Hall Jackson Kelley 37

In discussing the question of civil government Kelley knew that he was on uncertain ground. As the Oregon country lay beyond the jurisdiction of the United States, the relation which the settlers would bear to that government involved perplexing questions. The form of government was also rec- ogmztd as a matter worthy of serious thought. He looked to congress for action which would solve these problems, but in default of such action he was prepared to set up a provisional government. On this point he said:

"Whatever may be the frame of government, it should be built upon the most finished improvements of others. Whether the settlers are to be considered children of mature age, made free, and setting up for themselves, constituting in some de- gree, an independent Province, the friend and ally of the mother country ; sharing in her generous and maternal solici- tude; or whether they are to be a Colony, planted, cherished, and protected by her, depends entirely on Congress. That the latter should be the case, is the prayer of a memorial, at the present time, before that august assemblage of talents, virtue and wisdom.

"Should the emigrants fail of that Charter, which reason and justice dictate, and hiunanity calls for, they will attempt to make for themselves, just and equal laws, under the provisions of a form of government, so far made a free democratic rep- resentative, as will be consistent with an tmequivocal recogni- tion of the sovereignty of the American Republic. It will be in most respects, a transcript of the government of the Michi- gan Territory. The Governor, Secretary, Treasurer, and Board of Land Commissioners, being the Appointments of the So- ciety. It will continue two years, unless Congress, before the expiration of this time prescribes a substitute. . . .*'*•

Religious himself, he took care to emf^asize the religious aspects of his plan. "The settlers will lose none of their re- ligious privil^fcs and comforts," he promised. "Churches of different denominations will be organized before emigration."

19 P. «4.