The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1845-05-08
the happy combination of the two, in justification OF
our national position on this question And that is
what there is no difficulty in doing.
lTo BE coNfiNUED
From the Richmond Enquirer
THE RIGHT SPiRIT.-OREGON

We are glad to see the Lexington (Ky.) Observer,
(whig,) published at Mr. Gays door, dropping Its
party character for the time, andthough grumbling
little at Mr. Folks ceurse-avowlng its firm resolu-
ton to maintain the rights and honor of the nation,
it, unfortunately, all negotiations should fail The
Observer declares that our right to Oregon "rests
upon an indestructble basis" Mr.. Polk conceives
the same opinion, and why should he not express
that opinion in behalf Of our rights.
"Whatever may be thought or the propriety OF
the course pursued by Mr.. Polk in his inaugural ad
dress upon this subject, whilst it was still under ne
collation. we are wholly at loss to know how II is
that Lord Aberdeen, Lord John Russell, and Sir
Robert Peel, can state with such unqualified bold
ness that their title to the Oregon is clear and tn
disputable. We do not profess to understand IN
full the various grounds of title as set up by both
governments but 30 far as our examination goes,
we have come to the conclusion, in which we be-
lieve we are fortified by every American statesman
of every party that the claim of the United States
u.s. beyond the reach of doubt or eguivocation para
mount to that of Great Britain. Whether the claim
is made TO rest on ancient or modern discovery OF
settlement, whether 1t rests upon treaty, we be-
leve that il is susceptible of demonstration that the
American title rests upon an indestructibe basis.
We viii not at present enter upon that examlna-
ton. We still hope that an honorable adjustment
may be effected, although, from the tone of the de-
bate in the British Parliament, SO enthusiastically
cheered and acquiesced in by the whole Parliament
it be apparent to all that the peace of the conn-
try hangs upon most precarious foundation.
'tWe cannot say that we were unprepared for
this, since the Great Western brought out the news
as to the manner in which the annexation of Texas
was received in England. How far that measure
has operated to produce this warke demonstration
by the British Parliament, we know not; but UNI
questionably it has had its due weight in blackenng
with clouds the horizon of foreign affairs This,
as we have before said, constituted with us one OF
the first objections to the mad and precipitate course
of John Tyler, in the getting up and presentation OF
the question at the time he did. 1t the doing OF
what no wise people ever permit---the making Of a
mere party question out of grave foreign internaon-
al subject.
"But be the cause what it may, that has brought
down upon us the united threats and denuncations
of both Great Britain and Mexico we very much
fear acting in concert and corporations and be
confidence in those who are now at the head of af-
fairs limited, we deem it the duty of us all
to initiate that policy which England has always
pursued, and which is so strikingly developed in
this very debate upon Oregon; and that is, to present
an unbroken front as one people.
'sWhen the rights of the nation are invaded, its
territory attacked, or its honor violated should all
negotiation fail, Gas we trust il will not) and the
sword be made to settle the dispute, we doubt not
the present race will prove true to their revolution
airy blood, and be found fully able to defend and
maintain american soil and american honor either by
land or sea, against Great Britain and her almost
unbounded resources.
although we should have been glad to be spared
this cup, and have had no hand in it, and although
il now devolves upon those who sowed the whirl-
wind to direct the storm, yet, upon questions like
these, and upon occasions like this, must forget,
possible the partisan in that broad and ennobling patri
otisn without which it makes but little odds where
a man ve--in Europe or America--under a crown.
ed head, or the stars and stripes of freedom"