The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-05-08
OREGON MEASURES.

OREGON MEASURES.
The adyices from England which we last night
laid before our readers, and those which we pub
sh to-day, will doubtless arouse the attention Of
the country. We satisfied that they arc entitled
to attention. They show that some Of the most in
telgent Americans in Engand-men having access
to good sources Of information, are now forming
the same judgments we have heretofore formed
Of the salutary effects to be expected from the poll
cy recommended by the Executive in relation to
Oregon There is the best reason to believe that il
that policy had been carried out promptly, and to the
letter. the question might at this very moment hav,
been far advanced on its way to pacific adjustment
And now we hear from men in England, whose
opinions are entitled to respectful attention, that
il his recommendations had been at once re-
ceived and acted upon in the same spirit
which produced them the Peel ministry would
probably not have resisted the energy, the firm
ness, and the moderation Of such appeal. Il
may well be said that the delay which has taken
place in giving the Executive authority to give the
notice, may have transferred, or may yet transfer,
the management Of the question from the Peel ad-
ministration to an administration formed by Lord
John Russel-from Aberdeen to Palmerston. I, 10
enough for US now to say, that If such change
shall take place, it will probably be regarded both
here and in Europe, as no good omen for tho peace
Of the world.
II may now doubtless be safely assumed that the
"notice," authorized by Congress, has been given
by the President to the British government If i
be true them that the delay which has already taken
place upon that question has operated, may ope-
rate, to our injury the inquiry now presents itself,
what ought next to be donel In twelve months tho
convention will be at an end. In putting an end to
it, we have deliberately elected and adopted a
policy policy which certainly imposes upon
US grave obligations touching both our at
titude towards Great Britain and conduct
towards our fellow-citizens in Oregon. In
our Judgment these oblgatians seem imperiously to
demand that the Senate should no longer refuse to
consider and to adopt some efficient measure for the
protection of our Dragon rights and citizens. Such
measure, as we have before said, we fnd in the
Oregon bill as adopted by the House. If pro.
visions shall be found susceptible Of improvement,
we trust that it will be 50 improved without delay.
This is a matter which we willingly con6de to the
wisdom and patriotism Of the Senate. But above
ALL trust that some efficient Legislative action will
be had by that body on the subject and had with
out loss Of time.
We cannot think without anxiety and deep ap-
prehension Of the state Of things that will exist in
Oregon after the termination Of the convention, if
our rights and citizens in that country then left
without the protection of our laws. In such case,
the result must be injurious to us, either in tho
event of peace or Of war. II peace continues,
we must expect that the Americans in
Oregon, thus left to themselves, and apparently aban
doned by our government, will, in sheer sclfdefence,
with whatever reluctance, establish or attempt to
establish, a government for themselves. Such
course on their part must lead to an estrangement
between us and them. Yet who, under the crcum-
stances Of the case and in the absence of law en-
acted by US to protect them, rightfally censure
them for adopting such course, when they find
Congress adjourning without taking any measures
TO protect them' Left to themselves abandoned by
us, made aliens to our laws, what can they do but
provide and maintain government for themselves
What statesman in this country is prepared to as
sumo, by his action, the responsibility Of such re-
suit
All this is on the supposition of continued peace.
But il matters turn out worse, and il hostilucs
should unfortunately arise upon the Oregon ques-
ton, then how much worse will be the casel In
such contingency our citizens in Oregon, if left to
themselves, must either turn to the Hudson Bay
Company for protection, or else must protect them
selves, and fight their battles In either case,
the sense Of duty left undone will press heavily upon
In view Of peace, It our duty to conciliate them
and to knit them closely to US by extending to
them the protection and the security Of our laws.
In case of hostites their aid is indispensable to u.s.
and in both cases alike il seems the plaincs dictate
Of wisdom and sound policy that we are bound to
protect them.
And what do we gain by procrastination' Do we
gain anything in Englandl We have asserted our
rights we have given the notice; the British jour
nails point to the speeches Of our senator's and attach
this state Of things what possible good purpose does
delay or hesitation subserve' Do we procrastinate
and shrink back from carrying our laws into Oregon
in order to preserve peace' For ourselves we main
tain that such an extension Of our jurisdiction hi"
now become duty--a duty to Oregon duty to
ourselves--a duty aowing out of the position we
have already assumed, and from which position no
man among thinks from receding.
But if this we're not so, we beg most respectfully
to say to those gentlemen who clamor most loudly
for peace, that this measure is urged ss one OF q
system Of measures tending to preserve our RICH"
and the peace Of the world, which will preserve
peace il peace can be preserved with honor.
al unor !, II yue heatate lonoer IN aa-ert