The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-03-10

wise disposed Of War is calamity, | say, and
peace blessing, and they should not be exchanged
except upon the most urgent necessity. Every ex-
Pedient ought to be resorted Has this been done
IN the before usi IL has seemed 10 me, during
the progress OF the discussion, that gentlemen are
very unwilling that this question should be settled
In the principal part Of their speeches. are told II
we have il will not be about Oregon but IL will
be war between repubhcanism and monarchy
struggle between the despotisms and combined pow
ers OF Europe against popular rights here and ofen
are we told that the thrones Of Europe lettering,
and their occupants looking with the greatest alarm
at us. Well, | am Of opinion that when they find
their thrones lettering under them, they will have
much as they attend 10 at home, without
going To war with US. Gentlemen on the other
side appear, from what they say, anxious to
keep the peace; but when they tell of the grasp
ing power Of England, assume TO be the champions
OF the human race to revenge the wrongs inflicted
by Great Britain not only in this country, but in
every place on the globe, II seems TO me are
not bound to go to war, Notwithstanding the pains
that are taken TO stimulate the angry passions Of the
people, IN order TO prevent amcabe adj ustment
Now, sir, will take part in no measures that will
lea'l TO that result desire TO support and sustain
The administration, but | am certain they can do
themselves such credit and honor as in adjusting
tins old difficulty on principles Of compromise hon
orabe and just to both parties. | regret that the
proposal made in last August not accepted, or
al least that It was not entertained and negotiations
conunued for, had they been, that offer might have
led, with some modification, to something else.
regret that other means of settlement have also been
so prematurey rejected. | am not quite ready 10
say that could have recommended the offer Of ar
bitration at this time. | think the reasons given
by the senator from South Carolina a year ago for
not agreeing 10 arbitration entirely factory;
that the prospect OF coming TO amieable adjust
ment ny compromise was preferable. But sir
when all other expedients have failed-when
negotiation is at an end here and in London-
when there is no mode TO be found of an
amicable adjustment but war or Arbitration
il am here when the day Of voting comes-if |
am here to speak my mind on the subject, | shall
Justify resort TO arbitration. believe il vastly
preferable to war; and believe our chances of Oh
tanning Oregon are quite as good by arbitration as
war. Oregon would cost more 10 obtain il by
war than il is worth. know the poetic imagina.
ton Of the senator from New York has dressed this
territory in very gaudy coors; but think the bet
ter judgment is that which ] have formed; every
description Of the country shows it to be entirely
unworthy Of obtaining at that expense ] have al
ready spoken of this Oregon concern an one which
althoug h settled tomorrow, will give US a good deal
Of difficulty. Already measures are in contempla-
ton to afford protectlon-as il is said-to our citi-
zens there, which have hesitated 10 vote for. We
are to take .Oregon-or all get Of it-into the
American Union. Ii is said our citizens are emit
tied the protection Of laws. But do they re-
quire iti What they have asked for is not the pro-
lection Of law, but Of force against aggression.
believe they getting along very we'll without col
lision. But what will be the state Of things if we
rush into this Oregon country with the speed some
recommend IL Is inhabited by tribes OF Indians
entirely pacific to be sure. No war can be appre.
| hended from them, it is said. We are TO stretch
| our line across the Rocky mountains down to the
| Pacific ocean. We have already raised regiment
of rinemen, and appropriated a sum Of money to
| lam he IF hat
will be the consequence Of the erection Of these
structuresl A little settlement will quickly grow
up about EACH there will be traders and others
for various purposes hanging about there. A
trade will commence with the Indians, and we
know the frauds that have been perpetrated on
them before; the same scenes TO be gone over
there. Every one Of the tribes in tina, region we
| will come in collision with sooner or later. They
| will be furnished abundantly with intoxicating
liquors; murders will be committed and property
devastated Some Of them will be hung, or per-
haps shot Their tribes will avenge them, and an
other Indian war will grow out Of it, unless we sta.
ton agents there to keep the peace with them
| which agents will have TO be paid; thus adding
countless millions TO the expenses Of government
| AZ well increasing the chances Of war. The
peace is well kept now. read an account, think,
| among the documents of expedition made by
| Col. Kearney among these Indians; and he dsap-
proves Of extending line Of military stations there
but shows that the peace is new well kept, through
the occasional excursions made every two three
years by party sf dragons. That is all that
is necessary to impress them with sautary respect
for order and caution, and conviction of what will
happen in case Of irregularty. But il the inhabt-
ants Of Oregon are willing to take our laws, how
are we to do' Ii is a settled principle of our laws,
that preference Is to be given to any rorts above
others. The Columbia will become a port, and in
short time there will be a collector and custom
house there. The result will be the taxing of the
pie there. You are bound by the constitution to do
it; the same duties to be paid there as in other
places. Do they want the protection of registrar
from u.s. and all that In the long run we shall find
that our policy is inapplicable to Them and not for
their benefit; and would be certain to hear of COM
plants from them of oppressive legislation. 1t has
been asserted by the senator from Illinois that that
territory in the course of time will be dependant
| neither the United States or Great Britain. |
think so, too; and it would be far better for both
them and us. IL Oregon and the whole of Califor-
| MIA could be connected together, IL would make a
very respectable nation. Situated on the shores of
the Pacifc-separated from by an almost impas-
sable barrier OF mountains-it seems to our good
would be vastly promoted by such an arrangement
But it is time enough for those who live fifty years
hence to settle this matter. will, sir detain the
| Senate no longer. | am at loss what course to
pursue in regard to the matter before us. | have
said if there a reasonable assurance that we
could, from the progress of affairs, or from
those entitled to give such assurance, promise
ourselves that the purposes OF this movement
pacific, and tend to a settlement Of difficulties
would have objection to vote for it, that there is
nothing could do but would do for the admins
| tration On the other hand if | cannot feel such
assurance-if the declarations of the Executive and
his intentions be interpreted as the senators
from Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio have interpreted
them-that they bind the President to the assertion
Of title to the whole of Qregonby arms, if need
bel shall most undoubtedly 60 against it. What
ever be the issue Of our discussions and votes here,
hope, SIR it will terminate in keeping the peace,
and that wise and just counsels shall prevail.
Mr.. r. JOHNSON then rose and said that it was
his desire to take part in the debate, but at that
period of the day he would not trespass the time
Of the Senate. He moved that the Senate proceed
to the consideration of Executive business. .....
This motion was unanimously agreed to; and af-
ter short time spent with closed doors, -.s-
TheSenate adjourned till tomorrow at noon.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
The journal of Yesterday was read and approved.
TUE LATE GENERAL VAN NESS.