Oregon

One of the Pacific coast states of the American Union, and the thirty-third state admitted therein. The territory called Oregon from the early name of its principal river — now called the Columbia — originally included all the country on the Pacific coast west of the Rocky mountains, and north of the 42d and south of the 49th parallel of north latitude. From 1818 to 184G, this country was subject to the joint occupancy of tho subjects and citizens of Great Britain and the United States, under a disputed claim of title, which was settled by the treaty of June 15, of the latter year, in favor of the United States. As early as 1811 the Amorican and British occupants west of the Cascade mountains commenced to organize a government for their protection. These efforts resulted in the establishment of the “Provisional Government of Oregon’’ by a popular vote on July 5, 1815, consisting of an executive, legislative (one house), and judicial department, the officers of which were chosen and supported by the voluntary action of the citizens and subjects of both nations. On March 3, 1849, this government was superseded by the territorial government provided by congress in the act of August 14, 1848. On September 27, 1850, congress passed the “donation act,” giving the settlers the land held by them under the provisional government— 640 acres to a married man and his wife, and 320 to a single man. In 1857 a state constitution was formed and ratified by the people, under which a portion of tho territory was admitted into the Union on February 14, 1859, on an equal footing with tho other states. There were amendments m 1902, 1906 and 1908. Tho initiative, referendum and recall are adopted. 0RFGILD (Sax. orf, cattle, gild, payment. Also called chcapgild). A payment for cattle, or the restoring them. Cowell. A restitution made by the hundred or county of any wrong done by one that was in pledge. Lombard, Archaion 125, 126. A penalty for taking away cattle. Blount