Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1845-12-04

nles of "compromse p aud the avowed purpose oil
The parties was, ITO treat Of the respective claims
of the two countries to the Oregon territory, IN or
dor 10 establish permanent boundary between
them westward Of the Rocky Mountains to the Pa
ciIic ocean" Accordingly, on the tweniy-sixth OF
August 1914, the British penipoentiary offered TO
divide the Oregon territory by the ioriy-ninth par
allel of north latitude, from the Rocky mountains
10 the point Of its intersection with the northeast
ernmost branch Of the Columbia river, and thence
down that river to the sea leaving the free nayga-
ton Of the river to be enjoyed in common by both
partes-the country south OF this line to belong 10
Inc limited States and that north OF il TO Great Brit
ain. At the same time, he proposed, in addition,
10 weld to the United States detached territory,
fnofth of the Columbia, extending along the Paclhc
and the Straits Of Fuca from BIhnchs harbor
inclusive, 10 Hoods canal and 10 make free TO the
United States any port or ports south oil Ia'tude
foriy.nne degrees which they might desire, either
OH The main land or on Quadra and VancouWes
island With the exception Of the free ports, this
was the same offer which had been made by The
British, and rejected by the American government
ia the negotiation of Is26. This proposition was
promptly rejected by the American plenipoteniiary
on the day il was submitted. This was the only
proposition Of compromise offered by the BRUSH
penipotentiary. he proposition on the part OF
Great Britain having been rejected, the British
penipotentiary requested that proposal should be
made by the United States for "an equitable adj
iustment Of the question.
When came into Office, found this to be the
state of the negotiation Though entertaining the
settled conviction that the British preiensons OF IL
tie could not be maintained TO any portion OF the
Oregon territory upon any principle Of public law
recognized by nations, yet, IN Difference to what
had been done by my predecessors. and especially
in consideration that propositions OF compromise
had been thrice made by two preceding administra-
tons to adjust the question on the parallel OF forty
nine degrees and in two OF them yielding to Great
Britain the free navigation Of the Columbia and
that the pending negotiation had been commenced
on the basis of compromise, deemed it 10 be my
duty not abruptly to break il off, In consideration,
too that under the convention Of 1878 and 1927,
the citizens aud subjects Of the two Powers held
joint occupancy Of the country, was induced to
make another effort TO settle this ong-pending
iroyersy in the spirit Of moderation which had Civ
en- birth TO the renewed discussion. A proposition
was accordingly made. which was rejected by the
British plenipotentsry, who, without submitting
any other proposition, suffered the negotiation on
his part TO drop expressing his trust that the Unit.
ed States would offer what he saw TT TO call "somc
further proposal for the settlement of the Oregon
question, more consistent with fairness and equity,
and with the reasonable expectations Of the British
government" The proposition thus offered and
rejected repealed the offer of the parallel Of the
I
made by two preceding administrations, but with
out proposing surrender TO Great Britain, they
had DONE the free navigation Of the Columbia riy-
err. The right Of any foreign Power TO the free
navigation Of any OF our rivers, through the heart
OF our country, was one which was unwilling to
concede. II also embraced a provision TO make
free to Grea, Britain any port or ports on the Cape
Of Qnadra and Vaneouvres islands, south OF this
parallel Had this been new question, coming
fnr the first iua this
would not have been made. The extraordinary and
wholly inadmssable demands OF the British govern
ment, and the rejection Of the proposition made in
Difference alone 20 what had been done by roy pre-
decessors, and the implied obligation which their
acts seemed to impose, afford satisfactory evidence
that no compromise which the United States ought
--r-r---.-.' e--.-ti S.IsG- y. sIsn uau' ueen
made and rejected was, by my direction, subse.
quenty Withdrawn, and our title to the whole ofthe
Oregon territory asserted, and is believed main.
tanned by Heiragable facts aud arguments.
The civilized world will see in these proceedings
spirit Of liberal concession on the part of the
United States; and this government will be reliey.
ed from all responsibility which may follow the fail.
ure TO settle the controversy
All attempts at compromise having failed il be.
comes the duty OF Congress 10 consider what meas
ures it may be proper to adopt for the security and
protection OF our citizens now inhabing or who
may hereafter inhabt Oregon, and for the maiu.
ienance of our jus: title to that territory In adopt.
ing measures for this purpose, should be taken
that nothing be done to violate the stipulations of
the convention Of 1927 which is still in force
The faith Of treaties, in their letter and spirit. has
ever been, and, trust. ever will be, scrupulonsly
observed by the United States. Under that con.
vention, years notice is required to be given bv
either party to the other before the Joint occupan
cy shall terminate and before either can ripbtiullv
assert or exercise exclusive jurisdiction over any
portion Of the territory. This notice il would. in
my Judgment. be proper to give; and recommend
that provision be made by law for giving il accord.
ingly, and terminating, in this manner, the conyen.
ton of the 9th of August, 1927
Ii will become proper for Congress 10 dete,m;n.
what legislation they can, in the mean time adon,
without violating this convention Beyond all cues.
ton, the protection of our laws, and our iurisdic.
ton, clvll and criminal, ought to be mmediately
extended over our citizens in Oregon. They have
had Just cause TO complain Of our long neglect il,
this particular, and have, in consequence been
compelled, for their own security and protection
10 establish provisional government for themselves
strong IN their allegiance and ardent in their AZ.
.achment 10 the United States, they have been thus
cast upon their own resources. They are anxious
that our laws should be extended over them md
recommend that this be done by Congress with A.
little delay as possible in the full extent 70 ,yb;cI
the British Parliament have proceeded in regard a.
BRUSH subjects in that territory by their act of Tn.
" the second, 1871, "ior regulating the fur trada
ana establishing criminal and civil jurisdiction
within certain parts of North America" By ill.,
ACT ureat Britain extended her laws and inr;sd;c.
''oh' ci'll aud criminal over her subjects engaged
~ lne iur trade IN that territory By it, the courts
Of 'ne province Of Upper Canada were empowered
T. saNc oosnzance OF causes civil and criminal
'us,ees OF The peace aud other judicial officers
we're authorized 10 he annointad l., o.