Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1842-02-10
From the Madisonian, FEB. 3.
The SPECIAL MISSION.

The SPECIAL MISSION.
We have already adverted to the Spe.
cial Mission despatched from England to
this country. We conceive il indicative
Of disposition on the part Of that Gov
eminent TO settle, by amicable negolia.
ton, the subjects of dispute which now
menace q rupture between the two ma.
tons. Hitherto Great Britain has no,
seemed to manifest conciIialory spirit.
She added encroachment to encroach-
meut and assumption TO assumption, till
there was every reason to believe that
wer was inevitable, and that such was the
consummation she desired. A change OF
Ministry appears, however, to have super
induced change of measures, and to de-
monstrate her wish for peace and harmo.
ny between the two countries; she leads
the way in negotiation.
The Special Mission, it must be obser.
ed, nevertheless, brings matters to a cri-
sis. While it does not insure peacea
BILE result, it insures final decision of all
matters now in dispute. The laws which
are to govern the two countries in rela.
ton to the points in controversy, mus,
now be definitely settled by mutual a.
greement, or each country must take q
stand in defence Of its own understand.
ing Of the laws which should regulate the
intercourse between nation and nation. -
If both the negotiating powers find them
selves able to agree, peace we may ex-
pect will be permanently established be-
tween ihem-as the questions now pend.
ing cover nearly every conceivable cause
Of rupiure-and even should others here.
after arise, we can trust that the spirit
which adjusts the present serious differ.
ences, will be equally efficient in bring.
ing to the same happy termination those
which may by chance follow.
But, while the appointment Of Lord
Ashburlon creates hope that the proba
bilty Of war is lessened, there is enough
in that appointment itself to teach US not
to be too sanguine in our anticipatons.
1t does not manifest disposition on the
part Of Great Britain to adjust all differ.
ences peaceably, but it demonstrates also
determination to come TO definite un.
derslanding on all the controverted points.
1t may happen that, on some Of the ques-
tons of the highest importance, full &C.
cordance may be found inposs BILE. This
Government will not suffer England to
dictate the terms Of the stipula,ions to be
entered into there are principles which
we can never yield. II England requires
as an alternative, a concession which sur
renders any Of the rights of our citizens,
the negotiation is closed, and war mus,
ensue.
1t is the part Of wisdom. therefore, to
prepare for the worst. The Special Mis-
sion presents an unfavorab!e as well as
favorable aspect. fit is unsuccessful in
the attainment Of the great object of a
peaceable adjustment of the existing diff.
ferences, war will ensue far more speedi-
ly than if Lord Ashburton had never been
despatched to our shores on q message oil
peace.
Congress and the country must look a,
all the possible consequences Of the Spe.
cial Mission, and, while they may indulge
in the hope that it promises peace, they
must know that it also threatens immedi.
ale war. For this alternative they must
prepare, and make their preparations am
pie in proposition to the power of the en-
envy with whom we may be brought IN
collision.
THE New BRITISH MINISTER
New York American says:--LoRp ASH.
BURTON, who has recently been appointed
Special Minister TO this country, was &c
leave England, as we learn from letter
from high source in London, sbout the
25th of January, in a frgate for Annapo.
lis. AT his tune of life, (67) and with his
prncely fortune, no motive of emolument
or desire of diplomatic fame, could induce
MIN 10 make the sacrifice involved in such
an appointment.
ne comes here actuated wholly by the
belief that he will De able TO bring all the
disputes to an amicahle settlement. he
winch the prosperity Of the two. countries
will be consolidated and increased. Some
of the OPP os'ilon papers have limited tba,
Lord A. has great personal stake in tbs
preservation Of peace. This is no, so
The Bingham estate is perhaps undivided
and there may be some lands in Maine
unsold, but these are as safe in war ms If
peace. His connection with Barring
Brothers & Co., ceased in 1880, and Il,
is not holder OF American stocks. Tn,
appointment is undoubtedly complimen
tary one to the nation, and should be 81
considered.