The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-08-08

was impossible for him TO conceive that there could
be dishonor in pursuing the course which had been
adopted by Mr.. Monroe, his patriot revolutionary
predecessor, more than quarter Of century ago,
and had been either expressly sanctioned or acqui-
eseed 40 by all succeeding administrations.
! His next inquiry was, would compromise Of
the claims Of the parties by adopting the parallel Of
AZ degrees materially inure the interest Of the Uni
ted States The entrance OF the straits of Fuca, Ad
miralty inlet and Pugets sound, with their fine har
boss and rich surrounding soil, all south of this
parallel. We know but little Of the country north
ofit, but from all the information we have obtained,
u is, with the exception Of a few spots, wholly un-
nj for agriculture, and incapable of sustaining any
considerable population, Its chief, indeed almost
IT'S only, value consists in the furs which may yet
be collected upon II; and even In this particular IL is
not of much importance,
Arbitration being out of the question, the alter
natives which remained were either 10 compromise
the claims Of the parties upon terms similar 70
those which had often been proposed by the gov
eminent ofthe United States and rejected by that
OF Great Britain, or 10 demand The exclusive
sovereignty over the whole territory in dispute;
and thus 10 render war almost Inevitable. In the
present enlightened and ehIaiian sge war ought
be the very last alternaye OF nations and should
never be resorted TO unless for cause which rem
ders il imperativey necessary, To rush into hos
tites, II this be honorably avoided, would sub
ject the United States TO the condemnation of all
ehrislendom The Preaident doubts whether the
Judgment of the civilized world would be in our IA
yor in war waged for a comparatively worthless
territory north Of 40 degrees, which his predeces-
sors had and again offered to surrender to
Great Britain, provided she would yield her preten-
sens 10 the country south Of that latitude. Besides
a for such a cause, whilst il would doubtless be
sustained by the patriotism, might not meet the APP
probation, Of large portion Of our own feow-cti.
zens. .....
On the other hand, suppose the American propo-
-. r ~ n.l- A. 4
made by the United States and again rejected by
Great Britain and then be the consequence, we
might appeal to all mankind for the justice and mod
Grafton Of our demand. The voice Of impartial
world would pronounce our cause 10 be righteous,
and our own citizens would be enthusiastically uni
ted in sustaining such a war. Should the negotia-
ton end in disappointment, the President, having
done all that be required of him for the preser-
vation of peace will afterwards feel himself perfectly
free to insist upon rights in their full extent, up
TO the Russian line.
Influenced by these important considerations,
you will perceive from my note to Mr.. Pakenham,
la copy Of which now enclose you, that the Pres
ident has once more proposed to the government
lof Great Britain that the territory west Of the
Rocky mountains, which has been under existing
treaties free and open" to the occupation of both
nations ever since 1918, shall now be divided
between them by the 49th parallel of north
latitude offering at the same time TO make free TO
Great Britain any port or ports on Vancouvers
island south of this parallel which the British gov.
eminent may desire.
You will observe that the proposition is silent in
regard to the navigation of the Columbia rivera
privilege which has heretofore been repeatedly Of
fered to Great Britain in former attempts TO settle
this question. Such privilege the President can
not concede, although he is well aware of the seri-
ous if not insuperabe, Obstacles which this may
present to the success of the negotiation. The e-
nacity with which Great Britain will adhere to the
= E.l ~. l.
Joys, is manifest from the note Of Mr. Pakenhan to
Mr.. Calhoun, of the 18th September last, with a
copy of which you have been furnished. .....
1.-THE free navigation of the Columbia were grant
ed to Great Britain, this would be a perpetual
source Of strife und csuvsof collision betwcen the
citizens and subjects of the.tw nations in those re-
mote regions. Ii would be amos. impossible, by
any vigilance which could be exerted, to execute
the revenue laws of the respective countries, and
prevent smuggling on either side Of the river. Be.
SIDES there several portages around the falls and
rapids of this river and its branches, the use oil
which necessary to the enjoyment of its free nav
igation. This would introduce the subjects of Grea
Britain with their merchandise into the heart Of the
country, and thus greatly increase the evil beyond
what it would be if they were confined to the chan
mel of the river. The President is desirous to
adjust the question in such manner as to leave
no source behind from which might proceed new
difficulties and new dangers again to involve
the peace of the two countries. With his present
impressions, he yield to Great Britain the
free navigation of the Columbia.
1t is to be hoped that Great Britain may view this
subject in the same light especially within the
last few years rivers have been explored and resort
ed to north of the parallel Of 49 degrees on which
her trade may be conducted between the interior ant
, the ocean, without the use of the Columbia
Whilst denying this privilege, which has beer
hitherto so often offered, it may be asked, wha
: reason have we to hope that Great Britain may now
accede to the naked parallel of 40 degrees? Their,
{ would be little none, unless our proposition hac
: contained such a concession in some other particu
, lar to enable her to retreat with honor from he
former demands. This will be found in our offer tc
make free to Great Britain any port ports on Van
i couver's island south of 49 degrees, which thu
British government may desire. 1t is true, this il
but trhing concession, considering the small por
> ton of the cap of Vancouver's island which lie
south of that parallel; and although no equivalent
is yet something which may be refuge for BRITISH
pride, whilst surrenderng the free navg Of tn
Columbia. Besides, as they have IN their las
proposition so far gone beyond that Of 1927 as Il
offer to make free TO the United States any port o
ports which they might desire, either on the mai
land or Vancouver's island, south of latitne a
= degrees, our offer to them Of free ports on tn
J. southern cap OF that island may be deemed recp
r. rocal concession.
o Had this been a new question, you are full
aware that the President would have presente
A such a proposition; but it must not be forgo
# ten that the American government never dies, al
e though the agents who administer it are perpetual
g changing. Its course Of policy towards forelg
o nations should not change with every changln
! administration, but ought 10 be uniform and cor
,e sisent, unless for reasons Of imperative necet
" sity. . ...-s .s
From what has been said, you will perceive ho'
NJ wholly impossible il is for the President to acceE
any terms of compromise which would bring III
in British south of the parallel of 40 degrees; and tn
you may intimate to the British ministers in COT
r versaton, should you deem it wise under all the CT
III cumstances. The only exception TO this rule whic
ne could possibly be made might be the conces 81
m for an adequate equivalent of the small cap of VaI
,e couver's island south Of this latitude, which wou
n be of no importance TO the Uhited States, whilst
b. is of considerable value to Great Britain.
t. You will enforce our proposition upon the BIRTHS
,e ministry with all the enlightened ability Of whic
az you are 30 eminently the master. Should II be r
err jected the President will be relieved from the en-
IN barrassment in which he has been involved by u
OF acts, offers and declarations of his predecessor
D. Afterwards, if the difficulty can only be resolved
" the sword, we may then appeal with confidence
l.; the world for the equity and Justice OF our caus