The northern galaxy. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1844-1848, 1846-02-17
OREGON-THE PLOT THICKENS.

Our readers will find two highly momen-
tous articles of intelligence in this paper
The resolution to give notice to end the joint
occupation of Oregon, with pacific quallfica
tons, has passed the House by an overwhel-
ming majority. Many wing members voted
for the Notice, not as a war measure, but as
being the best expedient 10 bring this alarm
Ing controversy with Great Britain TO an am
icabIe adjustment as soon as possible. Messrs
Adams of Mass, Arnold Of Rbode Island,
and Severance of Maine, however, were the
only New England wings who voted for the
notice. The Vermont wings all voted u
gainst it.
But it seems that during the pro'rscted de
bate in Congress about Oregon. new nego-
tiation had been opened by proposition
from the British Government to settle the
controversy by submitting it 10 the arbi'ra-
lion of some disintercsted power, or to dis
tinguished citizens OF other nations who
might be selected by the parties. This prop
osition, so fair in itself, and so agreeable TO
the hnmane principles which should govern
all civilized nations, has been very summari-
Iy and haugh!ly rejected by the President
The liberal terms aud conciliaiory spirit OF
the offer must place us in the wrong before
the world. 1t is indeed an outrage upon The
humane and enlightened spirit ofthe age
and an insult to that sense Of common JUS
tee which pervades the bosom of every A
merican citizen, which none but the barbara
ans in Congress, who for party purposes
would plunge this nation into war, would
justify.
The fatal dsnoument Of the negotiation has
created no ordinary sensation in Washington
and throughout the country. Commercial
and business operations in our cities are more
and more embarrassed, as the conviction
grows stronger that long, disastrous and ru-
nous war may finally result from the folly
of the present imbecile and reckless admin
istration.
But although an important door for The ad-
justment of the controversy has been opened
and thus abruptly closed by our infatuated
rulers, it is believed by some that Polk will
now betake himself in earnest to the only
thing left 10 avoid war-a further negotiation
But negotiation after naughty refusal 10 ar
bitrate upon any terms, furnishes but poor
prospect of an amicahle adjustment. Still it
is the prevailing opinion at Washington, that
Polk is far from being belliserent in his tenn
per or his real policy; and that he is attach
ed TO the Southern party, which don't wish
war. Mr.. Polk is Southern man, under
Southern diciaton, linked with Southern iu-
situations, which the South dare not expose
TO the dangers of war.
The correspondent of the Tribune says
seven to-day members Of the cabinet have
been heard to say there would be no war;"
In debate in the Senate on the Monday af-
ter the Message had been transmitted. Messrs.
Mangum, Bagby and others seemed to think
that war was not likely to result from the re-
lection of the proposition to arbitrate. But
Mr.. Mangum thought the negotiation had
been conducted in very injudicious manner.
and war light be the result Of our diplomatic
bIunders, and the want Of sagacity and states
manship in the administration. This is
the true state nf the case. 1t is not
TO be disguised that the drumming up for po-
litical efec; by Polk and his dependents
while he had no expectation Of getting into a
war, is the real cause Of the present embar-
rassed condition Of eur relations with Great
Britain, from which this administration
may not be able to extricate US. 1t may
not be our choice to decide whether or no.
there shallbe a war with great, proud and
powerful nation. who may think they have
some honor aud some rights TO preserve, as
well as ourselves. The mighty preparations
for war WHICH Great Britain has for mouths