To the Legislative Assembly belongs the consideration of measures which may best tend to the development of the resources of the Territory. Oregon possesses within herself many of these, which with enterprise and industry will most surely render her a wealthy, powerful, and prosperous State. She has a fertile soil, and genial climate; she has [vast] forests and abundant fisheries, unlimited water power, pastures upon which even during winter, innumerable flocks and herds can subsist, with no other care than the mere herding; and prairies which could with only moderate labor, furnish the whole of our Pacific Territories with bread.
John P. Gaines (December 1852) "Governor John P. Gaines Legislative Message, 1852", Oregon State Archives, Oregon Secretary of State, Oregon Provisional and Territorial Records, 1852, Calendar No. 9375.
