down to them by their fathers, and the liberties secured to them by seven long years of gloom, poverty and trial! I repeat, I am proud of my position, and of my principles; I shall leave them to my children as a legacy, far more valuable than a princely fortune, had I the latter to bestow.
With me, life has lost some of its energy — having passed six annual posts on the Western slope of half a century — something of the fire of youth is exhausted — but I stand forth with the eloquence and energy of right to sustain and stimulate me in the maintenance of my principles. I am encouraged to firmness when I look back to the fate of Him "whose power was righteousness," while the enfuriated mob cried out "crucify him, crucify him."
I owe to my numerous list of subscribers the filling out of their respective terms for which they have made advance payments, and if circumstances ever place it in my power to discharge these obligations, I will do it most certainly. But if I am denied the liberty of doing so, they must regard these small losses as so many contributions to the cause in which I have fallen; I feel that I can, with confidence, rely upon the magnanimity and forbearance of my patrons under this state of things. They will bear me witness that I have held out as long as I am allowed to, and that I have yielded to a military despotism that I could not avert the horrors of or successfully oppose.
I will only say, in conclusion — for I am not allowed the privilege to write — that the people of this country have been unaccustomed to such wrongs; they can yet scarcely realize them. They are astounded for the time being, with the quick succession of outrages that have come upon them, and they stand horror stricken, like men expecting ruin and annihilation. I may not live to see the day, but thousands of my readers will, when the people of this once prosperous country will see that they are marching by "double-quick time," from freedom to bondage. They will then look these wanton outrages upon right and liberty full in the face, and my prediction is, that they will stir the stones of Rome to rise and mutiny. Wrongs less wanton and outrageous precipitated the French Revolution. Citizens cast into dungeons without charges of crime against them, and without the formalities of a trial by jury, private property confiscated at the beck of those in power; the Press, humbled, muzzled and suppressed, or prostituted to serve the ends of tyranny! The crimes of Louis XVI fell short of all this, and ye he lost his head. The people of this country, down-trodden and oppressed, still have the resolutions of their illustrious forefathers, who asserted their rights at Lexington and Bunker Hill!
____________
p. 2, col. 1
The most significant passages in the President's message, are those which relate to the conduct of foreign states towards the United States in the present war, and the recognition of the independence and sovereignty of Hayti and Liberia.
Of the first Mr. Lincoln says justly (in substance,) that the perpetuity of the Union of the States, and of our present form of government, depends less on the conduct of foreign powers than on the patriotism, virtue and intelligence of Americans themselves. By this expression we may learn that the Administration is determined to prosecute a war for the maintenance of the power of the Central Government in spite of foreign intervention, — which appears to be anticipated. If such is the case, it will be found that the strongest sympathizers with the secession party will be the foremost to assist in repelling foreign invasion — when those sympathizers are remote from the scene of conflict between the North and South. In that way, many men will lend their assistance to maintain the national power, who would be against it in another contingency.
The President favors the compulsory colonization of negroes "contraband of war," and the encouragement of free negroes to emigrate. The recognition of Hayti and Liberia evidently looks to those two countries as the place of settlement for negro emigrants. A feasible and just plan for the exportation of the negro element must be looked on with gratification by all except a few insane extremists, as their presence has been and ever will be a fruitful source of trouble among ourselves.
The proposition to build a railroad through Cumberland Gap, to connect the loyal communities of Kentucky and North Carolina, is placed on the ground of "military necessity." It is well that it is so; for any attempt to institute a general sstem of internal improvements at the expense of the Federal Government, will meet with bitter opposition. It would at once divide public sentiment in a manner but little dreamed of by the old school of politicians of both parties.
Mr. Lincoln appears to be disposed to deal frankly and boldly with foreign powers; avoiding causes of offense, yet disposed to resent encroachments. He renders prompt satisfaction in the case of the detention of a British merchantman, and seizes the Confederate Commissioner aboard another, for which he makes no apology.
The financial statement is very meager, and in postal matters evidently erroneous — probably a fault of the telegraph. The war expenses amount to near a hudred million a quarter. At present they are evidently extraordinary, as all the material for carrying on the war had to be created. This vast quarterly expenditure will be distributed among the people, and when the remarkable prosperity of our foreign trade is considered, it appears as if the national capabilities are fully up to the gigantic struggle in which we are engaged.
