So declares the Oregon Historical society in reminding state residents that the provisional government of Oregon three days old May 3, 1843, like the Roman twins of legend, owed its life to that much disliked beast.

The famous Champoeg meeting which resulted in provisional law for Oregon was a direct outgrowth of the two almost equally famous Wolf meetings previously held February 2 and March 6 of the same year.  Oregon territory made up of several differing religious and political elements before had unsuccessfully tried to organize.  The two gatherings to discuss measures against predatory beasts preying upon cattle furnished the first issue upon which there was 100 per cent agreement that something must be done.  It resulted in the first taxation.

HIGHLIGHTS of the territory's steps toward provisional government were:

1. Death of Ewing Young, February 17, 1841.  The wealthiest individual settler in the Oregon country, with no heirs, Young's demise irrevocably pointed to the fact that some civil government was neccssary, to administer his estate.  A meeting after the services for him led to three others and a draft for government of which nothing came due to opposition.  The main result was the appointment of Dr. Ira I. Babcock as supreme judge with probate powers who was empowered to act in accordance with the laws of the state of New York.  The fact that there was no copy of the New York code in the colony did not phase those at the meetings.

2. The next significant gathering was the first Wolf meeting held to appoint a committee which read its report at the second.  These decisions were made.  That 50 cents bounty would be paid for a small wolf, $3 for a large wolf, $1.50 for a lynx, and $5 for a panther.

  Indians would receive half as much as whites; an assessment of $5 was levied on each member with provision for commission of 5 per cent for collection.  A committee of 12 was then unanimously appointed to consider additional measures; for civil and military protection.  This committee met at present day Oregon City, where several days later it was joined by most of the principal men of the neighborhood some in opposition.  The formal meeting at Champoeg took place May 3, 1843.

ALTHOUGH ACCOUNTS of this are hazy, the minutes inform one that in preparation for voting those in favor of organized government were asked to take the right those not, the left.  According to legend, Trapper Joe Meek called fiercely "All for the report of the committee and an organized government follow me."

  Fact does state, however that the leftest movement failed by two votes, the count standing 52 against 50.  It is in commemoration of the Champoeg meeting that the Sons and Daughters of Oregon pioneers are sponsoring a Founders day observance today at that historic spot on the Willamette.