TWENTY-SECOND ANNUAL REUNION

PORTLAND, Oregon,

FRIDAY, June 15, 1894.)

The annual gatherings of those who recovered this country from barbarism and established here a grand commonwealth are surrounded by vivid memories of the past, thrilling in interest and filled with impulses that move outward to a better future. Here it was they sought new homes, new places of labor and ultimately a resting place.

The Annual Reunion of the Pioneers revives pleasant. memories of brave manhood and magnificent womanhood that are woven into the years that have passed and contributed to that fair superstructure of civil, Christian and political inheritance we now enjoy. But pleasant memories are tinged with the shadow of sad regret as each recurring. year recalls those who were with us but a year ago, but now gone over to the great majority. The shoulders of those who came here to establish civilization are bending, under the added burden of accumulating years, and in a short time they will have completed their work and passed beyond to be greeted by those who were once amongst them.

While in the very nature of things the pioneer ranks are constantly being depleted by natural causes, the attendance this year was somewhat smaller than it would have been had not the great flood-nothing like having been known since the first occupation of the country-pre

vented a number from coming to this city who had planned to do so.

It was shortly after one o'clock when Grand Marshal William Kapus gave the command to march, and the pioneers who had gathered at the Hotel Portland filed in double rank out of the courtyard, preceded by the Marine Band, and took up the line of march to the Exposition building. Many, through the infirmities of age, unable to take their accustomed place in the ranks, were provided with carriages, and hundreds of others lined the sidewalks, following the procession to the hall, where the anniversary exercises were to take place.

The music hall of the Exposition building was well filled by pioneers, their families and friends. Larger crowds have been gathered there, but none attracting more general interest than that of to-day. During the morning a committee of pioneer ladies-Mrs. Frances M. Harvey, Mrs. A. H. Morgan, Mrs. Benton Killin, Mrs. R. F. Burrell, and Mrs. C. M. Cartwright-were busily engaged in arranging the floral decorations of the stage, and, when their labor was completed, it presented an effective and very attractive scene. There were roses in profusion. A long, broad band of these dainty flowers encircled the front of the platform, relieved by dark green branches of evergreens. Upon the right of the stage was a long floral ladder, made entirely of wild flowers, emblematic of the tedious journey of the pioneers across the plains, while at its base reposed a mammoth cluster of scarlet geraniums, the symbol of hope. To the left was another floral ladder, not so long as the other, but made entirely of beautiful roses, while at its foot was a half-overturned basket filled

with pansies, and above a cluster of calla lilies, intended to symbolize Oregon as it is, a land of peace and plenty. Across the arch was the word "Pioneers," each letter composed of bright-hued roses, and, as the exercises progressed, flower after flower would drop, released from its tender fastening, bringing forcibly to mind the sad thought that even thus the aged pioneers were dwindling away.

At the hour of two o'clock, everything being in readiness, the following program was carried out:

was held.

ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING

Pursuant to notice given by John Minto, 1844, one year ago, of an amendment to the constitution whereby the privilege of membership in the Association should be extended to February 14, 1859, the date when Oregon became a State, upon motion of of A. R. Burbank, 1853, that matter was taken from the table, and a spirited discussion ensued, Frederick V. Holman, 1854, Ahio S. Watt, 1847, Thos. A. Wood, 1852, and Robert Ford, 1852, opposing the extension of time and John Minto, 1844, A. R. Burbank, 1853, Curtis C. Strong, M. D., 1849, Hon. William Galloway, 1852, W. H. H. Myers, 1852, George H. Himes, 1853, earnestly

arguing for the passage of the amendment. Finally two tellers being appointed to represent each side, a vote was taken by the contending parties arising to be counted. This resulted in a large majority for the amendment, and was so declared by the President; but those opposed, led by Mr. Holman, endeavoring to impeach the count of one of the tellers, the winning party, not desiring any seeming unfairness, consented to have the vote taken over. This was by a division of the contestants, and the majority, as indicated by the tellers, was much greater for the amendment than in the first instance, it being carried by a vote of 143 to 85; whereupon President Corbett again declared the amendment adopted, thus extending the right of membership in the Association to all who arrived in Oregon prior to its admission to the Union.

The next business transacted was the election of officers for the ensuing year, which resulted as follows:

Hon. H. W. Corbett, 1851, Multomah county, President. Hon. William Galloway, 1852, Yamhill county, VicePresident.

George H. Himes, 1853, Multnomah county, Secretary. Dr. Curtis C. Strong, 1853, Multnomah county, Corresponding Secretary.

Henry Failing, 1851, Multnomah county, Treasurer.

J. T. Apperson, 1847, Clackamas county; J. M. Wagner, 1852, Marion county; T. R. Cornelius, 1845, Washington county, Directors.

The following resolution, introduced by Jonn Minto, was adopted by a standing vote:

WHEREAS, Since the last annual meeting of this Association in the order of Providence, Captain Robert Wilson Morrison has passed from this stage of life; and

WHEREAS, Fifty years ago Captain Morrison was a chosen leader amongst the remarkable men, who at that time were crossing the plains and mountains in order to make their homes and plant American institutions to make good the title of the United States to the valley of the Columbia; therefore be it

Resolved, That the officers of this Association are hereby instructed to take such steps as will place upon record as good a portrait of Captain Morrison, as can be procured, as a representative of the heroic class.

The special committee on resolutions, William Galloway, T. R. Cornelius, and J. S. Risley-presented the following resolutions, which were adopted:

Resolved, That we reverently bow to the decree of divine Providence in removing from our pioneer ranks so many of our brethren and sisters during the past year, and we extend to the surviving relatives and friends our most heartfelt sympathy and condolence.

Resolved, That the thanks of this Association are due and tendered to the gentlemen who so ably entertained the members at this annual meeting with their eloquent and instructive addresses.

Resolved, That we are under renewed obligations to the ladies and friends of Portland, who have so generously decorated the pavilion for the Annual Reunion.

Resolved, That our appreciation and thanks be presented to the various transportation lines which have given reduced rates of fare to those attending this Reunion.

Resolved, That we express to the officers of this Association our thanks for their services during the past year,