The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1845-05-16
Our Relations with England.

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Our Relations with England.
Our relations with England are in such an ambi-
guous condition, growing of the declarations OF
the British minister on the Oregon question, that
public opinion IN this country Is now in very I'M
settled state on the subject of peace war, and the
enquiry is very frequently made, what is TO be the
course OF our government and the policy they
mean to adoptl how do they mean to approach the
question in the shape of negotiation? This is all
very natural Vast interests depending on the
continuance of peace, and no doubt these various
interests of the country are looking out with keen
anxiety to the warlike symptoms as they occur from
day to day.
The first reception in this country of the declared
sentiments of the British government was marked
by great deal of sensibility in the public mind. In
short time however, this strong feeling gave place
TO SOBER common sense enquiry. Acrimony was
land aside-discussion was conducted quietly and
dispassionately, and the tone of public sentiment be-
came emnenty peaceful particularly after the result
of the ridiculous meeting on the Oregon question
held In Philadelphia. During the last two weeks
every sensible and intelligent man in the commune
ty has expressed DESIRE that, in the relations be-
u
dignifed attitude should be assumed by our govern
ment well that of Great Britain, as should tend
to alay excitement, do strict justice, and above ALL
discourage the spirit that had at first, in no
slight degree. manifested itself.
We have been endeavonng to ascertain as accu-
rately as possible the character of this important
Crisis In the relations of the two countries-what
the feelings of the people are, and may be- and also
what course the government itself may choose to
adopt, In order to overcome impending difficulties.
And first, in order to ascertain the opinions of go
vernment, we have been watching its newspaper or
gans at Washington for some distinct indication of
what WILDE Its future policy. AS yet do not per-
celve that these newspaper organs give any clear
distinct account OF what that policy may be. They
are full OF vague defamation, and persevering in
support of their claims to the whole of the Oregon
terrtory-couped, II is true, with declaration that
the government is willing to negotiate on fair and
honorable terms; but these declarations are so in
definite that we have endeavored to procure from
other quarters, more accurate information on the
question, and what the policy will probably be for
some time to come.
We have already stated that we had the strongest
reason to believe that the policy of Mr. Polk and his
administration will be peaceful and conciliatory.
Two attempts have been made to give the mission
TO the Court of ST. James, to distinguished statesmen
of South Carolina, but both have refused to accept
oft We are still strongly inclined to believe that it
IS the intention Of the President to offer that mission
10 j. Q. Calhoun, accompanied with large powers to
cover both the settlement of the Oregon question,
and to negotiate commercial treaty of character
TO draw the ties of friendship closer than ever be-
tween the United States and England. 1t is highly
probable, therefore, that Mr.. Calhoun will accept,
Notwithstanding his refusal Of the ordinary mission
Indeed, we know from the best authority, ascer-
tanned during the organization of the present admin
lstratlon that he would have accepted, in March
last some such mission; and we cannot believe that,
In the present Crisis of affairs, he would refuse such
an opportunity of exhibiting his patriotism and great
talents, and giving the republic the advantage OF
his experience and ability A few weeks, however,
will determine this important question of specia
mission If It should be adopted by Mr.. Polk, as
we have some reason to believe, it will be one in
which the American minister will hold in his hand to
the British government the alternatives of peace OF
war. If broad and comprehensive commercial
treaty. favorable and equitable the agriculture
merce and manufactures of both nations can be car
ried out, we do not believe that any difficulty will
grow out of the claims Of the British government for
small portion Of the Oregon territory The loss of a
small portion of that country towards the morrill, will
soon be compensated to the United States by far more
important acquisitions towards the south; and the
movement of the popular masses from this republic
will ovenun and embrace the whole of NorthernC ali.
fona, and secure possession of the splendid harbor
Of San Francisco, and bring about a repeti-
ton of the Texas revolution and annexation again
Nothing can prevent this from taking place on our
southern and western borders-neither the intrigues
of European powers the utmost efforts of Next
co herself
twill be seen, therefore, that if small portion OF
the territory, by way Of compromise, be given up tc
England, she must accept the whole system of mea
sures we propose to her, including liberal com
mercial treaty, in order to enjoy still more the peace
full and advantageous relations she now enjoys with
this country.
Such is the poicy,we conceive, that will be obser
eddy the Government in order preserve the peac,
ofthe two countries and to uphold the honor and in
tegrity Of the United States. If the British Govern
ment listen with cordially to such plan of nego
aton, and carry it out to the fullest extent the peace
of the two countries may be preservation many years
come and happiness will pervade both nations; the
result Of the new condition of things. But we are
persuaded that no other alternative will succeed.
If this mode of adjusting the difficulties between
England and the United States, should fail, then
there must inevitably be an appeal to physical force
and that at no distant day. Nor do we state such
opinion idly 1t is too much the habit of English
statesmen and writers to undervalue the resources
the moral and physical power Of this country, ane
her capacity to sustain contest on this cont
nent. In the event of war, it would nobe necessary
to send single company of soldiers to the Oregon
territory to sustain rights there. Any grea
war with England would involve the whole o
Europe; it would decide the fate of dynastie
without NUMBER and the people Of this country woult
be united as one man. One hundred thousand
soldiers could be thrown into Canada in tn,
course Of few weeks; there would then, witt
the whole OF British America in our hands, be M
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