Carroll free press. [volume] (Carrollton [Ohio]) 1834-1861, 1846-01-16

/ oppose TINS motion, but 10 request that the
Senate would permit him to make a few
predatory remarks before submitting the
amendments he intended to move to the
resolutions now before the Senate.
Mr.. President, (said he,) though | can
not give my support to these resolutions, |
am very much grAtified that they have been
moved by the Senator from Indiana
Whatever objections there may be to them,
they have at least the merit OF being di-
rect, open and manly. They deny, in di-
rect terms, the authority OF this Govern
nent to make treaty in reference to the
Oregon territory, and denoance. as | un-
derstand them, by implication, the propo-
sitions that have been already made by our
Government to settle the boundary by a
division along the forty-ninth parallel Of
north latitude. IL the Senate should sup
port these resolutions. il is clear that the
question can only be settled thereafter by
iorce OF arms; and should this be the case,
and war be commenced between this
country aud Great Britain, no peace can
ever take plare between the two countries
hut by our dictation at the cannon's mouth.
Mr.. President, the vote upon these reso-
lutiOns will draw broad line, which can
not be misunderstood, between those who
are in favor of settling the question by an
appeal to arms, and those in favor Of a
more pacific course. myself am in favor
of pacific course-of an adjustment, il
possible, by negotiation; and under these
views and impressions, Mr.. President, |
have prepared a series Of resolutions an
tagonistical to those of the Senator from
Indiana. and asserting the opposite princi-
Piles, which | propose to move by way OF
amendment to the resolutions of the Sena-
tor, and ask also that they be printed.
think it is a proper occasion for avowing
the sentiments which entertain upon this
subject. am for peace, if peace can be
honorably preserved. | am in favor Of ad-
ljusting the difficulty, if it can be adjusted,
by negotiation; if it cannot be adjusted by
negotiation, l am in favor Of that course
to be pursued by this Government which
shall throw the onus Of war from our own
shoulders upon Great Britain. approve
Of the course taken by this Government in
offering the 49th parallel, under all the
circumstances Of the case, as the bounda-
ry. believe that the desire OF the Expcu-
tive is, like my own, for peace--for an
honorable peace; but if an honorable peace
cannot be preserved, if we are to have war,
| will stand by my country in every emer-
gency. shall never be found antagonist
to her, though overrued by those who take
an opposite view from my own. But
should a war take place, it is not going to
be an ordinary war; and while will give
every support to my country, | will hold
those responsible who rashly precipitate
the country into war. Sir, on delibc-
rate view Of the question, l hope that
whenever it comes fairly before the Senate
for discussion, we shall discuss it in the
calmest manner, and when its true grounds
are clearly seen and understood, we shall
come to the conclusion to avert war If
possible; but il not, that we shall be unit
ed as one man in support Of the country.
Mr.. C.'s resolutions were then read as
follows:
/ ResoEUed. That, the President of the U.
States has power, "hy and with the advice
and consent OF the Senate, to make trea-
ties, provided two-thirds of the Senate pie
sent co"cur."
ResOIued, That the power of making
treaties embraces that of settling and fix
ing boundaries between the territories and
possessions of the United States and those
of other Powers, in cases Of conflicting
claims between them in reference to the
same.
ResoFued, That, however clear their claims
may be. in their opinion, to "the country
included within the parallels Of AZ and 50
degrees 40 minutes north latitude, and ex.
tending from the Rocky Mountains to the
Pacific Ocean, known as the Territory OF
Oregon" there now exists, and have long
existed, conflicting claims to the possession
Of the same between them and Great Bri-
tain, the adjustment of which have been
frequently the subject of negotiation be-
tween the respective Governments.
ResoIVed, therefore, That the President
Of the United States has rightfuly the
nnwer under the Constitution. hv and