Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, IA [i.e. Ind.]) 1839-1854, 1846-02-04
Snccch Of Mr.. Caleb T. Smith, of Ia,
ON THE OREGON QUESTION.
Deleered in the House Of Representofioes 4. 81
January eth, Ie46. !

Tho Committee Of the Whole House on the
state Of the Union, having under consideration
tho Joint resolution reported from tho Committee
on Foreign Aiairs, directing tho President to give
notice to Great Britain that the United States will
terminate tho convention between the two Govern
mon.s, providing for the Joint occupation Of tho
Oregon territory, at the expiration Of twelve
months
Mr.. CALEB 3. SMITH, having obtained the floor,
mid. that an impression seemed to prevail, not
only with gentlemen here, but through tho public
press, that tho Oregon question was peculiarly
Western question. Appeals ind been addressed
10 Western members. which seemed to Indicate
an opinion that tho West alone had interest in
the question. II has also, said Mr.. Smith, been
frequently in,ima,cd that tho West desired to in
volye the country in a with Great Britain.
Tho gentleman from Ala bama. (Mr. Yanccy,)
who has Just taken his seat, has nnde an eloquent
sppeal TO Western members to abaie their warlike
propensilics, and to suffer tho peace Of tho
Try to continue undisturbed. As Western man
myself, identified with the people of that section
Of tho country. and sympathizing with their views
and feelings. discnim, utterly, on their behalf,
tho sectional character with which it is sought to
stamp this question. ! deny that it is to be
cardcd in any peculiar sense a Western Guos-
lion, or that it should be determined with any
special reference to Western interests. 1t is true,
Mr.. Chairman, that the people Of tho West feel
anxiety for its ultimate settlement. IL is true
tina, they appreciate fully tho importance Of the
Oregon territory. vol as the tito by which
our Govcrnm claims it. Ii is true that there
u.s. throughout, tho whole valley Of tho Mississippi,
an ardon, desire that tho honor well rs the
interest Of the United States should be preserved
in the maintenance Of tho jus. rights, not Of the
West alone, but Of the whole country. in the
Oregon territory. But sir, do not belicvo that
tho people of tho West, any moro than those of
other sections Of the Union, dcsre war with
Great Britain, any other nation. | do not be-
eye that they desire that the settlement Of this
question should be submitted to tho stern arbitra-
ment Of tho sword, while othor means Of an hon
orabls nd iusiment left. A with England
would not, in my opinion. DO the most certain
means Of securing our rights in Oregon. With
out they will be maintained. The arts Of
peace will moro certainly and securely accomplish
what desire tllan For, although can
not believe that tho strong arms and patriotic
hearts Of tho American people will ever suffer
tho territory to be wrcstod from us by foreign
foe, yet it cannot be denied that n war, at this
limo, with Great Britain, would greatly hazard
its loss.
|. has been urged that the West is inclined to
favor n war upon tho Oregon question. because,
il IS alleged, that our people remote from tho
point OF danger, and that war would occasion
an increased ma rhet and an enhanced demand for
their agricultural products. 1t is great mistake,
sir. to suppose tina, the people Of tho West will
not DO exposed TO danger in tho event of war.
They are not so insulated in their position, or 50
divided from ,For bro.hrcn, to relieve thom
from share Of the common dangers. The his
tory of tho country abundantly proves that III the
day Of her necessity. they were not SO far dis
tant but that they could hear her call, and
not too unundful Of her welfare to fly TO the
rescue. and spill their best blood in her defence.
In the event Of a war with Great Britain. tho
Canada border would become the principal! sccno
OF the contest. Those portions of tho Wcst
which lie contiguous to our Northern lakes would
be Immediately exposed to tho inroads Of the
enemy, and tho West would furnish her full share
Of tho armies upon which the Government would
rely for either defenco invasion.
Nor is there any moro truth, sir. in tho
sumption that tho agricultural products of tho
Mis.iss ppi valley will derive increased value
from foreign A war with Great Britain
would at cut off our exports. Our ports
would DO blockaded and our foreign markets
destroyed. Tho productions Of the West. in
stead Of finding market they now do in
Europe. would DO compelled to seek purchasers
at home; and, as a necessary consequence, their
raluo would DO greatly diminished. But, sir,
must be allowed, on behalf Of that portion Of the
people Of tho West whom have tho honor to
present utterly to disclaim md repudiase any
considerations sordid and selfish. should
blush to Acknowledges any connection with thcm
il | could bolievc ,hem capable Of harboring
desire to involve the country in 4 that they
might speculate upon the blood and sufferings of
other portions Of the country. No. sir, if there
IS any peculiar feeling in tho Wess-any special
senss'vcness on this question in relation to
tho title Of this Government to the Oregon ter
Iisory' 1t springs from higher and nobIer consi-
dcrations. i - the result Of patriotic desire to
SEQ the integrity of tho nation maintained, and
.he rights OF our common country preserved. 1t
is no mere sectional question; and trust that.
when it may become necessary. all section. of the
country will DO found uniting in any effort and
any sacrifices which may DO necessary to vindi-
cate the national honor.
Icannot pretend, like the gentleman from Ilno-
IS, (Mr. Bakery to answer for the Wings Of
Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas, and Michigan.
can assume only to speak for those whom repro
sent. There may be o more martial feeling pre-