The North-Carolina standard., 1846-03-25
'IGII, ". c., WEDNESDAY,, MARCH a5, 1916.

concluded August 6, 1927 agreeablY 10 the pro-
visions of the I'd article of that convention: Pro
Tlded, that nothing in this act contained shall be
so construed or carried into effect by any of the
officers citizens of the United States, as to in
tertere In any way with any right which any Of
the subjects of Great Britain may have in the
vention aforesaid, until the expiration of twelve
months after notice shall be given, as above pro-
Vded, by the President of the United States"
Sir, / voted for this bill then, as did a very
/ large majority of the members of the House, but
it did not pass the Senate. Was it considered a
war measure then? No, sir; and why should it
be considered So now? Without knowledge
Of the views of my constituents l voted for the
bill then, and they sustained me; but in giving
the same vote now, I not only believe that am
doing right, but feel sure that am obeying the
will OF those who sent me here l repudiate the
idea that this is a measure. 1t is merely
proof Of our anxiety to settle the question, and of
our determination to maintain our rights in that
territory: and repel those who trespass on them.
But while repeat that this is no war measure,
would not be understood as saying that this coun-
try will not take such further steps as may be ne
cessary to secure our rights in Oregon. The ter
ritory is ours, and we must not part with it. Sir,
the time has ceased with when can act in
that spirit of forbearance to Great Britain which
characterized the conduct of The patriarch Abra-
ham, when he said to Lot, " If thou wilt take the
left hand, then will go the right or if thou de-
part to the right hand then will go to the left." !"
That might have been possible once when very
little value was attached 10 territory. But not so
now with u.s. We need all the territory we have,
and ought not under any circumstances to part
with any portion that possess. But highly as
we prize territory, we do not propose to take any
that does not belong TO u.s.
Sir, am aware some gentlemen, who do not
appreciate the importance of Oregon, represent it
as distant strip of land of but little value; and
they ask going TO fight for that l tell
to this country; and that its loss would be deeply
felt and sorely regretted to the latest moment of
rhe existence of this great republic? Because
Oregon is at great distance from this Capitol,
shall we treat her as the Roman empire once treat
ed the island of Brtain-clip her off, and tell her
to take care of herself2 Britain was once part
of the Roman empire; but sahat government
thought her of so hltle value that they cast her
off, and told the people if they could defend them
selves against their enemies, good and well, let
them do it the Roman eagle would no longer
take them under its wings. On this strip of coun-
try, thus severed-which is infinitely smaller than
Oregon-is planted that mighty government,
whose nvincibility has this day been so eloquent
y described! It'is The nation inha biting this ter
ritory which now struggles for the conquest of
the world and carries terror with her name to the
most distant parts Of the earth2 This teaches US
the increasing importance Of territory, and is a
warning 10 rs 10 gnard against Inc loss of any
part Of our country, or Of any portion OF our peo-
pie. 1t is quite natural for US to suppose, that,
under any circumstances, Oregon is destined to
be part of our confederacy, but it may perhaps
turn out otherwise l here express the hope, and
cherish the belief that she will never be British
colony; that that country will be republic, in
habited by freemen believe almost certain but
whether she is destined 10 remain part Of this
confrderacy, or to become separate and distinct
republic, depends upon the policy pursued towards
her by this government. If we now refuse her
protection, may she not hereafter scorn our prof
fer Of reunion and refuse 10 be received by us as
Stale2 The case of Texas was different. Tex
as distinct and independent nation, and we
were under no obligations to protect her people
or territory till she became a part of this Union.
But we under very different obligations 10 the
people of Oregon, because we own the territory,
and it is settled by our own citizens. If we leave
her in the moment of her struggles 10 shift for
herself by Withdrawing our protection, will she
hereafter, when she has established her right TO
the soI come and ask to be again incorporated
into this Union2 l believe not. l must here re-
mark that would be the last man on this floor or
in this country, to claim single inch Of territory
which did not believe to be ours; but, on the
other hand, say with equal determination that
will never consent TO the surrender of an inch
IudL Is OuE OWh-1 care UOL WnPTe IL ll6S OF WDal
may be its value-to crafty the ambition Of Great
Britain or any other government upon the earth
We boast Of being great and glorious republic !;
but what constitutes great government? Il is
the justice of its laws-the preservation Of its
rghts-and the protection of Its citizens care
not how wealthy or powerful nation may be
as soon as she ceases to preserve her rights and TO
protect her citizens she ceases TO be great and is
destined to fall If we ever surrender any por-
ton of our territory to Great Britain, gentlemen
may rest assured that it will be but the beginning
of surrenders; she will never be satisfied with de-
manding. Peace is our policy. We do not seek
a war with Great Britain but if she declares
war against US for defending our right to Oregon,
we shall stand justified in the eyes of the world,
and every American heart, and every American
arm will be found on the side of their country.
Sir the country is in favor of notice, and for main
tanning our right to the territory. Even in North
Carolina Oregon is stronger than any political
party; and, as an evidence of this, will refer to
the fact that my whig colleague from Lumber
riOer, Mr.. Dockeryl publicly proclaimed during
the canvass, that, before he would surrender any
part of Oregon, he would march barefoot over
prickly pears to fight for it. repeat that the
"Old North State" is for Oregon.
Mr. DocKERY rosr, and asked his colleague to
give him leave to explain. His colleague [Mr
Reid knew more of the geography OF his State
than to speak of him as his colleague from Lum.
Der River district The remark to which the
Ill 1oJ ,l,a, L.,