The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1844-01-26
FOR THE MAIDS OMAN.

FOR THE MAIDS OMAN.
! The London Times charges the Presidents
Message with exhibiting, on the Oregon and
Texas questions, an encroaching spirit; tenn
per inconsistent with an elevated morality III
to assert the rights of his country, in moderate
and dignifed manner be the display Of such
temper, and the exhibition Of such a morality,
the President is guilty of the charge. Those
who are themselves under the influence OF
drawcansr temper, and an ambitious spirit OF
encroachment, are very apt, in any contests or
disputes about property, to indulge freely such
charges against others. What right has Great
Britain to erect posts on the Oregon Territory
that we have not? Has she not fortified place
at the mouth Of the Columbia, one of the most
important positions on that Territory, while we
have none? Have we not also the right to ex-
tend our military posts on our own undlsputed
territory on this side of Oregon, without asking
leave of Great Britain, or giving her the slight
est ground for censure2
But the President /" hints his wishes for the
annexation Of Texas, and bestows hard words
on Mexico"
Admit it, has Great Britain limited her wish
es for The annexation Of Hong Kong and the
vast territory she has acquired in India, or has
she taken possession with open force, without
deigning 10 consult the United States, or any
other Power, on the subject2 Does she regard
US as her cabinet counsellors on the annexation
of territory TO her dominions2 Did the war on
the weak Government of China, because the
Chinese, in enforcing their restrictive opium
policy had destroyed immense quantities Of that
pernicious drug, illegally imported, and
punished certain British subjects for infrac-
ton Of her salutary laws on that product, and
the enforcement Of vast tribute in money,
and disadvantageous terms Of commercial in
tercourse with Great Brtain-did these things
indicate an elevated or "a very low standard of
moral feeling"
But has our President initiated all this No.
To threat without parallel except among the
haughtiest Governments of The earth, he re-
spends in calm and dignifed manner, reasons
the case most ably and judiciousIy, announces |
his country's rights, and repels, not with hard
epihets, but with decision and sound rea
sons, the belligerent menace of Mexico.
If he had wished TO proceed to blows with
Mexico, he would have answered her in her
own dTawcansir style. But, from the modera-
ton of his tone, although coupled with frmness,
it is evident he would urge no such extremities,
but under provocations imperativey demading
them.
The "sharp criticisms" therefore. of the
Times and other British journals on these sub
jecls, are bunted by the force Of ruth.
1t, can, however, create no wonder that Of
fence should be taken at the Presidents position |
IN relation 10 the Oregon aud Texas questions,
when we recollect that certain men of the
English arstocracy wish Great Britain 10 adopt
the conduct and language to which Virgil, in
the height of Roman domination, advised
that ambitious people
Tu regere inlperio pCpuios
Romano, memento,
(IIe tbi erunt evltes) pacisque imponere porem,
Parcere subjects, ct debeare superbos.
But that day is past when any one nation can
act on this principle with success; no second |
Rome returns; no modern nation is or ever will
be, alone virtual governor Of the earth. The
spirit of modern civilization and Christian
moderation has TOO deep root to permit any one
nation to assume this bearing in word or deed.
Recognising whatever is good in the conduct or
policy of Great Britain, we yet have our own
rights to maintain, and our own interests 10 Sc