The Somerset herald and farmers' and mechanics' register. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 183?-1852, 1845-12-30
THE OREGON QUESTION.

We are indebted to the New York
Tribune for the subioined digest Of the Of
fcial correspondence, between our own
and the British Government, in relation 10
ihis vexed question. 1t presents the
points Of importance. necessary TO be re-
membered, and viii afford to the general
reader, the information most TO be de-
sired:
The first is letter from Mr.. Fox, the
British Minister, TO Mr.. Webster, United
States Secretary of State, dated Wash
Ington, Nov. IS, 1912, covering acopy of
letter from Lord Aberdeen TO Mr.. Fox,
requesting that the United States Minister
at London might be furnished with in
stnctions 10 treat with such persons as
might be appointed by England, on the
Northwestern Boundary. Assuring Mr..
Webster that England was ready to enter
into a fair and equitable compromise of
the difficulty.
Mr.. Webster replies 10 Mr. Fox Nov,
25, 1912, informing him that suchinstruc-
tons would be given to the United States
Minister at London
Mr.. Packenham writes to Mr.. Upsher
United States Secretary of State, dated
Washington, Feb. "a, 1874, intimating
the anxious desire Of the British Govern
ment TO come TO speedy settlement, and
proposing conference.
Mr.. Upsher to Mr.. Packenham, Feb.
%, 1914, names ii o'clock A. Nj: next
day for said conference.
Mr. Packenham writes to Mr.. Calhoun,
July %, 1874, announcing that the death
Of Mr.. Upsher ION Feb. 2sth) &c. had
prevented prompt attention TO the Oregon
Boundary and that now as Congress had
adjourned it would be proper time 10 pro-
ceed withit.
Mr.. Calhoun 70 Mr.. Packenham, Aug,
%, 1914, appointed o'clock P, NJ. next
day for conference, concurring with the
English sentiment in desiring q speedy
settlement of the question.
Mr.. P.'to Mr.. G. Aug, %, "A agreeing
Il 70 the hour.
The conference was accordingly held
on the 23d of August, 1914 and the Plen-
ipotentiaries proceeded to examine the
state of the question. Mr.. Calhoun de-
sired a proposal from 3lr. Packenham,
who said he would be able 10 make def
mite one at the next conference and desired
Mr.. G. TO be also ready with his prOPO-
sal. Adjourned to the 26ih August, when
it again assembled. Mr.. Packenham
made proposal to Mr.. Calhoun, which
Mr.. Calhoun declined. They then a.
greed that more full understanding of
their respective views, was necessary 10
facilitate future proceedings. Ii was a
greed that written statements Of the views
OF both parties should be given before pro-
eeeding farther. 1t was also agreed that
The American Plenipotentiary should
make his statement at the next conference
and. when ready, give The necessary no.
tice.
Attached TO this Protocol is the offer of
Mr.. Packerham TO take the 49th parallel
oflatinde to the Columbia River and the
River TO the sea; and also to make free TO
the United States any port or ports which
tney might desire on the mainland or on
Vancouver Island South Of 499.
Sept ID 1874, the third conference
was held at the Office ofthe United States
Secretary of state. The American nego-
dator gave his views Of the claims of the
United States to the portion of the Ter
rilory drained by the Columbia as his
Ffounds for declining the British Minis
ter's proposal
Sept. I2, 1914, the fourth conference
was held at the same place, and the Brit
ish Minister gave his views.
Sept. 10Th, fifth conference, Mr.. Cal
houn delivered a rejoinder.
Sept, 24th, sixth conference.
The British Minister stated he had read
with due attention the rejoinder of the U.
s. PIenipotentiary. thai he did not feel
authorized TO enter into any discussion
relative to the Territory North oflat- 490
which was understood by the British
Government to form the basis of negota-
ton on the part OF the United States as
the line Of the Columbia formed that OF
England. That his former proposal was
offered By Great Britain as an honorable
compromise and that ii was made with
the roviso that in no case IN any further
negotiations should it compromise OF
weaken the claims of Great Britain unless
accepted by the United States.
Sept. Sd, '44-Mr. Calhoun to Mr.
Packenham-declines Mr. P.'s prsposai
as il would limit our possessions TO mar
rover bounds than what we had clea
right 10. Mr.. Calhoun then enters mt
an able argument on eur claims 10 tat
serrisory drained by the Columbia. aTisint