The revision, codification and condensation of the United States statutes, is a subject of great general interest, and if successfully accomplished — as proposed by the President — will be of incalculable value to the legal profession and laymen as well.
The re-organization of the circuit courts of the United States, so as to extend their jurisdiction over all the states and territories of the United States, is but an act of simple justice to the various communities of the Union. At present several of the states have no circuit courts — a crying evil.
The proposition to establish courts under the military power to collect repudiated debts, is one which may lead to monstrous abuses. If it is done, thousands of good Union men in the South may yet be despoiled by the strong hand of military power, under the pretense of paying northern creditors. The debts due from the business men of the South to those of the North, should be subject to the same laws, in their settlement, as if no war existed; for it is a fact in all wars, that the transfer of the ordinary civil administration of affairs to the military power, is the excuse for the spoliation of friend and foe alike. The disposition to strengthen the military power for any other purpose than the conquest of the enemies of the Union, must be looked on with suspicion, — a error of judgment or intention.
Passing over all the minor points in the message, Mr. Lincoln has struck upon a popular chord when he defends the dignity of labor. The destinies of the Union have been too long in the hands of men who despised the everyday employments of life. Experience has shown that those men are not more capable, and scarcely so honest, as the practical laboring and business men of the country. It is agriculture, manufactures and commerce that furnish the sinews of a nation, and the men who engage in these pursuits are capable of managing national affairs without the intervention of bummer politicians of high or low grade. Having created a nation, they have the right to rule it — they have the power, and have themselves to blame if they do not.
____________
p. 2, col. 2
The word mass is of Saxon origin, and signifies a feast; so that the word Christmas signifies the festival of Christ — the day on which his nativity is generally commemorated by his disciples throughout the world.
Among the Jews, God appointed several feasts to perpetuate the memory of certain great events; such as the passover, the feast of weeks, of tabernacles, and of trumpets, when the civil year was ushered in. In the Christian church the Lord's supper is kept in remembrance of his death and coming again; Easter Sunday in memory of his resurrection, and Christmas day to celebrate the wonderful event of his incarnation.
The first traces we find of the observation of this day, are in the second century, about the time of the emperor Commodus. That it was kept before the time of Constantine we have a melancholy proof; for while the persecution raged under Dioclesian, who then kept his court at Nicomedia, that tyrant, among other acts of cruelty, finding multitudes of Christians assembled together to celebrate Christ's nativity, commanded the church doors where they were met to be shut, and fire to be put to it, which soon reduced them and the church to ashes.
Whether this festival was always observed on the twenty-fifth of December, is a point which has been greatly disputed. Dr. Cure is of opinion that it was first kept by the Eastern church in January; till receiving better information from the Western churches, they changed it to that day.
All Christians are agreed that when observed it should not be with "rioting and drunkenness," or in "making provisions to fulfill the lusts of the flesh," but with gratitude and sacred joy. The birth of Christ was the greatest blessing ever bestowed on mankind. The angels from heaven celebrated it with a joyful song.
____________
NO TRAIL FROM GRAND RONDE TO SALMON RIVER. — Mr. P. Lowe, an old and reliable resident of Linn county, called at our office during the past week to furnish us information obtained by himself during a recent rospecting trip through the Grand Ronde valley, Powder river, etc. He arrived in this city direct from Grand Ronde, on last Tuesday. He reports the mines on Powder river as paying from two to five dollars per day to the hand. But few miners are there, and none of them will remain during the winter. In reard to the wagon road and trail through the Grand Ronde valley to the Salmon river mines, Mr. Lowe gives us a decidedly unfavorable report. He states that up to this time, no practicable trail has been discovered across the mountain, and that no one has ever been over with the exception of a party of Frenchmen, who left Grand Ronde some time since and are supposed to have crossed the mountains in the direction of Salmon river. Mr. Abbott, who has been most persevering and energetic in his efforts to cross the mountains, as also to open a communication through to Salmon rier from points below, via Grand Ronde valley, informed Mr. Lowe that he had made thorough and close examination along the banks of Snake river for a distance of fifty miles, to obtain a safe crossing, and had not yet met with success; and the large band of cattle which Mr. Abbott has been endeavoring for the past month or more to rush into the Salmon river market, are still in the Grand Ronde valley. Mr. Lowe gives it as his opinion that it will be impossible to open a trail through the mountains, and returning from Grand Ronde to this place, has fallen into the ranks of those who prefer a direct and pleasant road to prospecting for new routes, and has proceeded on his way to the Salmon river mines.
