Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1844-04-05

GAS wise and experienced as was President
Monroe--as much as he had witnessed OF the
growth Of our country in hiS ime, so inadequate
was his conception of its rap dity, that near the
close of his Administration, in the year 1874, ne
proposed to colonize the Indians OF New YORK, and
and those north of the Ohio river and east OF the
Mississippi in what is now called the Wisconsin
Territory under the impression that it was por
ton of our territory remote, that they would moi
be disturbed by our increasing population for 0
long time to come. 1t is now but eighteen years
since and already, in that short PERIOD it is great
and fourishing Territory, ready to knock at oul
door for admission as one of the sovereign mem
bers of the Union. But what is still more striking
what is really wonderful and almost miraculous
is, that another territory Qowa) still further wes
beyond the Mississippi,) has sprung up, as If by
magic, and has already outstripped Wisconsin, and
may knock for entrance before she is prepared to
do so Such is the wonderful growth of popula-
ton, which has attained the number ours has, and
is still yearly increasing at the compound rate 1t
is and such the impetus with which it is forcing
its way, resistlessly westward. 1t will soon--tal
sooner than antcipatod-reach the Rocky Noun
tains, and be ready to pour into the Oregon Terri
tory, when it will come into our possession without
resistance or struggle; or, if there should be re-
sistance, it would be feeble and Intellectual. W.
aCoild then be as much stronger there, comparative
ly, than Great Britain, as she is noiC stronger than
we are and it would then be as idle in her to at
tempt to assert and maintain her exclusive claim to
the territory against as, it would noio be IN as to
attempt it against her, Let IL be wse and abide
our time, and it will accomplish all that we desire,
with far more certainty, and with infinitely less
sacrifice, than without it."
al am not, however of opinion that Great Brit
ain would declare war against us. If | mistake
not she is under the direction at this time of those
who are too sagacious and prudent to take that
course. She would probably consider the treaty
at end, and take possession adverse to us, If not
of the whole territory, at least to the Columbia rv
or. She would, at the same time take care to COM
mand that river by strong fortificaton, manned by
respectable garrison, and leave it to us to decide
whether we shall acquiesce, or negotiate, or at
tempt to dislodge her. To acquiesce under such
circumstances, would be virtual surrender of the
territory to negotiate with adverse and forcible
possession against u.s. would be almost as hopeless {;
and to dislodge her at present. would as has been
shown, be impractcable.
"Such in my opinion, would be the probable re-
suit, should this bill be passed. 1t would place us,
in every respect in situation far less eligible
than at present. The occupation Of British sub
jects in the territory, as things stand, is by
permission, under positive treaty stipulation, and
cannot ripen into title as it was supposed itwoud
by the Senator from Illinois. Mr.. McRoberts.
But if their occupancy was adverse, las it
would be, should the measure be adopted,) and
Great Britain should resist, then this argument
would be sound and have great force In that case,
the necessity Of taking some decisive step, on our
part, to secure our rights, would be impervious.-
Delay would then, indeed, be dangerous But as
it is no length of time confer title against
us and it is that considering what advantage
Great Britain has over us at present, either to take
or hold possession, which ought to give to the
treaty great value in our estimation. 1t is wise
maxim TO let well enough alone. We can do little
at present to better our condition. Even the occu
patton and improvement by British subjects, against
which so much has been said, will, in the end, if
we act wisely, be no disadvantage. Neither can
give any claim against us when the time comes to
assert rights if we abide faithfully by the trea
ty They are but preparing the country for our re-
ception; and should their improvements and cult-
walton be extended it would only enable us 10 take
possession with more ease if it should ever become
necessary to assert our claims by force; which
do not think probable, if we shall have the wisdom
to avoid hasty and precipitate action, and leave
the question to the certain operation of time"