Fourth of July, 1843.--Oration by Mr. Hines.--Meeting of July 5.--Debate on the land law.--How the Jesuits and the Hudson's Bay Company secured their land claims.--Speech of the Rev. G. Hines against the proposed Executive Committee.--The committee supported by O'Neil, Shortess, and Lee.--W. H. Gray closes the debate.--The report of the committee adopted.--Committee appointed to report to Congress, another to make a Digest of Territorial laws, and a third to prepare and administer an oath of office. Page 346 CHAPTER XLV. Organic laws.--Resolutions.--Districts.--Militia law.--Land claims.--Certificate. Page 353 CHAPTER XLVI. Description of the State House.--Conduct of the French settlers.--Arrival of Dr. Whitman's party of immigrants.-- Prosperity of the settlers.--Change in the policy of the Hudson's Bay Company.--Their exorbitant claims. Page 360 CHAPTER XLVII. Actions speak louder than words.--Efforts of the Hudson's Bay Company to discourage immigration.--Account of the two Jesuits, F. N. Blanchet and P. J. De Smet.--Protestant missionaries discouraged.--Important position of the Rev. G. Hines.--Recall of the Rev. Jason Lee.--Efforts of the Hudson's Bay Company to prevent emigration to the Territory.--Statement of General Palmer.--Indian combinations.--The Donner party.--Extent of Oregon at this time. Page 363 CHAPTER XLVIII. 1844.--The settlements alarmed.--Indian attack.--Death of G. W. La Breton.--Meeting at Mr. La Chapelle's.--Volunteer company formed.--The _Modeste_ in the Columbia River.--The Legislative Assembly.--Names of the members.--Peter H. Burnett.--Mr. David Hill.--Oregon social standard.--M. M. McCarver.--"Old Brass Gun."--A. L. Lovejoy.--Daniel Waldo.--Thomas D. Keizer.--Black act.--Prohibitory liquor law. Page 371 CHAPTER XLIX. Message of the Executive Committee.--Observations on the message.--Generosity of the Hudson's Bay Company.--The Methodist Mission.--The Oregon Printing-press Association.--George Abernethy, Esq. Page 380 CHAPTER L.