Wheeling times and advertiser. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1839-1849, 1845-09-05
PROSPECTS OF THINGS IN OREGON

The idea of an independent Government I'm
Oregon, suggested by a letter from that quar-
ter recently published, has called forth some
speculations as To the nature of the.future
relations of the Oregon country with this
Union. In abiding TO Mr.. Benefits letter
some days ago, and to the intiination given
by him of the probability that the settlers in
Oregon would he obliged by the necessities of
their position to set mp Tor themselves, we
took occasion to remark that the organization
ot a government in that territory would be
most probably the prelude to future ancXa-
ton. The National lntelligcnccr, without
expressing any definite opinion on the subject
quotes from one OF Mr.. %fenton's speeches in
1928, and also from Mr.. Jefferson, TO show
that the idea of a separate nation in Oregon is
by no means a novel ono. The matter, AL
though il is one of speculation aud conjecture
merely, has interest enough Ia invite some
general consideration. Here follows the cx-
tract from Mr.. Benton;
''Mr. Benton proceeded to the next inquiry
the effect which the occupation of the Co
lumbia would have upon this Union. On this
point nc could speak for himself only, but lac
would speak without reserve. lie believed
that the Union of these States would not be
Jcoparded by the occupation of that river. but
that il would be the means of planting the
germ of a new and independent Power beyond
the Rocky Mountains. There was a begin
ming aud a natural progress in the order OF
things. The military post on the Columbia
would b. the nucleus of a settlement. Far.
mcrs, traders, and artisans would collect about
it. When arrivedat some degree of strength
and population, the young society would
Sickcn al a military government. and sigh for
the establishment OF q civil authority. A
territorial Govcunmcut obtained. the full en-
Ijoyinent of State rights would next bc dcman-
dcd; and, these acquired, loud clamurs would
soon he heard against the hardship of coming
so lar to the seat of Government. All This
Would be In The regular order of events, and
the consequence should bc ]forcsccn and proyi-
led Tor. This Republic should have limits.
The present occasion does not require ne to
say whcrct hese limits should be- found on the
north and south; but they are fixed by the hand
OF Nature, and ~postcrity will neither lack
sense TO see nor resolution to step up to them.
Westward, We can speak without reserve. and
the Ridge Of tie Rocky Mountains may be-
named without offence, as presenting a con
v%cnicnt, natural, aud everlasting BOUNDARY
Along the back Oi this ridge tlc western limit
II this Republic should IT, drawn. and tltr
.tatue ol the lablsd god Terminus should bc
raised upon its highest peak ncNcrtob be thrown
lown. In planting the seed of a new Power
VI tlIc coast of tie Pacific ocean. If slould br
veil understood That, When strong enough to
take care of itself. the new Government should
eparate from the mother empire, ~ the Child
'cparatcs rom the parent at thc age Of man
rood. The heights OF the Rocky Mountains
| iIUuld divide their possessions: and the mo
her Republic would find herself UNIDENTIFIED
or her cares and expense about the infant
Power ~ the usc oi - postm the Pacific ocean:
lac protection ol her interest in that sea: Inc
~nJ0ymeutOi the iUr trade. tic contol of m,
indians: The cSrigsion al q ihonurIv ftra no.
order: the Illustration of ihr lwytibt ~ le,,os
Great Britain; and, above alf.tfi fJc cree
ION OF d new Republic. composadtd htf rhjI.
rrn. speaking her language. ,uhcriiing bo,
rinciplcs, devoted to liberty and comilily
nd ready to stand by her side against lltc
Jmbincd Powers Of Tie Old World"