The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1845-06-02
EDITORS coRREsPoNDENcE.
DETROIT, May 26, Is45.

DETROIT, May 26, l645.
have remarked, in occasionally looking over the
wing journals, that your moderation towards the
BRUSH PREMIER in reference TO the menacing IAN
guaee in which be INDUCED in the House Of Com
mons an the Oregon question, has been mistaken for
), ouailing spirit on the part of government on
tbat subject Your declaration that the admsnlstra-
lion were not disposed close the door 70 further
negotiation, but that hopes were still cherished OF
pacific adjustment Of the Oregon controversy, has
been construed into disposition, either from sec
tional considerations, or from approximations OF
British hostility to make undue concessions TO that
power on the northwest coast, and to surrender a
large portion of Oregon in order peaceably to
the residue.
On the contrary, my inference from the good tenn
per and forbearance manifested on the occasion, in
your discussions in relation to this momentous sub
iect, leads me to the conclusion that the President
is firmly resolved TO maintain the ground taken in
his inaugural address, and that he TO carry out
his position in regard to the unquestionable right of
the United States to the Oregon Territory. The
policy of this republic is peace as long as peace
be preserved compatiby with national honor. II is,
therefore, right to feel and express hope, as long
as a shadow of hope remains, that negotiation may
still result in an amcabe adjustment of the question
IN controversy.
The suggestion that sectional views have any in.
uence on the administration in relation to the Ore
gon claim, is libel the probity and integrity of
the entire cabinet, as well as on the President. Not
"A gentleman among them is capable Of treating great
national questions in sectional spirit. The Presi-
dent, the Secretary Of State and the Secretary Of
the Treasury, as well as the other four members of
the executive government, have often publicly COM
mitted themselves in regard to our title TO Oregon.
They are liable to no charge of inconsistency, if,
with settled opinions the subject they still desire
to avoid war by its pacific settlement. Prudence,
and just respect for the opinions of mankind,
quire them to pursue this course
fhaSa NV vi 10 uyS nj
sound policy, am of the opinion that enc single
argument on the American side of the Oregon ques-
ton, supersedes and overrules all other consdera-
tons, and must ultimately give conclusive direction
TO the action of our government upon II.
Neither Great Britain, nor any other European
power can be allowed establish colonies this
continent So far especially England is concerned,
the acquisition by her of single additional province
in North America, would be utterly incompatible
with our safety tranquility, and independence.
This is obvious, that it would be supeYfuous to
enter into train of reasoning to prove 1t. As long
as she may keep the peace towards us, her present
colonial possessions may be respected. The mo-
ment she unshcathes the sword against us, her
North American colonies must fall into our hands,
and become part of these United States. Let her
consider this, and pause in her ambition to create
new provinces in this hemisphere.
Twenty-Five years ago, the American principle of
policy in regard to all this momcntous matter was
officially announced to the world. President Mon
roe, in his message to Congress on the Cd of De-
ccmber, 1929 in reference to this very Oregon ques
ton, proclaimed that henceforth the American
tnents were not to be considered subjects for
future colonization by any European power" II
was at the Time understood that the declaration of
Mr.. Monroe made in concurrence with the
views Of Mr.. Canning, the then prime minister Of
Great Britain, who considered that this was the best
course which could be adopted to prevent future col
lisions between the two most powerful maritime ma
tons on earth
The following is the whole passage which the
message contained on the subject:
AT the proposal of the Russian imperial government
made through the minister OF the Emperor residing here
full power and instructions have been transmitted to the
minister Of the United states at st. Petersburg to
d the two nations on the northwest coast Of this continent
similar proposal had been made by his Impeid Majesty 10
The government OF the United States has
DESTROYS by this friendly proceeding OF manicsng the
friendship Of ne Emperor and their socituie cultivate
the best understanding with his In the dis
which this has given rise and
engagements by chch they may terminate the occasion has
been judged proper for asserting as principle In which
the rights and interests Of the United States involved
that the .amerean by the free and independent
condition which they have assumed and maintain are
henceorth not to be considered as subjects eoion
cation BY any European poUer"
This noble declaration constitutes the true basis
of the American political system. II is the ceeed OF
our foreign policy. II is the textbook of American
statesmen in our diplomatic intercourse with Eu-
ropean nations.
1t will be perceived that the President was care.
full TO exclude the wishes of Great Britain from any
weight in inducing him to negotiate for the settle
ment of the conflicting claims the northwest coast
of this continent. II was the desire of govern
ment to cultivate the friendship of the Russian En-.
peror, to maintain good understanding with his
government which induced US to enter upon the
negotiation with Russia. The proposal on the sub
ject was made to England not by the United States,
but by Russia. The great object of the arrange
ment concluded by that negotiation to prevent,
from that time, any European colonization ON the
American continents. No such provision was the
result. But there can be no doubt that the Presi-
dent kept constantly in view, in that negotiation, the
exclusion Of England from the establishment of any
colony in Oregon.
From the ssmel
DETROIT, May q, ls45.
Some of the eastern wing prints still keep up
the alarm of war with Mexico, and predict the
most destructive consequences Of such war upon
our commerce. They say that commissions will
be issued to foreign vessels for the purpose of p
watering against ships and their cargoes; and
that, although Mexico has neither ships sailors,
she will execute her pratcal purposes with the aid
Of foreign commanders, vessels and seamen under
the Mexican flag.
It is of course desirable that a war; even with our
Mexican neighbor, weak as she in, may be avoided;
but if she should have the folly to wage it against
offoreign prvatcering under the Mexican flag.
Vattel says that
There is no doubt but subjects may with safe con.
science serve their own country by fitting out
unless the be deny unjust But on the contrary
foreigners taking commissions from Prince or state 10
prey nation absolutely innocent respect to iSe
guilty OF an infamous practice. The thirst for gold Is
their only induccment and however their Commission
may assure them Of mpuny 1t cannot wash away their
execrable guilt" f.
More modern authorities contend that foreigners.
thus acting In war in which their own nations
have no concern, are considered guilty of piracy
and deserving the punishment of pirates.
Chancellor Kent, in his commentary on the law
of nations, makes the following remarks:
science, his country by fitting out Prvateers; but
he holds TO be inexcusable and base TO take
from foreign prince to prey upon the subjects of
in amy with his native country The laws Of the United
have made ample provision this subject and they
may considered in armance Of the law OF nations ant
prescribing specific punishment for acts which be
unlawful An act Of Congress prohibits citizens &C
cept within the Jurisdiction OF the United States com