Mr. Lowe desires us to request the Oregon Democrat to copy the substance of the above, for the benefit of his friends and the public in that county.
____________
p. 2, col. 3
From the Oregonian we learn that a quorum of both houses of the Washington Territory Legislature have convened at Olympia, and that the organization of the House has been effected by the election of the following officers:
Speaker, James F. Ferguson.
Chief Clerk, Charles Eagan.
Assistant Clerk, Wm. Kapus.
Sergeant-at-arms, Thomas Warren.
Doorkeeper, Robert Frost.
The Council had not succeeded in an organization, althou a quorum was present.
Gov. Tourney has appointed John M. Murphy public printer.
____________
p. 2, col. 4
The dwelling house of Mr. James Gore, near Albany, was destroyed by fire, on the 12th inst. Pretty much all the contents of the house were lost, entire loss $4000. ——— During the recent flood in the Willamette, Mr. Walker Humphreville, of Champoeg, saved the lives of some twenty persons, at the risk of his own. ——— The last shipment of gold dust from Portland to San Francisco, was $77,700. ——— The stampede from the Willamette to the mines, is said to be increasing. It is thought that the valley will be nearly depopulated in the spring. ——— The late rise in the Willamette was two feet higher than the back-water of 1859, and three feet above the high water of 1852 and '53. ——— Mr. L. F. Beatty, of Shoshone has been giving recitations in Portland at the Willamette Theater, and has met a flattering reception. ——— The Willamette at Oregon City, was 55 feet above low-water mark.
A rumor reached here a few days ago, that the Indians on the Siletz reservation, had drivenagent Biddle and his employees into the block-house; and an express had been sent to the commander of the District of Oregon for troops.
Last Monday night Willamette Lodge No. 2, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, elected officers for the ensuing year — Cicero H. Lewis, W. M.; James W. Cook, S. W.; Simeon G. Reed, J. W.; Harris Seymour, Treasurer; Sylvester Pennoyer, Secretary; and Allen C. Brelsfoard, Tyler.
At the annual election of the Fire Department Lewis M. Starr was elected Chief Engineer; and Massena M. Lucas and D. W. Hardenburgh, assistants.
There is very little news since my last. The mails have not got down to their regular time yet, and we get no news from the east except by steamer. The Brother Jonathan is hourly expected with something important from the east.
The papers announce that Messrs. A. R. Shipley & Co. have sold out their stock of books and stationery, to Messrs. J. l. Parish & Co.. It is rumored that Messrs. Wells Fargo intend to start an assay office in this place. The one now here, under charge of Mr. Agrell gives satisfaction to all who have tried it. We presume there will be work enough for both this summer.
I see your Portland correspondents keep your readers well posted in regard to things transpiring in this valley; and while "Honest John" always tells the truth, he cannot help speaking plain, which, of course, touches somebody's "dignity." But, really, he treats matters in such a good-natured manner, that no one can take offense.
The principal topic of conversation here now is the mines. In fact, the excitement in this direction is so great that it has almost entirely taken the place of the deep interest so lately felt in regard to affairs in the east. It is amusing to listen to the many excuses advanced by men of all professions for going to the mines. Some men conscious that the lust for gold is not a sufficient excuse and have gravely concluded that their health is poor and that they need a change of climate.
The great flood which has just taken place in our midst is without precedent, even with our oldest inhabitants, and the loss of property is unparalleled in the history of Oregon. It is pitiful to note the instances — and they are many — where people have been reduced from wealth to actual poverty. This is indeed a severe blow for Oregon, and one from which she will not soon recover. Were it not for the advantages the Willamette valley will receive from the development of the mines in the upper country, I believe our citizens would despair of ever overcoming their embarrassments.
At Oregon City, Mr. Harvey, formerly proprietor of the Oregon City Mills, has already commenced rebuilding; and the repairing of the ware-house, owned by Messrs. Kelly & Pentland, is under consideration. Messrs. Masters & Hull, of this city have also commenced rebuilding their wharf.
Old winter is paying us a visit in the shape of variety; now just snow enough to whiten the ground, and then a little rain — slightly freezing. Last Friday and Saturday the weather was cold and clear.
