Boon's Lick times. [volume] (Fayette, Mo.) 1840-1848, 1845-12-20


TO break it off. In consideration, too, that
under the conventions of 1918 and 1927.
the citizens and subjects of the two pow
ers held joint occupancy Of the country.
l was induced 10 make another effort TO
settle this long pending controversy, in the
spirit Of moderation which had given birth
to the renewed discussion. A proposition
was accordingly made, which was rejected
by the British Plenipotentiary, who, with
out submitting any other proposition, suf.
fered the negotiation on his part TO drop,
expressing his trust that the United States
would offer what he saw fit to call some
further proposal for the settlement of the
Oregon question, more consistent with
fairness and equity, and with the reasona-
BILE expectations of the British govern
meni."
The proposition thus offered and reject
ed, repeated the offer of the parallel of
forty.nine degrees of north latitude, which
had been made by two preceding admin
lstratlons, 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
navigation of any Of our rivers, through
the heart of our country, was one which
| was unwilling TO concede. 1t also en-
braced a provision 10 make free to Great
Britain any port or ports on the cap of
Quadra and Vancouver's island, south Of
this parallel. Had this been new ques.
ton, coming under discussion for the first
time, this proposition would not have been
made. The extraordinary and wholly inadmis
sible demands Of the British government, and
the rejection Of the proposition made in Difference
alone 10 what had been done by my predecessors,
and the mpelled obligation which their acts
seemed 10 impose. afford satisfactory evidence that
no compromise which the United States ought to
accept, be effected. With this conviction,
the proposition OF compromise which had been
made and rejected, was, by my direction, sub
sequentIy Withdrawn, and our title to the whole
Oregon territory asserted, and, as is believed,
maintained by irre(ragabe facts and arguments.
The civilized world will see in these proceed
ngs spirit OF liberal concession on the part OF
the Z. States and this government will be re.
lieved from all responsibility which may follow
the failure to settle the controversy.
All attempts at compromise having failed, i,
becomes the duty Of Congress 10 consider wha,
measures it may be proper to adopt for the secu-
rity and protection Of our citizens now inhab.
! ting, or who may hereafter nhabit Oregon, and
for the maintenance Of our just title to that terri.
tory. In adopting measures for this purpose,
care should be taken that nothing be done to
violate the stipuIations Of the convention OF 1927,
which is still in force. The faith Of treaties, in
their letter and spirit, has ever been, and, trust
will ever be, scrupulousIy observed by the Uni.
ted States. Under that convention, a years
notice is required 10 be given by either party TO
the other, before the joint occupancy shall ter.
inmate, and before either can rightfully assert or
exercise exclusive jurisdiction over any portion
oF the rrb:- :,
judgment, be proper TO give; and recommend
that provision be made by law for giving it
accordingly. and terminating, in this manner, the
convention OF the 9Th August, 1927.
1t will become proper for Congress to deter.
mine what legislation they can, in the mean
time adopt, without violating this convention.
Beyond ell question, the protection OF our laws
and our Jurisdiction, civil and criminal, ought TO
be extended over our citizens 10 Oregon. They
have had Just cause 10 complain Of our long
negIec, in this particular, and have, in conse-
quence, been compelled, for their own security
and protection, to establish provisional govern
ment for themselves. Strong in their allegiance
and ardent in their attachment 10 the United
States, they have been thus cast 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 little delay
as possible, in the full extent TO which the British
Parliament have proceeded in regard 10 British
subjects in that territory by the act Of July 2.
1921, "lor regulating The fur trade, and estab.
fishing criminal and civil jurisdiction within
certain parts Of North America" Bv this &C,
Great Britain extended her laws and jurisdiction,
civil and criminal, over her subjects engaged in
the fur trade in that territory.
BY it, the courts Of the province in Upper
Canada were empowered to take cognzanca Of
causes civil and criminal. Justices Of the peace
: and other judicial officers were authorized to
be appointed in Oregon, with power 10 execute
all process issuing from the courts Of that pro.
vince, and TO "sit and hold courts OF record for
the trial Of criminal offences and misdemeanors,"
not made the subject Of capital punishment, and
also OF civil cases. where the cause OF action
shall not exceed IN value the amount or sum
Of TWO hundred pounds"
), Subsequent to the date OF this act Of Parlia-
ment, grant was made from the British
Crown" TO the Hudson Bay Company, Of the
exclusive trade with the Indian tribes in the
Oregon territory, subject 10 reservation that
shall not operate TO the exclusion "of the
subjects Of any foreign States, who, under or by
force Of any convention for the time being be-
tween US and such foreign States respectively.
nay be entitled to, and shall be engaged in,
the said trade
1t is much to be regretted, that while under
this act British subjects have enjoyed the protec-
ton of British laws and British judicial tribu.
mails throughout the whole OF Oregon, American
al il, tsrri,Oru baya apio,aI ~