The Arkansas banner., 1845-12-24

which had been made by the British, and re- jected by the American Government in the negotiation of 1926. This proposition was properly rejected by the American plenipo- tentiary on the day It was submitted. This was the only proposition of compromise of fered by the British plenipotentiary The proposition on the part of Great Britain hav- ing been rejected, the British plenpontentia- ry requested that proposal should be made by the U. States, for ''an equitable unjust ment of the question:
 When l came into office, found this to be the state of the negotiation. Though en- ertaining the settled conviction, that the Bri- tish pretensions of title could not be man- taned to any portion of the Oregon territory upon any principle of pnblie law recognized by nations, yet, in deference to what had been done by my predecessors, and especial ly ln consideration that propositions of com promsie had been thrice made by two pre- cedlng administrations, to adjust the question on the parallel of 10 degrees, and in two of them yielding to Great Britain the free navi- gation of the Columbia, and that the pending negotiation had been commenced on the ba- sis ol compromise, deemed il to be my du- tv not abruptly to break 1t off. In consider alion too, that under the conventions of ISIS and 1927, the citizens and subjects of the two Powers held joint occupancy of the country, was induced to make another cl- fort to settle this long pending controversy in the spirit of moderation which had given birth to the renewed discussion. propo- siton was accordingly made, which was re- jected by the British plenipotentiary, who, without submitting any other proposition, suffered the negotiation on his part to drop, exprssng the trust that the U' 5. would offer what he saw fit to call '.seme further propo- sal for the settlement of the Oregon question more consistent with fairness and equity, and with the reasonable expectations of the British Government.n Tho proposition thus offered and rejected, repeated the offer of the parallel of 49 degrees of north latitude, which had been made by two preceding ad- ministrations, but without proposing to sur render to Great Britain, as they had done, the free navigation of the Columbia river. The right of any foreign Power to the free navi- gatlon of any ol our rivers, through the heart of our country, was one which l was unwl- ling to eoncede also embraced provis- ion to make free 10 Great Britain any port or ports on the cape of Quadra and Vancouver's island, south of this parallel Had this been a new question: coming under discussion for the first time. this proposition would not have been made. The extraordinary and wholly inadmissible demands of the British govern ment, and the rejection of the proposition made ih difference alone to what had baen done by my pred and the implied obligation which their acts seemed 10 im- pose, afford satisfactory evidence thatno com promise which the U. s. oughtlo accept, can be effected. With this conviction, the pro- position of compromise which had been made and rejected, was, by my direction, subse- quently withdrawn, and our title to the whole Oregon territory asserted, and. as is believed maintained by irrefragable facts and argu- ments.
 The civilized world will see in these pro- ceedings a spirit of liberal concession on the part of the U States; and this government will be relieved from all responsibility which may follow the failure to settle the controversy
 All attempts of compromise having failed it becomes the duty of Congress to consider what measures il may be proper to adopt for the security and protection of our cti- zens now inhabiting, or who may hereafter inhabt Oregon, and for maintenance of our just lile 10 that territory. ln adopting mea- sures for this purpose, care should be taken that nothing be done to violate the stpula- tions of the convention of 1897, which is still in force. The faith of treaties ill theil letter aud spirit, has ever been and trust will ever be, scrupulously observed by tht US. Under that convention, yoar's notice is required to be given by either party to tht other, before the joint occupancy shall term mate and before either can righdully asser or exercise exclusive jurisdiction over anl portion of the territory. This notice, it would i in my judgment be proper to give; aud re commend that provision be made by law fo giving it accordingly, and terminating in this manner, the convention of the 9th ol August l lS27
 twill become proper for Congress 10 determ- inc what legislation they can, ill the mean time, adopt without violating this convention Beyond all question, the protection of oul 1 laws and our jurisdiction, civil and criminal ] oughtto be immdiately extended over our citl- eng in Oregon.i They have just cause to com plain ol our long neglect in this particular and have in consequence, been compelled, iol their-own security and protection. 10 estab- i fish provincial government for themselves Strong in their allegiance,- ,-and ardent in theii attachment to tho U. S.. they have been cas- upon their own resources.
 ! They are anxious that our laws should be extended over them, and recommend that this be done by Congress with as llule delay as possible, in the full extent to which the British Parliament have proceeded in re- gard to British subjects in that territory, by their act of July the second, 1891, ''for regu- lating the fur-trade, and establishing a crlmi- nal and civil jurisdiction within certain parts of N forth America" By this act Great Brl- tain extended her laws and jurisdiction, civil and criminal, over her subjects, engaged III inc fur-trade in that territory By il, then courts of the province of Upper Canada were empowered to take cognlzance of causes cI- yil and criminal. Justices of the peace and other judicial officers were authorized 10 be appointed in Oregon. with power to execute all process issuing from the courts oi that province, and to sssit and hold courts ol re- cord for the trial of criminal offences and nisdemeanors," not made the subject of capl- tal punishment, and also of civil cases, where the cause of action shall not ''exceed in value the amount or sum of two hundred pounds.'