The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1845-06-14

This interest is almost entirely American, and
does not include large trade in American vessels
from the northwest coast to China, and thence
home. These vessels touch at the Sandwich ISL
ands for supplies, most of which are grown on the
Oregon territory Now for this immense interest
the United States have never had single port in
the whole Pacific where this trade can be carried on
The whole has depended entirely upon the hostility
of the Sandwich Islands, and for ten years Congress
has been flooded with petitions, from those inter-
ested, TO institute some sort of authority and laws
on the Oregon for their projections and some of
refuge in of necessity This has been totally un-
needed. II is true, bill was presented to extend
the Iowa jurisdiction the Oregon, and also to
erect the new territory Of the Nebraska and extend
its authority over the Oregon, butwas not discussed
last session. Thus an immense marine and trade
have been entirely abandoned by our government,
and nc place of resort now exists but the Sandwich
Islands. What was the situation of that trade, and
what the CONSERVATION of those interested, when
two years ago, the English, under Lcrd George
Paulet, seized those islands and annexed them TO
the British colony? At one blow 800 American
ships and 10000 seamen were at the mercy of
the waves. 1t is true that the zeal Of the Brit
sh commander caused his movement to be
premature; but it was only premature. Twen-
ty years ago the British seized the Falkland ISL
ands in similar manner. The movement
premature and they backed out. In 1888 the
time was ripe and they re-annexed them to the
had in all last year but whaler in the Pacific yet
she had far government vessels at the islands and
on the Oregon coast Now the only harbor on that
whole coast is the mouth of the Columbia and it is
the only point in the property of the United States
where settlement for the support of vast Pacific
trade can be made. England, to all appearance, is
on the point of Selling that harbor and repeating her
blow at the independence of the Sandwich Islands,
although her whole interest in Oregon is fast de-
creasing fur trade conducted by a few miserable
trappers, and one whaler on the Pacific. One move
ment Of hers however, will sweep the whole Amer
can interest in the Pacfc,to destruction, and are
told that the only way TO preserve peace is to give
her the right to make that movement. To allow
the English TO remain upon the Columbia is to sur.
render the independence of the Sandwich Islands, and
to strengthen their claim California, already
menced by negotiations, fortunately discovered,
with Santa Anna, and 10 throw open the whole
western frontier to her ceaseless encroachments.
This we are told is the sway to preserve peace"
There are two classes who advocate this policy: the
one is superficial and thoughtess, and supposes it
is by this course building up reputation for great
wisdom and moderation; the other directly in the
foreign interest," because their dependencies are in
Canada and among the large class of alien residents
or receiving specified sums for certain publications
direct from English officials The American people
are, however, on the alert. The Great West is
moving, and the interests Of the country will be
powerful upheld against all the Vaccinations that
Europe can employ here or elsewhere.