The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1846-03-07

meanwhile, remained open to.diplomatic ne
gotiation between sGoVerIment and all for
eign Governments. Those who conducted
the foreign relations ofthe Government had
this duty III their hands, and they were per-
soHally responsible to the nation for the right
exercise of the weighy power which had
been entrusted TO their hands 10 that re-
sponsibilty he would hold them-to that re-
sponsibility they would be held by the united
Judgment ofthe whole world. The eyes of
all Christendom were fastened upon them,
and every civilized nation ofthe earth would
hold them TO the responsibilities of pence or
war; For one, Mr. G. was not disposed to re-
lax or to diminish this responsibility one jot.
If the Administration felt the greatness of its
position, let il feel also the responsibility
which attached To it, Those who should in
volvc this country in an unjust or in need
less war, must encounter u responsibility
weighty enough TO sink navy. Let them be-
ware. To defend the national rights was one
thing; to rush needlessly into war was quite
another. To protect the vital Interests of
this country was their solemn duty, and of
those interests peace was the greatest and the
mightiest. The duties were not inconsistent;
but let them not net in Wanting spirit let
us have no fanaticism in politics. Consider
atoms more profound-considcratio of n
higher and nobler sort should actuate those
entrusted with "A nations destiny. No hasty
expressions passing between two negotiators
no pouting nor strutting upon the stage,
could justify the getting two such nations in
to n state of war. No,sad Mr. c. we the peo-
pie of tho United states take different view
ofthe matter. We feel no need of going to
war to make charactcr-wc have a charnc-
ter. We are not obliged to set up idle and
eXtravagant pretensions,or utter the language
ofinflated boosting, TO make the world be-
lieve we are brave people, and will not
yield our rights. This has ever been too
much the disposition of Republics. We
have just title to Oregon title just geo.
graphically and just politically-and this was
enough without any boasting A silent and
dignified course is more worthy ofourselves
and of our cause. In the conscious power of
indicating our rights, whenever they should
b. attempted TO be assaulted, we are under no
necessity of vllifying the character Of others.
And here Mr. c. could not forbear TO eX-
press his regret that the rejection 10y the EX-
ecutive department ofthe offers ofarbitration
which had been made to it by the represent
tativc of the British Government, had been
placed on the ground set forth in the diplo-
matte correspondence submitted by the Pres
iGSnt to the Senate. He had no wish improp-
erly TO interfere wi.h those whose province it
was to conduct the foreign affairs ofthe coun-
try, but he could not conceive shat right we
had to place ourselves in this respect above
all who had gone before us, and above al the
other nations of the world, by declaring that
Our disputes never should be submitted TO ar
bitration-that, however other nations might
agree TO settle their differences, we never
would condescend TO make an umpire of any
body, and that the rights of boundary We're
not in themselves n tit subject for arbitration.
This doctrine was pure Interpolation into
the code ofinternatioual lava code on which
all the world had agreed, and which we, ms
one of the nations of the world, had adopted.
The choice of an arbitrator was another mat
ter; we might reject in that capacity the pro-
posal ofany crowned head. Crowned heads,
thank God, were not always the wisest aud
the best in this world: but there were other
modes ofarbitration, and other more suitable
arbitrator. There were men who were born
private citizens, and not princes, who by their
wisdom, their knowledge, and experience,
aud their personal virtues, were fitted to be n
Judging power, whose decision no nation
need to be ashamed TO submit TO. Why not
refer the settlement ofthis c6ntroYerted ques-
ton to such a tribunal? To do so, instecd OF
degrading us, would, in his estimation, bc one
ofthe noblcst tributes that ever could he of
fered TO the wisdom and excellence ofrepub-
nation voluntarily to submit n great question,
touching its rights and interests, to an as
scmblage ofprivate citizens thus virtuous and
wise, would present spectacle glorious TO
behold. II would be to present to the world
convincing evidence of the moral progress
and intellectual elevation ofthe age. Such
n triumph of moderation over passion, OF JUS
tice over pride, and of the glory of reason ov-
or the brutality of mere physical force, pro-
ceeding from republican hands, would do
more for the moral power and influence of
this country than the acquisition ofevery inch
of Oregon. This would raise our reputation
in the estimation ofall the good and wise; il
would obtain us revenue of honor-that
brightest Jewel in n nations treasury--and
would augment our real power among the
civilized population ofthe globe, more than
the acquisition of ten times the disputed ter
ritory.
Mr. Crttenden was understood as declining
to withdraw his own amendment, but as still
willing to accept of the first part of the n
mendment of the Senator from Georgia as a
modification of it.
Mr. Webster said he most cordially con-
cured in the sentiment so beautifully express
ed by the honorable Senator who had Just
taken his seat. He did not differ from him
hairs breadth in the principles he had laid
uOWll, iuE III MS ScllSe vi pIOIIlety III TSSuTu
to the present debate.
Mr. W. would add few more words. l
shall vote said he, for both portions of the n
mendment suggested by the Senator from
Georgia, (Mr Colquitt) am prepared to dc
so.
The Senator from Kentucky,in one part
of his speech, says that he will leave the en-
tire responsibility of this whole controversy
where the Constitution has placed it,and con-
tends that those who have the power to con-
duct the foreign diplomacy ofthe country are