The Yazoo Democrat., 1845-05-21

as an ensign to the nations q tne eartl---
thew win find although in their civil con-
tests they honestly differ on principle, and
temporary excitement prevails among them,
vet when foreign nation invades their
rights, they will rally AZ one man, beneath
the glorious banner Of their common coun-
try.
| The claims Of four Government to Ore
gon Territory cannot be denied without a
palpablc disregard to truth, to justice, and
the laws Of nations.
Itbelongs to the United States, by discOo-
err, according to the well known law Of
nations which guarantees an undeniable
title to desert country to those who first
discover the mouth Of the river draining it,
provided, "they make known the discovery,
and the nation they represent in rca.
sonable time takes possession" This is
an established principle which every nation
has hitherto regarded as just, and equita-
bic.
In the year 1857 a number Of the enter.
prising citizens of Boston fitted out a YES
sci with the laudable design Of making,
under the cammand Of Capt. Gray, an ex-
ploring expedition on the Pacific coast, du.
ring which voyage they discovered the no
bic riverwhich with its tributary streams
run through the entire portion Of the Ter
ritory Gained by this government, and
gave it he honored name Of Columbia.
In the year 1892, Capt. Gray returned and
succeeded in sailing some distance up the
newly-tiscovered river, and we are inform
ed, "gye names to every thing worth
naming about the mouth Of the river, by
which names they are known to this day,
and always viii be-
To render. if possible our claims by dis
coverymore indisputable, British naval
officer who was at he same time cruising
along the Pacific coast, bore ample and
honorable testimony Of its being discovered
by that gallant sea man, Capt. Gray.
If other testimony be needed to prove
the validity o our governments claims to the
Oregon Territory, that of purchase may be
adduced. The history of the discoveries
on the Pacific coast proves conclusively
that if any other nation could have ever
based even shadow of claim to the dispu-
ted Territory that nation is Spain. Her
sails were the first spread on the Pacific
Ocean, and her ships the first to ride on its
rolling waves. But whatever claims to
the Territory in question contended for by
that nation and France, were relinquished
in the " florida and Louisiana purchases"
In 1902 our government at the urgent re-
commendation Of Mr.. Jefferson took effec-
tive means for its exploration and occupa-
ton, according to the requirement Of the
law Of nations. Thus was our title to that
vast region made perfect.
But England has not been idle. For q
long period her eyes have been eagerly
fixed upon that Territory, and she has con
tinually avowcd her unjust and unfounded
claims, proving clearly her baseness
and cupidiy--nor has she lacked energy
in vindicating her wrongful tide-she has
populated / with her citizens, and erected
forts ortheir safety and protection from tho
depredations Of the sayages that surround
them.-she has shielded them with her
laws, and promoted their prosperity. And
are the people Of the United States willing
that the. banner Of ST. George, shall wave
In triumph over their own soil-are they
willing to stay the title Of emigration which
has borne so many. Of their brethren to
that fertile rcgiOn--arc they willing to him.
1.-THE " area Of freedom, f" and be /" cribbed,
cabined and confined" for the aggrandize-
ment Of nation that is ambitious to sway
the sceptre Of the wOrldf That momen.
tous question they unequivOcally decided at
the ballot box, and their decision they viii
maintain epeaceablyi If they can, forcibly if
they mus"
Oregon Territoly is 4epreson ted by
those who have visited it as a valuable re-
gion--well suited for all the various branch
es Of industry possessing a delightful and