Some of the knowing ones say we are going to have half a dozen or more weddings during the holidays. With the exception of two Sabbath school celebrations — one at the M. E. Church and the other at the Episcopal Church — and a ball or two, nothing is to transpire here to make Christmas different from the usual monotony of every day life. MORE ANON.
Parson Brownlow's Last Address to his Readers.
The patriot, Parson Brownlow, has issued the last number of his paper, he having received the ultimatum of the Secession State authorities — indictment by the grand jury and imprisonment for treason, or an oath of allegiance to the Southern confederacy, and the adoption by his paper of secession views. He boldly chooses the former course, and says he will submit to imprisonment for life or die at the end of a rope before he will make the least concession to the traitor tyrants of Tennessee or the Southern confederacy. He concludes as follows:
The real object of my arrest and contemplated imprisonment is, to dry up, break down, silence and destroy the last and only Union paper left in the eleven seceded States, and thereby to keep from the people of East Tennessee the facts which are daily transpiring in the country. After the Hon. Jeff. Davis had stated in Richmond in a conversation relative to my paper, that he would not live in a government that did not tolerate freedom of the press; after the judges, attorneys, jurors, and all others filling positions of honor and trust under the "Permanent Constitution," which guarantees freedom of the press; and after the entire press of the South had come down in their thunder tones upon the Federal government for suppressing the Louisville Courier and the New York Day Book, and other succession journals, — I did expect the utmost liberty to be allowed to one small sheet, whose errors could be combated by the entire Southern press! It is not enough that my paper has been denied a circulation through the ordinary channels of conveyance in the country, but it must be discontinued altogether, or its editor must write and select only such articles as meet the approval of a pack of scoundrels in Knoxville, when their superiors in all the qualities that adorn human nature are in the penitentiary of our State! And this is the boasted liberty of the press in the Southern confederacy!
I shall in no degree feel humbled by being cast into prison, whenever it is the will and pleasure of this august Government to put me there, on the contrary I shall feel proud of my confinement. I shall go to jail as John Rogers went to the stake for my principles. I shall go because I failed to recognize the hand of God in breaking up the American Government, and in the inauguration of the most wicked, cruel, unnatural and uncalled for war, ever recorded in history. I go, because I have refused to laud to the skies the acts of tyranny, usurpation and oppression, inflicted upon the people of East Tennessee, because of their devotion to the constitution and laws of the government, handed down to them by their fathers, and the liberties secured to them by seven long years of gloom, poverty and trial! I repeat, I am proud of my position, and of my principles; I shall leave them to my children as a legacy, far more valuable than a princely fortune, had I the latter to bestow.
With me, life has lost some of its energy — having passed six annual posts on the Western slope of half a century — something of the fire of youth is exhausted — but I stand forth with the eloquence and energy of right to sustain and stimulate me in the maintenance of my principles. I am encouraged to firmness when I look back to the fate of Him "whose power was righteousness," while the enfuriated mob cried out "crucify him, crucify him."
I owe to my numerous list of subscribers the filling out of their respective terms for which they have made advance payments, and if circumstances ever place it in my power to discharge these obligations, I will do it most certainly. But if I am denied the liberty of doing so, they must regard these small losses as so many contributions to the cause in which I have fallen; I feel that I can, with confidence, rely upon the magnanimity and forbearance of my patrons under this state of things. They will bear me witness that I have held out as long as I am allowed to, and that I have yielded to a military despotism that I could not avert the horrors of or successfully oppose.
I will only say, in conclusion — for I am not allowed the privilege to write — that the people of this country have been unaccustomed to such wrongs; they can yet scarcely realize them. They are astounded for the time being, with the quick succession of outrages that have come upon them, and they stand horror stricken, like men expecting ruin and annihilation. I may not live to see the day, but thousands of my readers will, when the people of this once prosperous country will see that they are marching by "double-quick time," from freedom to bondage. They will then look these wanton outrages upon right and liberty full in the face, and my prediction is, that they will stir the stones of Rome to rise and mutiny. Wrongs less wanton and outrageous precipitated the French Revolution. Citizens cast into dungeons without charges of crime against them, and without the formalities of a trial by jury, private property confiscated at the beck of those in power; the Press, humbled, muzzled and suppressed, or prostituted to serve the ends of tyranny! The crimes of Louis XVI fell short of all this, and ye he lost his head. The people of this country, down-trodden and oppressed, still have the resolutions of their illustrious forefathers, who asserted their rights at Lexington and Bunker Hill!
