The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1845-12-25
Our Foreign Relations-Their Exact
Position.

AZ
the last few days, in the columns of this journal
This position of the negotiations between the two
countries, mas been denied by many OF our conem-
pogaries but they are now forced TO admit that the
views which we gave On the subject are accurate.
namely; thar the negotiation between the two coun-
tries, the Oregon question, has not been termina
ted, but has been reopened TO certain extent, both
IN London and in this country.
To the particulars which we have given, and
which we believe to be substantially correct, we
will add another view which has come to our know
ledge Il appears that the British Government was
very much dissatisfied with the conduct OF MIR.
Pakenham, when they received the intelligence
that he had refused the proposal made by Mr.. Polk,
of the 49th parallel OF latitude, last summer. This
dispeasure was manifested to Mr.. M'Lane, through
Lord Aberdeen, and by Mr. M'Lane communicated
10 Mr. Buchanan Secretary of State, and received by
him short time since. 1t appears that Mr. Paken-
ham had left England without precise instructions
as 10 the 10Th parallel and that when il refused
by him, he was more minister OF the Hudson Bay
Company than Of the British Government 1t is now
believed that the refusal Of the proposition en-
tirely produced by the activity the intrigue and the
rapacity of the Hudson Bay Company, an incorpora-
ton that, il permitted, would sacrifice the peace of
Tue TWO " IMPULSES.
1t will be recoileced that during last summer, and
before the opening OF Congress, Sir George
Simpson, the Governor OF the Company, had been
scudding over this country in all directions. Imme
dlately after the opening of Congress, he was here
in close consultation with the agents of the compa-
nv and others. We have every reason to believe
that the purpose OF this Company is to keep the
gotation open, and 10 delay the settlement of the
IL. II ~LnLl
ever that the President of the United States, hav-
ing now placed the British Government in false
position before the world will not be in haste to
accept any new terms OF compromise that will be
offered but will rather walt the action of Congress
during the present session. and the development OF
future events so as TO shape his course in order to
meet any contingencies that may arise, hereafter,
favorable TO the United States. No doubt the diff
Guilty could be settled al once, and the British Gov
eminent is willing 10 do so but it is better policy
for Mr. Polk TO hold the matter in his hand, and
keep the British, French and other Governments in
the position that they now occupy to this country
before the word-that is like a monkey in clef
stick.
In order TO carry out this view of the best policy
to be adopted b. our Government, we do not see
that any difficulty can grow out OF the passage of
the law Introduced Oy MI Dcugldss III Rouse Oh
Representatives, or OF any other Of the res outions
before Congress. 1t is true that one OF our Wall
street contemporaries deems the passage of such a
law equivalent 10 a declaration of war ; but 1t is
evident that that opinion grows out of ignorance of
the legislation of the British Parliament the same
subject, and under which the Hudson Bay Company
and British subjects now act IN that territory. The
aw introduced by Mr. Douglass, il is true, proceeds
IL. -
10 the United States, from latitude AZ TO $40 but
yet there are provisions and restrictions in other
clauses of the same law, which meet the terms of
the treaty OF 1870, between the United States and
England, and that perfectly reconcable with
joint occupancy, until the time arrives when it may
be the policy OF the United States to strike blow
n the proper quarter If the British Government,
Is is indicated by the London Times, wishes TO
adopt the "mastery inactivity" which was recon-
mended by Mr.. Calhoun, that desire is forced upon
them by the mastery diplomacy OF Mr.. Polk, and
they cannot get out Of their position by any effort
Of diplomacy. The position Of "mastery inactivi
Iy' is now in the hands Of the United States, and
they keep it there till they ready to settle the
question, either by the consent of England to give
up the whole territory, or to make struggle for it
When that day comes, the Oregon question will be
the banks of the St Lawrence-and not on the
shores OF the Columbia.
Believing, therefore, that the diplomatic position
Of The United States, in regard to the Oregon terri
tory, and also on the California and Texas ques
lions, perfectly mpregnable, and cannot b,
touched or weakened by all the acts OF British o.
French diplomacy, the next question Is, what vii
be the OF things during this contingent peac
the kva ufrtao fnx, ban 4.
We believe that il is but contingent peace, an,
that il is held in possession by Mr. Polk II is pos
sbe thatthe great commercial interests OF Englant
win have sufficient influence to force the opening
The ports to certain extent, for the introduction o
the northern staples OF this country. This DISPOSE
ton will be increased, not only by the impending
famine in Europe-by the efforts OF Lord John Rus
sell and the wings, against the corn laws-but ais,
by the disposition indicated in this country TO mod
fy the tariff, and to meet any new commercial reeu
lation on the part OF England, by similar favorabl
one on the part of the United States. There ma,
indeed, be powerful effort made by the oppositio
party in Congress against an alteration of the tariff
or the establishment of a sub-treasury but we be
heve that our foreign relations being placed in sue
an Impregnable position by Mr.. Polk, the opposition
ionen'ed by the wings in this country to the mea
sures OF Mr.. Folks administration. will he here
after futile and insignificant. Look at th
final vote In the Senate on the annexat;o,
o. Texas The whole opposition was re
duced 10 a paltry faction Of Senator'S. repre
esating come Of the New England States The Sam
grandeur OF conception and force of mind whic
Pervades Mr.. Folks magnificent message an,
which has created such revolution am ong all par
rs, on the foreign policy of the country, will pro
zee similar revolution in his internal policy, be
tore The close of the session Of Congress All fac
hons seem to have been broken down at the frs
movement OF his administration, and all the Clique
appear to have been annlhilated at blow The grea
patriotic impulses OF mighty people, commencins
new progress in the annexation of Texas, ant
spre idng rresistbly over the whole coptinen, ba,