Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1846-06-23
Great Britain and California.

Great Britain ana CailIOinlds
: Some anxiety is ielt, lest in our endeavors 10
secure Justice from Mexico by sezing and hold
ing California, we may be involved in new embar-
rassmenis with Great Britain The Washing
ton correspondent of the Philadelphia North Anne
rican presents some statements, which il based
upon truth, tend materially 10 remove all fear
upon the subject. He asserts, that while there IS
no doub, that Mexico owes nearly ten millions
of dollars 10 British capitalists, and they nave
looked to the acquisition oil California as tue
means of remuneration when all others tailed; II
is equally clear, that no mortgage or lien was
given upon il, as has been SO currently oeNeVeo
/, Is further stated, that during The negotiations
on the North Eastern boundary, Mr.. WEBSTER,
"reilecting upon the immense importance lha'
safe and well located arbor, like that oil san
Francisco upon The Pacific, would be to the future
commerce OF the country, when our trade with
the East Indies and China became more extended
and seeing the advantages OF naval station Oh
that coast submitted TO Lord Ashburton that Inc
Government of The United States would probably
enter upon negotiation with Mexico for the pur-
chase of a portion Of California, and England
should not nerpose any obstacles. Lord Ash
bnrlon answered ne had no instructions as 10 this
poin,, not anticipating ii 10 be raised, and al the
suggestion of Mr. Webster, he wrote TO the Earl
of Aberdeen Tor advice. The reply was esteem
ed satisfactory, Lord Aberdeen admitting the U.
States in regard TO lis commerce, should have
port on the Pacific, and conferences were then
held with Mr. Almonte, the Mexican minister
Al first he declined TO receive the suggestion, but
gradually gave way TO the weight of argument
and inducement which was presented. Finally
Mir. Webster succeeded so far in these informal
negotiations as TO lay the subject before the COM
mit,ees on Foreign Relations of the two Houses,
at the head of which then were Mr.. Archer and
Mr. Adams. He asked an appropriation 10 en-
able the administration to acquire the most I'M
portant portion OF California contemplating an
arrangement, BY which the claims Of our citizens
would be reserved in the bargain"
The important object was defeated by Nil
Adams, in his wild opposition to the institution
of slavery. However fercely, then, the British
press may assai us Tor the contemplated acqal-
siiion of California, if the above statement be
correct, the ministry in power will understand
the matter fully, and will not be surprised at
result which they have been led 10 expect in one
form or other. England cannot, then, be jusi-
fed by her rational interests or those of her ci-
Zens in The slightest interference with our MeXi-
can quarrel IT. TO end the war or secure justice
we seize and hold the Mexican provinces, the
Powers Of Europe have no warrant 10 say 10 US,
"Thus far shall you go and no farlher!" We
said not a word 10 England when under the garb
OF universal charity and philanthropy, she brought
under her iron rule The Afshans and Sikhs.-
We raised not a voice against France when she
spread her dominion over Agiers. II our for
bearance is TO be rewarded BY an insulting
interference in our affairs, as on the Rio
Plata, s-.;a will be the day TO the peace OF The
world On no question is The mind OF The Anne
i Sare;snr f pE5sn IE9E resaalgssae ibaa .a resi
for whatever purpose, it may come. II Great
Britain induces Mexico 10 listen 70 reason, and TO
make us fair offer OF terms Of peace, we
shall be ready 10 listen 10 them. But if she I'M
derakes TO force us 10 accept propositions which
do not satisfy our sense OF justice, or if France
should venture to introduce her odious "baIance
Of power" into The present struggle with Mexico,
this country is prepared 10 resist 10 The utmost
There is some truth in what the London Times
says, as to the effect of ,he present war with Mex
leo, though ii does the grossest injustice TO the
motives ard conduct OF the President:
"In short, il Mr. Polk were TO propose TO him
self the most ef1ecua mole OF preparing the peo-
pie of The United States for contest with one Of
the great powers oi Europe, he could not have
nj, upon any scheme more likely TO suit his pur-
pose than that of training The country by little
war. in which there is no serious risE, no iormi'
dabe enemy but Just enough oil eclat 10 whet Inc
passions which the leaders Of the American De-
inocracy are wont to Aatcr and obey.
Still, from all we see, we have but little tear OF
a collision with the powers OF Europe, on account
of our Mexican difficulties. The advanced age
of the King OF the French and OF the Minister
Of Austria, may induce European nations 10 look
to their affairs at home, and keep down popular
feeling which must explode from one or The other
of these causes. England would not fight Tor Ore
CON. but. 10 secure peace, made important con-
cesRions. Is i, likely that she will plunge into
wanton war. for the sake OF California?
we rejoice that the Senate have taken up the
Warehousng bill. We hope that its friends will
promptly press it through Congress. lis mea-
sure OF vital importance to every interest. 1t is
calculated TO give fair play 10 all sections OF the
country and all divisions of industry. II will
take from capital The undue monopoly 1t now en-
lows. and will enable labor and skill 10 have their