____________
p. 2, col. 1
The President's Message
The most significant passages in the President's message, are those which relate to the conduct of foreign states towards the United States in the present war, and the recognition of the independence and sovereignty of Hayti and Liberia.
Of the first Mr. Lincoln says justly (in substance,) that the perpetuity of the Union of the States, and of our present form of government, depends less on the conduct of foreign powers than on the patriotism, virtue and intelligence of Americans themselves. By this expression we may learn that the Administration is determined to prosecute a war for the maintenance of the power of the Central Government in spite of foreign intervention, — which appears to be anticipated. If such is the case, it will be found that the strongest sympathizers with the secession party will be the foremost to assist in repelling foreign invasion — when those sympathizers are remote from the scene of conflict between the North and South. In that way, many men will lend their assistance to maintain the national power, who would be against it in another contingency.
The President favors the compulsory colonization of negroes "contraband of war," and the encouragement of free negroes to emigrate. The recognition of Hayti and Liberia evidently looks to those two countries as the place of settlement for negro emigrants. A feasible and just plan for the exportation of the negro element must be looked on with gratification by all except a few insane extremists, as their presence has been and ever will be a fruitful source of trouble among ourselves.
The proposition to build a railroad through Cumberland Gap, to connect the loyal communities of Kentucky and North Carolina, is placed on the ground of "military necessity." It is well that it is so; for any attempt to institute a general sstem of internal improvements at the expense of the Federal Government, will meet with bitter opposition. It would at once divide public sentiment in a manner but little dreamed of by the old school of politicians of both parties.
Mr. Lincoln appears to be disposed to deal frankly and boldly with foreign powers; avoiding causes of offense, yet disposed to resent encroachments. He renders prompt satisfaction in the case of the detention of a British merchantman, and seizes the Confederate Commissioner aboard another, for which he makes no apology.
The financial statement is very meager, and in postal matters evidently erroneous — probably a fault of the telegraph. The war expenses amount to near a hudred million a quarter. At present they are evidently extraordinary, as all the material for carrying on the war had to be created. This vast quarterly expenditure will be distributed among the people, and when the remarkable prosperity of our foreign trade is considered, it appears as if the national capabilities are fully up to the gigantic struggle in which we are engaged.
The revision, codification and condensation of the United States statutes, is a subject of great general interest, and if successfully accomplished — as proposed by the President — will be of incalculable value to the legal profession and laymen as well.
The re-organization of the circuit courts of the United States, so as to extend their jurisdiction over all the states and territories of the United States, is but an act of simple justice to the various communities of the Union. At present several of the states have no circuit courts — a crying evil.
The proposition to establish courts under the military power to collect repudiated debts, is one which may lead to monstrous abuses. If it is done, thousands of good Union men in the South may yet be despoiled by the strong hand of military power, under the pretense of paying northern creditors. The debts due from the business men of the South to those of the North, should be subject to the same laws, in their settlement, as if no war existed; for it is a fact in all wars, that the transfer of the ordinary civil administration of affairs to the military power, is the excuse for the spoliation of friend and foe alike. The disposition to strengthen the military power for any other purpose than the conquest of the enemies of the Union, must be looked on with suspicion, — a error of judgment or intention.
Passing over all the minor points in the message, Mr. Lincoln has struck upon a popular chord when he defends the dignity of labor. The destinies of the Union have been too long in the hands of men who despised the everyday employments of life. Experience has shown that those men are not more capable, and scarcely so honest, as the practical laboring and business men of the country. It is agriculture, manufactures and commerce that furnish the sinews of a nation, and the men who engage in these pursuits are capable of managing national affairs without the intervention of bummer politicians of high or low grade. Having created a nation, they have the right to rule it — they have the power, and have themselves to blame if they do not.
____________
p. 2, col. 2
Christmas.
The word mass is of Saxon origin, and signifies a feast; so that the word Christmas signifies the festival of Christ — the day on which his nativity is generally commemorated by his disciples throughout the world.
