The Somerset herald and farmers' and mechanics' register. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 183?-1852, 1846-01-06

such a course on the part Of Great Brit
ain would lead to a war; and if the Sena-
tor desired TO make out case somewhat
stronger, let him suppose that Great Brit
ain should land her forces and take pos
session of the city ofCharleston, or Nor
folk, or Baltimore. In short, the mean
ing Of the Senator, after all, was that war
would inevitably take place, provided the
grounds for war were hereafter supplied.
He had at first feared that the announce
ment made by the Senator would have
the effect to create false alarm; and this
effect he thought the moro likely to be
produced by reason of the high character
and standing of the Senator, not from his
personal and private character and stand
ing alone, but from the intimate and con-
fidential relations which he was supposed
to bear to the present Chief Magistrate Of
the nation. II would be very naturally
supposed that declarations Of so monten-
tous character would not be made with
out knowledge Of the sentiments enter
tanned by the Administration. Taking
all these considerations together he was
somewhat under the impression that the
authority given so apparently in earnest
must be set down as an evidence that
there was to be war.
Sir, CONTINUED Mr.. Crittenden,) | do
not myself believe, speaking with all due
Difference for the distinguished Senator,
that we are to have war. | have never
been able TO realize to my mind that a
war could possibly grow up between two
| such nations as the United States and
Great Britain, out Of such cause. Is it
possible that we cannot settle the bounda-
| ry of distinct strip of territory, of no
great value either, without war! Can
not the diplomacy of the country settle a
question of this sort, without imbruing
the hands Of the two nations in blood!
What is their wisdom worih-what is
their diplomacy worth-if this be the
case? Sir, it ought to be settled. There
is no question of insulted honor, no ques-
lion of national character involved. This
is but question regarding some portion
of distant frozen barren territory, that
has been in dispute for thirty or forty
years. | have more confidence in the
wisdom, humanity, and intelligence of the
two Goyernments,than 10 suppose it pos
sible that out Of such a cause war can
arise. And while | say this, will add
that perfectly agree with the sentiments
expressed by the Senator from North
Carolina, and the Senator from Virginia,
yesterday, that if war should come, / be-
lieve we shall sec the whole Union rally
round the national standard united as 4
single man. Before the actual occurrence
of war we may battle among ourselves,
but when it comes there is no neutral
ground to stand upon. But who is there
that desires a war! None | trust All
say it is to be deprecated and avoided,
and trust, that every thing will be done
on our part that honor and policy per-
mits to be done to avoid ii.
But we are now called upon TO give
notice of the termination of the Joint oc-
cupancy, and we are told that, connected
with other circumstances war is to be the
consequence of that notice. Viii it be
| so! | think it ought not, and viii not,
unless we commit very egregious blum
duer. But if, as the Senator says, we
are in the path which leads to war, let US
march slowly and firmly upon it. Let
US be firm, self possessed, and slow
We shall not be less formidable to our
enemies while advancing thus, than if we
pursue the path as if reckless Of all con-
sequences, wheresOover it may lead u.s.
Let MS. then, if we are to give the notice,
and | think we cannot well avoid it, in
stead of giving the precise notice indica-
ted, let us give notice to take effect two
years hence; it will not the less indicate
our frmness and our determination. Let
us not like a spitelul landlord giving
notice to tenant, and limiting our tenant
to the shortest possible time, but give
time for reflection and negotiation, We
ought not to be hasty or careless of Civ
ing insult to any people, much less to
those whom by character and by Lineage
we resemble so nearly. The question of
settlement fmere matters of interest NAV
be difficult enough, but an insult is much
more difficult Of settlement between two
high spirited nations. Let us, then, tray-
ell on with firm and steady step, eau
tiously, boldly, and at the same time
monifesting a willingness to secure ali
amicable adjustment Of difficulties in pre-
ference to war.
| Mr.. Webster said he did not propose
to offer any opposition whatever to the
passage Of the resolutions, though he
could not perceive that there was any
very great necessity for their adoption.
1t did not appear to him that they char
ged the committee with any especial du-
! ty. Inquiry into the matters here sug-
gested was the ordinary duty Of the COM
mittee, and he did not think there were
any extraordinary circumstances existing
which rendered it necessary on this oc-