Binger Hermann

“ It seems that when General Lane was first elected dele gate from Oregon Territory, in 1851, and went to take his place in Congress, he had been accorded the special privilege, in deference to his distinguished and honorable career in the Mexican war, of making his own choice of seats, and he was exempted from the usual drawing of lots. ”

“ In talking to Cox about the bill, Lane told him that if it passed, the latter would be one of the first Oregon senators, as he had already been elected to the place, and that in that case he would have to vacate his seat. 'Now Cox,' he said jokingly, 'if you support this Oregon bill I will give you my seat.' The bill did pass at that session, and Cox remained a member of the House for many years thereafter. His service in Congress covered more than twenty years, including several terms as congressman from New York City. ”

“ Coming to Washington after all the good seats in the House were taken by others, he would necessarily have to take an inferior location, and in fact he was foredoomed to a place in the undesirable section of the hall, then known as the 'Cherokee pit,' practically out of sight of the speaker. ”