We see it stated in up-country papers that the late arrivals
from Oregon furnished information that two parties of
emigrants, dissatisfied with their prospects in that
country, attempted to return home last winter, but were
prevented by the difficulties of road and weather. We have
never entertained a doubt that this disposition was
uppermost with all the best portions of the emigration to
that region; but obstacles are presented of such a character
as to deter many persons from attempting to return.
Emigrants from the states find the greatest difficulty in
descending the mountain declivities into the valley of the
Columbia River, but then their wagons have been relieved of
a great part of the provisions and surplus weight, and they
do get along. If they should attempt to return to the United
States, however, a different prospect is presented. They
must start amply provided with provisions and everything
necessary for the journey, and thus loaded it has been
deemed impossible to get wagons along over the mountains
which they necessarily have to ascend in their progress.
This cause alone has deterred many persons from making the
attempt, and they have been compelled to accommodate
themselves to a country and a condition of things in no
respect better than they originally left. No man, in our
opinion, who has a comfortable home in any of the states can
be justified in giving it up in the expectation of bettering
himself in Oregon. If he has a family, he does a gross
injustice to them in exposing them to the hardships of so
long and perilous a journey with no prospect of returning to
their friends, should they become discontented; and even if
an emigrant has nobody to care for but himself, he had
better stay at home and earn an honest living, than go to
Oregon and run the risk of working out a precarious one. For
this reason we have never countenanced any one for whom we
had the least respect in a journey to Oregon or California
with a view to a fixed residence there. Neither country
presents half the inducements to be found in any one of the
Western states, and an adventure of this kind is prima facie
evidence of a restless and discontented spirit, not likely
to be pleased anywhere.
* * * * *
_Republican_, May 19, 1848.
On the 20th of November the Governor appointed Columbia
Lancaster to be Supreme Judge of Oregon Territory, in place
of J. Quinn Thornton, resigned. From some proceedings of the
legislature of a subsequent period, we infer that Judge
Thornton had left Oregon on a visit to Washington City, as a
sort of general agent, to attend to the distribution of
offices in the new territory. Of his arrival we have not
heard, and it is probable that Mr. Meek may reach Washington
before him.
[Then follows proceedings of legislature, resolutions, etc.,
intended to keep J. Q. T. from leaving the territory, quoted
in full. Also Governor's message, expressing the
disappointment at the failure of Congress to extend
jurisdiction over that country, etc.]
* * * * *
_Republican_, July 26, 1848.