The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1845-12-31
RESOLUTIONS BEFORE THE SENATE
COURSE OF CONGRESS-

S-SNAe
RESOLUTIONS BEFORE THE SENATE
COURSE OF CONGRESS.
The debate which took place in the Senate yes.
terday called forth several speakers and interested
a large and respectable audience We have given a
sketch Of it in last evenings "Union." 1t was eci.
ted by Mr.. Hannegan's resolution, which went for
the line Of OREGON to the 54th deg. 40 min. par.
allel of north latitude, and by the amendment OF
Mr. Calhoun, embracing series of resolutions,
which approved Of the Presidents having proposed
the compromise the 49th degree as calcu-
lated to promote the honor and 'the best interests
finally laid upon the table. We concur fully
with the decision; and we cannot forbear congratu-
lating the country on disposition of the subject
which seems to have met with the general concur
renee of the Senate. They will repose for some
time on the table.
These are abstract propositions about which it is
not SO easy to agree, and il is somewhat difficult
to mature and reduce them to practice. 1t is per-
haps more advisable for Congress to proceed to
act upon the practical measures which the Pres
ident, in the discharge of his constitutional func-
tons, has thought il his duty to recommend to
their consideration. His message seems to have
obtained the decided sanction of the people, and of
their representatives None has ever been hailed
with more general enthusiasm, or silenced more
completely the criticism of his opponents, or
commanded more warmly the confidence of his
friends. Many of the wings have been in
duced first to pause, and then to approve his
propositions; and the confidence of the country has
been increased by the of his past measures,
and the frmness and discretion with which our
foreign relations have been hitherto conducted.
In the exercise of his constitutional responsibility
the President comes before Congress to give an
account of his stewardship-to state the past
of his administration TO recommend to the
consideration of Congress ''such measures as he
shall Judge necessary and expedient" Who will
say that he has finched from the execution of this
duty Who will not admit that he has been bold
and decided in the propositions which he has SUBJ
mtted' Who will deny that his country has
warmly approved his message, and that he has not
deserved her confidence for the course which he
has pursued
He has come forward to recommend the best
fruits of his experience and reflections to the
consideration Of Congress. He has frankly laid all
the facts before them. He has specified the measures
which he considers the best calculated to advance
he best interests Of the American people," He has
recommended measures of practical character. 1t is
not to be doubted that Congress, in the free and
full exercise of their constitutional powers, will
give them ali the consideration to which they are
entitled "All attempts at compromise having fail
ed, !" he regards il as the duty of Congress to con-
slider what measures it may be proper to adopt for
the security and protection Of citizens, now n-
habiting, who may hereafter inhabit Oregon, and
for the maintenance of just title to that territory"
He is for scrupulously observing the faith of
treaties, and oil tho obligations Of the convention Of
1897 "Under that conventions, years notice is re-
quired be given by either party to the other be-
fore the joint occupancy shall terminate and before
either rghtfully assert or exercise exclusive u-
rsdicton over any portion of the territory. This
notice it would, in my Judgment, (says the Presi-
dent,) be proper to give, ahd recommend that pro-
vision be made by law for giving i. accordingly and
terminating in this manner the convention Of the
9th August, 1927 The President thinks, "beyond
all question, the protection Of our laws and our ju-
civil and criminal ought to be immedi-
ately extended over citizens in Oregon" just
the British government has already, and for long
time, extended their laws to their subjects by the
act of 1921 He also recommends that our laws
trade and intercourse with the Indian
tribes east Of the Rocky mountains should be
extended to such tribes as dwell beyond them" He
advises, also, that protection be extended to emf
grants, by means of stockades and block-houses on
the eastof the Rocky mountains, and San adequate
force Of mounted rifemen be raised to guard and
protect them on their journey" The President has
these various measures with great
Difference; !" and he pledges hs hearty concurrence
and support to any other mode" which Congress
may in their wisdom devise shelter calculated to ac-
complish the same object"
These measures recommended by the message, as
far we gather the public sentiment from every
source, from the press, popular meetings
ence, and conversation in all quarters, have received
the appreciation Of the people.
With this additional sanction, they come before
the Congress of the United States for their consider
alton.
What serious objection is there to their adoption
Can gentlemen apprehend ware Can any Ameri-
can be afraid Of war who is prepared to support the
rights and honor Of the country We entertain no
doubt that the President desires peace but it must
be an honorable peace In his very last letter to
the British plenipotentiary, the Secretary of State
whilst he withdraws the compromise proposition
expresses the hope, in the name Of the Presi.
dent, that our differences may yet be " finally
adjusted in such a manner as not to disturb
the peace and interrupt the harmony now SC
happily subsistng between the two nations" The
issue now really rests with Great Britain. I,
becomes the duty Of our statesmen, then, who
desire peace, to be firm and decided, whilst they
are cool and unimpassioned. The New York
Albion thinks that the notice is only calculated tc
accelerate the adjustment of the question. Besides
the notice is not war. 1t may even bring peace
nearer to- us. 1t will cause the statesmen of Eng
land to be more studious and active about the best
means ofpreserving il. "Thc Oregon question Gas
A.. al