The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1845-05-23

!, collections for the "U,sion." ~
We are requested to say the same gentlemen are
authorized to make collections for the "Giobe."
VIEWS ON OREGON--FROM THE OTHER
SIDE OF THE WATER.
We lay before our readers an article on "the
Oregon question" from the "London Examiner, y
ofApril &C. received by the Britannia, and present
ing view nearly fair and correct Of that most
interesting subject than any other which we have
. as yet seen from the quarter of the world. II
affords us, too the greater pleasure because pro-
ceeds from journal which is generally the most
bitter Of all the English papers in its denuncations
against our own country, and particularly against
the moral character of our people. This spirit, in
IDeed, appears in the concluding paragraph of the
article which we now republish. But we are not
disposed cavil at these indications; and while we
admit the general correctness Of the historical view
which occupies the greater portion of the article,
we shall take leave to make some remarks upon one
proposition certainly the most essential in the case,
and which we shall show to be improperly
stated.
The Examiner says, ''the maximum claim of
England, and the minimum of the United States
is the Columbia; the maximum of America and
the minimum Of England is the forty-ninth par
allel"
Now, If the word offer had been substituted for
claim this proposition would have been more nearly
correct. The American government did offer, in the
spirit of compromise to surrender its claims to all
territories north of the forynnh parallel prorided
that England should in like manner surrender her
claims to all south of that line This OFFER the min
imum of the United States, was rejected by the
British, who refused, by their maximum offer, to
admit the possession by the United States of any
territory north and west Of the Columbia, except
the small detached portion in the angle between the
strait Of Fuca and the Pacific. These offers were
severally Withdrawn after their rejection; the plen-
ipotentiaries Of each party, formally entering upon
the minutes Of the conference in which they were
refused their protests egains The offer Of concession,
being even taken in any way to prejudice the claims
OF their respective governments"
The distinction between offer and claim will thus
be seen to involve important differences in the
suits. Since these offers were made, (l627, many
changes have taken place in the position Of the two
nations with regard TO Oregon. The effects of these
in the negotiation now supposed to be in progress.
The tone assumed by the portion of the London
press which is considered enjoying the conf
dence of the ministry, is not indeed, thus far calcu-
lated to induce the expectation that Great Britain
will recede from her maximum offer; and certainly
no true American would expect our government,
while our fellow-citizens removing to Oregon by
thousands, to confne them within limits more re-
stricted than those for which we commended when
our whole population in that territory did not ex-
coed two hundred. r.
The Examiner proposes, as fair partition Of
the territory that "he boundary should be the 49tb
parallel until it meets the Pacific and then the
With the recollection of the bubbles which have
been introduced by British diplomatsts into the con-
troversy respecting the northeastern boundary, we
trust that in any treaty which may be concluded
with regard to Oregon, such distinction may be
drawn in ,cords between the strait of Fuca and the
Pacific ocean, to leave room for farther equivo-
cation. The minimum offer Of the United States
comprehended all American territory, whether con-
tinent or island, south of the 49th parallel which
passes through the southern portion of the grea
island of Quadra and Vancouver. The portion o.
important as forming the northern side of the strait
of Fuca, and on account Of the many good harbors
on its coast though Nootka Sound, one of the bes
ports in that part of the world lies in 49t degrees
It is for our government to consider whether would
be expedent to divide the island, and perhaps plan
the seeds of future disputes between the two coun
tries They will still further have to consider wheh
er it would be proper to recede from the minimum or
that point in return for some equivalent from Grea
Britain elsewhere.
We have taken some pains to point out to oui
fellow-ctizens the true distinction between on,
claims and our offers to Great Britain with regard to
Oregon. Since these offers made great changes
have occurred in the positions Of the two nations
wards Oregon--ch changes which are evidently ope
rating in favor of the United States, both as to
title and to the power of enforcing it. Or
the other hand, much as we desire to preserve
pence, which was never more important thar
now to the welfare of both nations, and o
the whole world, yet we wish none bu
an honorable peace. Our honor and interest,
are confded to men whose character requires
no guaranty from us, who possess all the lights
which are required for safe conclusion o
the questions at issue, and whose conduct in thu
matter will in any be subjected to the searching
tribunal of an enlightened people. To that people
whatever may be their party divisions, whatever b.
their sectional feelings, now appeal. Let every
good citizen support the cause ofsour country BY
his exertions whenever they may be needed. LIE
us at the same time, for the present, abstain from
trummelling and embarrassing the administration Il
b,ya nf
difficult and delicate question They have no inter
ests distinct from those Of their country. Mr.. Poll
will secure your peace if he can; but nothing sbor
Of your essential rights, and honorable peace, cal
astisfy you satisfy himself.
From the London Examiner April %
THE OREGON QUESTION.
We do not recollect speech which has given mor
pleasure than that by Lord Aberdeen OF the ath April
the Oregon question II shows that foreign relation
o n wi has he To