Among the Jews, God appointed several feasts to perpetuate the memory of certain great events; such as the passover, the feast of weeks, of tabernacles, and of trumpets, when the civil year was ushered in. In the Christian church the Lord's supper is kept in remembrance of his death and coming again; Easter Sunday in memory of his resurrection, and Christmas day to celebrate the wonderful event of his incarnation.
The first traces we find of the observation of this day, are in the second century, about the time of the emperor Commodus. That it was kept before the time of Constantine we have a melancholy proof; for while the persecution raged under Dioclesian, who then kept his court at Nicomedia, that tyrant, among other acts of cruelty, finding multitudes of Christians assembled together to celebrate Christ's nativity, commanded the church doors where they were met to be shut, and fire to be put to it, which soon reduced them and the church to ashes.
Whether this festival was always observed on the twenty-fifth of December, is a point which has been greatly disputed. Dr. Cure is of opinion that it was first kept by the Eastern church in January; till receiving better information from the Western churches, they changed it to that day.
All Christians are agreed that when observed it should not be with "rioting and drunkenness," or in "making provisions to fulfill the lusts of the flesh," but with gratitude and sacred joy. The birth of Christ was the greatest blessing ever bestowed on mankind. The angels from heaven celebrated it with a joyful song.
____________
NO TRAIL FROM GRAND RONDE TO SALMON RIVER. — Mr. P. Lowe, an old and reliable resident of Linn county, called at our office during the past week to furnish us information obtained by himself during a recent rospecting trip through the Grand Ronde valley, Powder river, etc. He arrived in this city direct from Grand Ronde, on last Tuesday. He reports the mines on Powder river as paying from two to five dollars per day to the hand. But few miners are there, and none of them will remain during the winter. In reard to the wagon road and trail through the Grand Ronde valley to the Salmon river mines, Mr. Lowe gives us a decidedly unfavorable report. He states that up to this time, no practicable trail has been discovered across the mountain, and that no one has ever been over with the exception of a party of Frenchmen, who left Grand Ronde some time since and are supposed to have crossed the mountains in the direction of Salmon river. Mr. Abbott, who has been most persevering and energetic in his efforts to cross the mountains, as also to open a communication through to Salmon rier from points below, via Grand Ronde valley, informed Mr. Lowe that he had made thorough and close examination along the banks of Snake river for a distance of fifty miles, to obtain a safe crossing, and had not yet met with success; and the large band of cattle which Mr. Abbott has been endeavoring for the past month or more to rush into the Salmon river market, are still in the Grand Ronde valley. Mr. Lowe gives it as his opinion that it will be impossible to open a trail through the mountains, and returning from Grand Ronde to this place, has fallen into the ranks of those who prefer a direct and pleasant road to prospecting for new routes, and has proceeded on his way to the Salmon river mines.
Mr. Lowe desires us to request the Oregon Democrat to copy the substance of the above, for the benefit of his friends and the public in that county.
____________
p. 2, col. 3
From the Oregonian we learn that a quorum of both houses of the Washington Territory Legislature have convened at Olympia, and that the organization of the House has been effected by the election of the following officers:
Speaker, James F. Ferguson.
Chief Clerk, Charles Eagan.
Assistant Clerk, Wm. Kapus.
Sergeant-at-arms, Thomas Warren.
Doorkeeper, Robert Frost.
The Council had not succeeded in an organization, althou a quorum was present.
Gov. Tourney has appointed John M. Murphy public printer.
____________
p. 2, col. 4
Oregon Items.
The dwelling house of Mr. James Gore, near Albany, was destroyed by fire, on the 12th inst. Pretty much all the contents of the house were lost, entire loss $4000. ——— During the recent flood in the Willamette, Mr. Walker Humphreville, of Champoeg, saved the lives of some twenty persons, at the risk of his own. ——— The last shipment of gold dust from Portland to San Francisco, was $77,700. ——— The stampede from the Willamette to the mines, is said to be increasing. It is thought that the valley will be nearly depopulated in the spring. ——— The late rise in the Willamette was two feet higher than the back-water of 1859, and three feet above the high water of 1852 and '53. ——— Mr. L. F. Beatty, of Shoshone has been giving recitations in Portland at the Willamette Theater, and has met a flattering reception. ——— The Willamette at Oregon City, was 55 feet above low-water mark.
__________________
Portland Correspondence.
