The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1845-12-31
From the New Orleans Bulletin.

II is, we think, matter of great congratulaon
that MIR. Polk has strengthened the American posi-
ton on the Oregon question so greatly by renew
al of the offer TO divide the territory at the 49th
degree of north latitude. 1t places the government
on high ground not only before tho nation, but also
in the eyes of the world; and we cannot but think
Mr.. Pakenham made false step in his diplomacy
by SO abruptly ree;ting the offer. II at any rate
coud nave done no HARM to the British side Of the
question If under that offer he had kept open the
door of negotiation, instead of promptly closing
it. and in the manner of doing it were locking
il so that if it does not prevent it from being re-
opened, will at least render rather difficult 1t is,
we see, asserted that if this offer had been
panied with the free navigation of the Columbia
river il would probably Dhave been accepted On
this latter concession, however, there does not appear
to be any division Of opinion side; all seem
equally opposed to granting any such privilege.
The Inconvenience, risk and constant collision that
would be the consequence of any such joint rights
are too apparent to require mentioning. II would
be one continued source of trouble in every way to
say nothing of the impolicy, il not the humiliation,
of allowing any foreign nation the positive and
treaty right of navigating any streams flowing
through our territory independent in their action
and uncontrolled by our laws.
During the negotiations at Client, the British nc
gotiator demanded the right to navigate the Msss-
sppi, but the demand was promptly and indignant
ly refused by our commissioners, though we were
then very anxious for peace, and the nation was
suffering under the pressure of the war in every
way.
Lawrence, though possess one bank of that river
for Considerable distance. As matter of course
veehavc the right of freely trading between places
in our territory on the banks of that river but
the moment 60 on the British side, or attempt to
land there, our river craft subject to all the
duties and commercial regulations of the British
laws. We possess no privileges there matter of
right, nor ought we ever to grant such privileges on
the Columbia or any other river that flows through
our territory. The same reasons hold good for re-
fusDg TO accept the Columbia a boundary, that
would release the entire right bank of that river to
the British, and thus give them the virtual joint con-
troll oft But there even stronger reasons than
these for refusing that river as boundary; for not
only does il empty into the ocean in latitude 46,
which takes three degrees beyond what any admins
tration has been willing TO concede of seacoas from
u.s. but the river before it reaches the ocean, makes
a long detour to the south, coming down within
80 or 100 miles of our present southern boundary
with Mexico, in latitude AZ and then runs north,
and, as previously stated debouches in latitude 46.
To give this river boundary would actually
leave us with a strip Of land only eighty or one
hundred miles wide by which we could reach the
Pacific.
Some seem disposed to censure the administration
for Withdrawing the offer they had made; but we do
not see how they could have acted otherwise. The
offer was made in the way of compromise and con-
cessiop, and was peremptorily rejected. Why
should we suffer that offer to remain after it was
,refusedi Why allow the adverse party the advan-
tae of having in their refusal, TO accept il at their
leisure, or when time and change Of circumstances
might enable us to obtain better termsi The with
drawal of the offer does not prevent from acce-
ding 70 il, il think proper at future day, should
the British government shsw a willingness or ex-
press desire to agree to it. But that reason
why we should continue bound by the offer, and the
opposite party be free. We acknowledge our read-
10 accept the boundary Of 40 degrees, for the
sake Of terminating the present unpleasant position
Of the question, and to attain that end, relinquish
portion of what every administration has held to be
our clear title. This refused, ore, Of course,
thrown back on our original claim. Precisely as
an individual to avoid litigation and ill-blood may
sometimes offer to compromise what he believes to
be his right; but If compelled to go to law, he
tends, Of course, for his whole demand. In this
position we believe the administration will re-
ceive the almost quite unanimous support Of the
nation.
We are not Of those who think that war must nc
cessarily grow out Of this question. That event can
not at any rate, cur without violation Of treaty
stipulations one side or the other, till after the
expiration Of the twelve months notice; and even
then il must take some time to bring about col
ision, as il is not probable that either party win