The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-05-07
MoMENTOuS.


We stop the press, that we may give to the Amer
lean people without a single days delay the fol-
lowing extract, just put into our hands. The wrl-
Ter 10 gentleman Of the purest patriotism and of
great ability. lie is not connected with our mis-
sons abroad, but he never writes upon any subject
| ON which he is not accurately informedi and in the
present instance we have every reason TO believe
that his statements and views the result Of the
smplest opportunities which any one could desire
for asceraining the truth from the highest and most
unreasonable sources. ....
Extract from private teller from .4msrean citizen
LONDON, April l6, 1886.
at is now generally believed in the beat informed
circles that Sir Robert Peel will succeed In eecting
the change proposed by him some time since in the
corn-laws; and that he will then, with his minis
ters, retire from Office. This will happen at very
early day. probably before the middle. of next
month. new cabinet will, of course, be imme-
diatey formed, after the dissolution Of the present
one, under the selection Of Lord John Russell and
Lord Palmerston il is confidently asserted, will be
restored TO his old post OF secretary for foreign
affairs. The chief obstacle TO the formation Of a
ministry by Russel, at the time Of Pee's resigna
ton, the objection urged against Palmerston on
account ofthe hostile feelings which he known
To entertain towards France Ii was feared on both
sides Of the channel that he would be instrumental
in destroying the 'sntenis eordiaLe' which subsisted
between Guizot and Peel or rather between the two
governments.
ain anticipation Of the early resignation of the
Peel ministry, Pamerston awaited himself of the
Easter holydays TO make a visit 10 the French me-
tropos where he still continues, for the purpose IL
is very evident Of reconci ing Louis Philippe TO his
restoration He has been most kindly received by
Monsieur Guizot and the other member Of the cabinet
and his mission doubtless will terminate successful
y. His sentiments with regard TO France will here
after be entirely pacific, because his continuance IN
Office would be Of but short duration were they to
become otherwise; but have awful forebodngs that
our country is TO find in him inyeterate deadly
enemy In his newborn zeal for the welfare of
France, he will at once seize upon Guizots balance
Of power dostrine in North America, and use his
position and his talents TO consummae the most des.
perate purposes at any time contemplated by Eng
land or France to check our growth or diminish the
influence which our institutions are exercising over
the other nations Of the earth.
81 most sincerely regret that there should be so
slight prospect for adjusting the Oregon question
before Pecl's administration is at end. Such an
could have been contaminated, If there had been
even a moderate degree Of good management in Con-
gress. Had the notice. so sincerely, and | may
add, so periodically urged by the President been
promptly authorized to be given, with the elevated
ground upon which our title was placed by the cor
respondence which accompanied the message
thing could have BEEN before this amicably arranged
and to the general satisfaction Of the people Of
the United States But | distinctly foresee that
such result is no longer obtainabe by negotiation.
Startle not, when state to you, as my candid be-
lief that even should the notice arrive by the 25th
inst under the House resolution, nothing like the
clear line OF the 49h parallel can be secured Peel
could not be prevailed upon to settle at that, just as
he is going out, If the notice was now before him;
and il we were disposed to compromise on that
boundary, Russell viii hesitate long, in my opinion,
before he will offer it.
''Thus have we been carried, by the timidty
| of the Senate, to the brink of precipice,
where war with all its horrors-its demon
| alizing infuences--s beheld in the distance. The
arguments against our claim in that body and the
various propositions made there to adjust the ques-
ton defntvely regardless Of the opinions Of the
Executive, have rendered diplomacy upon the subject
a mere mockery. Added to these difficulties, which
the administration has 10 encounter, is the press OF
the opposition which seems to have no hoer object
than to invalidae ownership of the territory, and
to impugn the motives of the President for insisting
on our rights. Nor do they stop here; for they are
vastly augmented by the pens of such restless and
mischievous spirits as ss and .
Under such adverse circumstances, frankly confess
to you that cannot discover solitary ray of hope
for maintaining rights in Oregon, except by the
l last resort-the ultima ratio of nations. 1t Is
melancholy reflection to me, one which bows
| me down with load of grief, but one which
cannot dismiss from my mind since
IL =. How differently did | view
| this matter before l left country! / then
| imagined that Peel secure in his place, and
that England would yield all that she could, ron-
1 sistently with honor, before she would have the
temcrity to strike. now perceive, however, that
4 she regards the executive power of my country as
far as is welded in this controversy utterly para
lived by the action of the Senate; and intoxicated
almost to insanity with the recent success Of hei
l ~ tbo Fact he t6c GEN
vailed in the public mind, relates to the United
States, are rapidly giving way to those of hostile
and belligerent character"
We cannot forbear to express our regret that I
motion was made to-day in the House of Reps t.