Portland, Oregon, Dec. 21, 1861
MESSERS. EDITORS: The regiment of cavalry under Col. Cornelius, is progressing slowly. On Friday Company C, from Multnomah county, consisting of about 40 men, was mustered into service. There are some now who are about ready to enlist, and I presume the company will be filled up ultimately. The regiment has done much better than I had anticipated; the gold fever had attacked so many of our citizens, that it seemed almost impossible for any to be induced to elist in the service of Uncle Sam for three years. Those who enlist deserve the thanks of all good citizens. We are so far removed from the scenes of strife in the east, that the least which can be expected of us is that we protect our own frontier. So far one company has been raised in Marion county, and one in Jackson county; they are also raising another in that county, and have a good many men enlisted in other places.A rumor reached here a few days ago, that the Indians on the Siletz reservation, had drivenagent Biddle and his employees into the block-house; and an express had been sent to the commander of the District of Oregon for troops.
Last Monday night Willamette Lodge No. 2, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, elected officers for the ensuing year — Cicero H. Lewis, W. M.; James W. Cook, S. W.; Simeon G. Reed, J. W.; Harris Seymour, Treasurer; Sylvester Pennoyer, Secretary; and Allen C. Brelsfoard, Tyler.
At the annual election of the Fire Department Lewis M. Starr was elected Chief Engineer; and Massena M. Lucas and D. W. Hardenburgh, assistants.
There is very little news since my last. The mails have not got down to their regular time yet, and we get no news from the east except by steamer. The Brother Jonathan is hourly expected with something important from the east.
The papers announce that Messrs. A. R. Shipley & Co. have sold out their stock of books and stationery, to Messrs. J. l. Parish & Co.. It is rumored that Messrs. Wells Fargo intend to start an assay office in this place. The one now here, under charge of Mr. Agrell gives satisfaction to all who have tried it. We presume there will be work enough for both this summer.
PORTLAND.
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Portland, Dec. 23, 1861
EDS. STATESMAN: — I have received the first three numbers of your paper, and I find my expectations in regard to its fine appearance more than realized. The position you have taken, as set forth in your salutatory, cannot fail to please at least a majority of your readers here; and so far as I have heard opinions espressed — and they have been quite numerous — the universal decision has been that the STATESMAN is a well conducted paper. In fact, its appearance leads to the conclusion that no paper in Oregon or Washington Territory was ever started under more favorable auspices. Your success in increasing its circulation in the Willamette valley, will depend very much upon your thorough and reliable mining intelligence; and while your advantages in this respect are superior to the best of your cotemporaries, (sic) I doubt not but your facilities might be increased.I see your Portland correspondents keep your readers well posted in regard to things transpiring in this valley; and while "Honest John" always tells the truth, he cannot help speaking plain, which, of course, touches somebody's "dignity." But, really, he treats matters in such a good-natured manner, that no one can take offense.
The principal topic of conversation here now is the mines. In fact, the excitement in this direction is so great that it has almost entirely taken the place of the deep interest so lately felt in regard to affairs in the east. It is amusing to listen to the many excuses advanced by men of all professions for going to the mines. Some men conscious that the lust for gold is not a sufficient excuse and have gravely concluded that their health is poor and that they need a change of climate.
The great flood which has just taken place in our midst is without precedent, even with our oldest inhabitants, and the loss of property is unparalleled in the history of Oregon. It is pitiful to note the instances — and they are many — where people have been reduced from wealth to actual poverty. This is indeed a severe blow for Oregon, and one from which she will not soon recover. Were it not for the advantages the Willamette valley will receive from the development of the mines in the upper country, I believe our citizens would despair of ever overcoming their embarrassments.
At Oregon City, Mr. Harvey, formerly proprietor of the Oregon City Mills, has already commenced rebuilding; and the repairing of the ware-house, owned by Messrs. Kelly & Pentland, is under consideration. Messrs. Masters & Hull, of this city have also commenced rebuilding their wharf.
Old winter is paying us a visit in the shape of variety; now just snow enough to whiten the ground, and then a little rain — slightly freezing. Last Friday and Saturday the weather was cold and clear.
Some of the knowing ones say we are going to have half a dozen or more weddings during the holidays. With the exception of two Sabbath school celebrations — one at the M. E. Church and the other at the Episcopal Church — and a ball or two, nothing is to transpire here to make Christmas different from the usual monotony of every day life. MORE ANON.
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