A presentation by Robert Newell and Joe Meek to the Oregon House of Representatives on April 2, 2007

Gentlemen – and apparently ladies now as well – It's my great pleasure to stand here before you today . . . since I have been DEAD for 140 years!  Because I was the first speaker of the house – during the provisional government, that is, and also served in both territorial and state governments as well -- I have been granted the honor of addressing you, just a few days past my 200th birthday. 

And, who better to share the podium with me today, than my old friend, Mr. Joseph L. Meek.  Joe what was that title you so graciously bestowed upon yourself? 

Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary from the Republic of Oregon to the Court of the United States!  At your service. 

Ah yes.  And the best remembered story about you, Joe, which appears in the picture on the wall of this very chamber, was how you saved the day to establish the provisional government at Champoeg when you cried out . . .  

“Who's for a divide?  All for the report of the committee and organization, follow me!” 

But, Joe, the way the story is still often told today -- and has been for many years -- with the vote being 52-50 in favor . . . now, I'm not disagreeing that you said something like that but . . . Well, let me explain . . . since I was there too, voting with you and other Americans -- AND French Canadians -- in favor of the resolution.  In short, what really happened on that fateful day in May 1843, was that George LeBreton, a secretary of the committee, had moved that the meeting divide prepatory to being counted, in essence, calling for a divide, whereupon, old Joe here, forcefully shouted it out, as was his style.  And, as the two lines were being formed, considerable pulling and hauling with sharp words took place.  And, after about a half an hour the vote was counted.  The vote was NOT decided by TWO French Canadians, but by a greater majority, being carried by FIVE votes, and with at least that many Frenchmen voting in support. 

And, whether government in Oregon really began on that 2^nd day of May in 1843, well, even that's a matter of debate. 

You see, even before the vote at Champoeg, Ewing Young did probably the worst thing he could have done to Dr. McLouglin and the very best thing he could have done to establish government here in Oregon.  He died.  He died without a will, and without an heir, and had many head of cattle on his vast lands.  People asked what was to become of all this wealth and property?  And the answer was . . . government.  The rest is history, the Wolf Meetings, the Vote at Champoeg, the Organic Laws, the Provisional and then the Territorial governments, and finally, of course, statehood and state government. 

Oh, and the debates that raged about our government in those early years!  The first great debate, was whether or not to form our own independent nation!  Another was whether or not to have a governor!  Yes!   And, the motion passed.  I'm not, by the way, suggesting that this issue should be debated again by either today's or tommorow's legislators, just sharing some history. We also had discussed and agreed to the voluntary payment of taxes, but . . . it didn't work out very well, and Joe, weren't you the one that collected those first taxes? 

Yes, I was the Sheriff, as you well know, and that reminds me of a story.

Joe, as much as I'd like to give you the floor, our time is short.

 A few parting thoughts to all of you, who have been gracious enough to lend me your ear.   

And, yes, besides the Bible, various works of Shakespeare trapped with me in the mountains.  These books made clear to me that what men and women think, and feel and do make government necessary, whether we like it or not.  Our desires CAN get the better of us, like wanting wealth or fame or power or even clinging to what we think is right, instead of opening ourselves up to get a better understanding of what the truth might really be. 

 And having that greater view that one attains beyond death itself -- is what I knew in life as being so.   There are simple truths common to all, whether Pioneer or Indian, whether British, American or French Canadian, whether man, woman or child, whether young or old, whether farmer or lawyer.  And, whether or not we choose to awaken to our common humanity -- to think, speak and act according to what we know to be true  -- in both our hearts and minds -- is up to each one of us.  There really is no other choice than to do our best, whether as a public servant or household servant, whether teacher or student, whether those more fortunate than most or those less fortunate, to do whatever we can every moment of our life -- which is all too short --  to remove the pain and suffering around us, and to love, with respect and thankfulness, simply and wholeheartedly love, all people, this very earth and all the wild things upon it.  Love can conquer any power, and everyone has the power to love, but legislators are elected to a special place, where they can put the power of love into action through government.  This IS YOUR moment in history.  All the world's a stage, and all the people it's players.  I sincerely pray, you play, your part, well.

 Thank you.

*************************************************************

Presentation written and read by Al LePage as "Robert Newell," with greatly appreciated editing suggestions and assistance from Bob Hart as "Joe Meek," on Monday, April 2nd, 2007 from the Speaker's podium in the Capitol House Chambers at Salem, Oregon at 11 AM.

A few comments by the author . . .  

Given the venue of the Capitol and audience of legistators plus the fact that Newell had been a public servant . . . the creative process eventually evolved to focus on two basic themes, the early history of government in Oregon and insights Newell apparently had during his life and could plausibly have further acquired "beyond death."  These would be connected not only with the pain and suffering he must have endured while alive, but also from reading the Bible and Shakespeare and in helping and serving others, whether in healing, peacemaking, his generosity after the Flood of 186, in goverment, etc.  So, here's Newell, doing what he did when he was alive, again correcting the story of history, especially the story of his good friend, Joe Meek, (literally appearing on the wall of the House Chamber!) and offering kindly advice from beyond the grave to other legislators that they might "play, their part, well."  And the strong message of love at the end with the addition of the word "pray" suggests obvious biblical overtones.  So, although Newell never actually wrote these words, of course, they seem plausible based on who he was, and as he was described by others during his lifetime.  I hope Newell, at least for the most part, would have approved.   

Copyright 2007 by Al LePage, April 2nd, 2007