Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1845-11-14
Mr.. WEBSTER ON OREGON.

passage:
"Where is Oregon? On the shores Of the Pa
cihc, three thousand miles from US, and twice as
far from England. Who is 10 settle il? Ameri-
cans mainly; some settlers undoubtedly from
England; but all inglO americans; all men edu-
called in notions of independent government, and
all self dependant. And now lei me ask II there
be any sensible man in The United States who
will say for moment, that when fifty or hun
dred thousand persons of this description shall
find themselves on the shores OF The Pacific
Ocean, thai they will long consent 10 be under the
rules either Of the american Congress or The Bri-
fish Parliament. Thy rH RAISE q Mandard tor
themselves, ami tiey opgh 10 do II. | look forward
10 The period when they will do this as not so far
distant, but iha; many now present, and those not
among the Youngest OF us, will see great Paci-
fic republican nation. believe that i, is in the
course OF Providence and Of human destiny that
a great State is 10 arise OF English and Amerl-
can descent, whose power will be established over
the country on the shores of The Pacific; and that
all those rights Of natural and political liberty,
all those great principles that both nations have
Inherited from their fathers, will be transmitted
through US 10 them, 50 that there will exist at the
mouth of The Columbia or more probably farther
South, great Paiifc Republic a nation where our
children may 90 for a residence, separating them
tegral part OF new government, half way be-
tween England and China; in the most healthiu,
fertile, and desirable portion Of The globe, and
quite too far remote from Europe, and from this
side of the American Continent 10 he under The
governmental influences ofcilher country
Thus, il seems The same game is TO be played
with Oregon, as was attempted with Texas. Mr..
CLAW pronounced his opinion in favor of Texas be-
ing free and independent Republic on our South
ern frontier, and his party echoed The strain. But
the people of the United States saw mischief in
the scheme and promptly put ii down. Will they
not also perceive fatal consequences in the plan
now preached By Mr. Webster, for the establish
ment OF Oregon under separate Government,
and subject 10 The influence and intrigue OF Eng
lish policy2 Will they not lrown upon poll
cy which exactly chimes in with nj. Guizots
"balance Of power" and with the London Times
scheme for establishing a new Republic on
our borders, 10 neulraize the influence and
cripple the resources Of the United States 7
Is not Oregon important 10 the United States,
in opening an avenue 10 the commerce Of
China and the Indies; ana should we surrender
this powerful lever OIL safety and prosperily2 In
the present state of things when England is ma
king every exenion 10 embarrass our progress
and check our power, such concession would
but encourage her 10 new agg,essions. In the
case Of Texas, we have already seen how the
powers OF Europe were encouraged BY The course
OF some leading politicians, to neddle in our
affairs, and attempt od defeat ou policy. Arenolthe
concessions Of MIR. Webster and other leading po-
litcians, on The Oregon question, calculated to
stimulate England 10 new inlrigues 7 We have
clear rights in Oregon, and he people want the
matter settled They will never consent 10 sur
render the whole country, as is seriously proposed
BY Mr.. Webster. The Wing party profess 10
have great confidence in this opinion OF MIR.
Clay. What, then, will they say 10 this PROPOSE
ton Of Mr. Webster, when, in 1896, Mr.. Clay,
then Secretary OF State, conlended for our rights
TO the whole Of Oregon, and communicated to
Mr.. Gallaln, our Minister in London, The follow
ing instructions:
"Nor is il conceived that Great Britain has, or
can make out cren a coioYabic Ailc 20 any portion
Of the North Uct Coast"
Was Mr. Folks famous saying, "Our right
10 Oregon is clear and unqueslionable," at all
stronger, as far as Great Britain is concerned,
than the dicum Of the great Wing oracle
The n. Y. News publishes The following elo-
qucnt and patriotic comments upon Mr.. Web
sler's extraordinary proposition. They will touch
The heart OF every American. Will not such an
abandonment of our own territory, and ofciizens
who were bone of our bone and flesh OF our flesh,
receive an indignant negative from all parties?
"Mr. Webster, il seems, is not believer in the
centrpetal power Of annexation. He imaslnes
that the redundant population which flies of from
our body into the fertile valleys Of The Columbia,
leave behind them all kindred lies, all remem
brance Of national glory The story OF our great
struggle for independence ceases TO interest them,
the history of The past is to them an old almanac;
| Their blood ceases to thrill al the name oil
| Bunker Hill, of Yorktown, and Of New Or
leans; the name OF Washington will no long
er be revered and all that is now near and
dear to the swelling bosoms Of American ciil-
zens. will wither and fade in The arid latitudes
/ of The Rocky Mountains. The emigrant will
! stand upon The plains OF the Pacific iorgellu oi
the past and regardless Of the present. The bet
Ter feelings Of his nature will have persisted before
The blast that sweeps over the prailies-and il he
| looks back at the home of his childhood, II will
| be with The malignant! desire oil separating iilrom
his grave, through the means OF a rev, perhaps a
hostile government, with all the paraphernala o.
Custom houses, protective Tariffs, standing ar.
mics and the jealousies they will generate Tc
prevent The continuance or growth Of any kindly
feelings; 10 avoid reminding The toil-worn pioneer
OF the home and the friends he has left, and 10 Sc
vereyery lie national and social, The abandonment
of the whole territory is to be urged, and above
all, no national road canal, or railroad, is 10 be
allowed TO keep up the national sympathies ant
facilitate communication between the Republic
of the Pacific and the Republic Of the Atlantic
The Rocky Mountains are to presen, 10 tie dwell
lers on either hand, only long line OF custom
houses, and the summit OF each peak is TO glitter
with the bayonets of the guards who are TO pre-
vent the peaceful visit OF the aged pioneer 10 lhs
scenes Of his youth, and to beat back from tht