The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1845-12-15

his predecessors. the undersigned, in obedience
his Instructions proposed TO the British plenlpoten-
tary to settle the controversy ~ dividing the tern
tory in dispute by the 49th parallel OF latitude offer
ing at the same time, TO make tree TO Great Britain
any port ports on Vancouver's island, south OF
this latitude, which the British government might
desire The British plenpotentiary has correctly
suggested that the free navigation of the Columbia
river was not embraced in this proposal To Great
Britain; but on the other hand, the use OF tree pors
on the southern extremity oil this island had not
been included In former offers.
Such proposition as that which has been made,
never would have been authorized by the President
had this been new question.
Upon his accession to office, he found the present
negotiation pending. II had been instituted In the
spirit and upon the principle OF compromise It's
object as avowed by the negotators. was not to de-
mand the whole territory IN dispute tor either coun-
try but, the language oil the first protocol, TO
treat of the respective claims OF the countries to
the Oregon territory, with the view TO establish
ner ,manent boundary between them westward Of the
ROCKY mountains to the Pacific ocean"
Plac ed IN this position, and considering that Presi-
dents Monroe and Adams had, on former occa-
sions. oh cred TO divide the territory in dispute by
the forty NTH parallel Of latitude, he felt it TO be
his duty no. abruptly 10 arrest the negotiation; but
far TO YIELD ms own opinion as once more 10 make
a similar offer.
Not only respe CT tor the conduct OF his predeces-
sors, but slncer.' and anxious desire to promote
peace and harmony between the two countries T IN.
fuenced him to pursue this course. The Oregon
question presents the only intervening cloud which
lntercepts the prospect of long career Of mutual
friendship and beneficial Commerce betweenthe TWO
nations, and this cloud he de sired to remove
These are the reasons which actuated the Pre-
sdent to offer proposition so liberal to Great brl-
tain
And how has this proposition been received by
the British plenlpotentiaryl II has been rejected
without even reference to his own government :
Nay, more, the British penlpotentlary, 10 use MS
own language, " trusts that the American plenpo-
tertiary will be prepared TO offer some further pro
posa for the settlement of the Oregon question more
consistent with fairness and equity, and with inc
reasonable expectations of the British government.
Under such circumstances, the undersigned is in
struced by the President to say that he owes 1t to
his country, and just appreciation of her title
to the Oregon territory, to withdraw the proposition
TO the British government which had been made I'M
der his direction and 1t is hereby accordingly with
drawn.
In taking this necessary step, the President still
cherlshes the hope that this long-pendng controver-
sy may yet be finally adjusted in such a manner as
not to disturb the peace or interrupt the harmony
now so happily subssting between the two nations
The undersigned avails himself, &C..
JAMES BUCHANAN.
The Right Hon r. PAKENHAM, &c.