Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1846-09-24
MIR. EscLane.

MIR. NcLRae.
The principal merchants of New York have waited
upon Mr.. McLane and rendered him public dinner
70 the committee who presented the resolution of the
Chamber of Commerce, Mr.. McLane made pertinent
answer, from which make the following extract
For myself, after our several conventions of 1915
and 1923, the latter of which received nv support
Senator Of the United States for the joint occu-
patton Of the territory had always regarded the
Oregon question less dependent upon the force Of
title than upon the principles of equitable PARTITION
1t would have been unreasonable TO expect after such
acknowledgements of the rights of joint occupancy.
that either party would be permitted wholly 10 dispos-
the other without some regard TO interests which
had grown up during their mutual possession. 1t
appeared TO me, ALSO thata the previous acts of our
government had not only been consistent with but
afhrmatory of these views, and could nothing in
the national honor that would justify much less de-
mand, departure from it. Possessing before IN an
equal degree after the treaty with Spain in 1919
all the title which the ground of discovery we
could assert 10 the country drained by the waters Of
the Columbia, and which if good for anything. was
valid beyond the sd parallel of latitude, our govern
ment at no time proposed a more northern boundary
than the parallel of 81, and never demanded more
than that of 40. Having some knowledge, from my
official position at that time Of the policy and objects
of the convention of 1923. quite persuaded that
lis main design TO lead 10 a future partition Of
the territory to the recognition Of our claim TO the
Ella
between that and the Columbia river division of
the country upon that principle, with reasonable
regard to rights growing under the joint possessions
always appeared to TO afford just and practicable
basis for amicable and honorable adjustment of
the subject. Such also, | was satisfied were the
views of my own government at the time | engaged
in my recent mission, and in earnestly and steadily
laboring TO effect settlement upon that basis l was
but representing the policy of my own government
and faithfully promoting the intention and wishes of
the President.
1t must be very rare, it. in complicated differences
between great nations, peaceful relations be pre-
served without modification Of extreme preten-
sions and upon the present occasion, from the length
of time for which the question had been depending
together with the often repeated propositions both
sides, the two governments could not have been rea
sonably expected to to amicable arrangement
without some mutual concessions of their former de-
mands. If, on side, by dividing on the 49h par
ae and the Straits of Fuca we yielded the Southern
cap of Vancouver's Island Great Britain surrendered
her previous claim to the navigation and unoccupied
territory between the 49th parallel and the Columbia
river. AT the same time we have effected material
modification of our former offer of the surrender Of the
perpetual navigation of the Columbia river TO British
trade and British subjects generally. Although from
Difference to the views and opinions Of Others which
it less my wish than my duty to respect,
earnestly endeavored to effect settlement upon the
basis Of allowing the navigation of the river TO the
general trade for period of twenty years. when that
from to which l need not now particularly
refer, proved TO be impracticable; in nevertheless
suggesting and urging that it should be restricted to
the Hudson's Bay Company, thought was efecting
an object even less Objectionable.
1t seems that in the present state of commerce.
it is not only the interest but the practice of nations
independent of some inveterate notions of colonial
policy already yielding to enlightened views 10
allow the greatest freedom of rivers and ports TO the
trade of the world and it may be observed, that until
I IL D. In
to abandon the reciprocity secured by their existing
commercial convention, the recent Oregon treaty
fers fewer privileges of navigation than may be
claimed and enjoyed under the commercial convention
felt confident, moreover, that long before the two
governments would desire to alter their existing CON-
mercia freedom, it, indeed they should desire TO
do during the continuance of peace the Hudson's
Bay Company would TO have any occasion or
motive TO navigate such a river as the Columbia is
known 10 be. 1t would net be easy TO imagine any
use they could make of it during a state of peace
inconsistent with the and interest of our
own citizens.
Universal satisfaction at the adjustment Of dill
Guilty so complicated and iDyeterlte was scarcely to
be expected, end yet il is Of satisfaction 10
know that its general acceptableneSs to the country
at large affords sure guarantee OF the continuance
of our future peace The and temper with which
the negotiation conducted in their several depart
ments by both governments, have been credtable to
their wisdom and moderation and have already served
to elevate own in the opinion of other nations.
sincerely believe that these efforts cannot be too
highly appreciated; and if any portion of fellow
citizens in any section of the country should feel that
they have obtained all the territory advantages
they had expected TO acquire, it may be hoped they
will nevertheless be satisfied that the national honor
far from suffering has really been elevated by the
result and that in preserving the blessings of peace
and keeping our country steadily of glorious
prosperity they will be amply compensated any dis
appointment they may have experienced and they gain
far more than ar equivalent for any doubtful advantage
only to be sought through the nsirumentaty of
Having now effaced, upon honorable terms, the last
cause that threatened the peace OF two people OF
kindred origin and associated by commercial relations
more extensive and important than exist between any
other two nations of the EARTH may we not now hope
TO begin new career Of international intercourse,
and, by the uninterrupted pursuit of commerce and
the arts, extend and cement relations. Ii ought
to be considered fortunate that these results have
happened at n moment when, by the wisdom and
courage Of British statesmen, a new and important
step has been taken in the enlargement of commerce,
by which the trade of different nations must be widely
extended, and the motives Of harmonious relations
indefinitely multiplied As between the United States
naturally TO associate tie two people upon an honora
bic basis and contribute to their mutual prosperity,
may have fair play, and competitions in
future be confined to generous rivalry in all that
can advance the happiness of the people OF both
countries, and Of mankind at large.
Appointments by the President.
GEORGE BANCROFT, of Massachusetts,, to We envoy