Sentinel of the valley. [volume] (Woodstock, Va) 1841-1848, 1846-02-19

! tlGD the IfeSluenl n1u TeCttNtu llOui y
variety of sources, of the extensive
warlike preparations making by Great
Britain, and the natural inference upon
his part that in the present pacific
state of the relations Of Great Britain
with all the powers of Europe, they
could only look to a rupture with the
United States Oil the Oregon ques-
! zion.
Lord Aberdeen said very promptly
and frankly that it would be improper
10 disguise that, with the sincerest de-
sire to avoid it, they were Obliged to
look to the possibility OF rupture
with the Uni.ed States; and that in
such crisis the warlike preparations
now making would be useful and inn
por.an,; but he stated at the same time,
very positively and distinctly, that they
had no direct reference TO such a rup-
ture; and would have been made in the
way, and to the same extent, without
regard to the relations OF Great Britain
and the United States. &
He also advertcd to the fact that
such preparations as were actually ma
king had been commenced bef..re the
relations between the United States
and Great Britain had become as seri-
Gus as they now appeared to be, and
therefore could not at that time have
had any connexion with difficulties
which had since grown out of the Ore
gon question. He thonght, too, that
the representations as 10 the extent OF
the preparations must have been exag-
gerated. He denied that they related
particularly, as ! had been informed,
10 distant service; or that they were
making any addition 10 the old form of
marine. He stated that the most ex-
,ensive and formidable parts of their
preparations were the Notifications OF
ihe principal and exposed ports and
stations, which he thought could hard
ly be supposed TO guard against inva-
sion fiom the United States; and to
the increase Of the number of steam
vessels in lieu of the old craft, which
it appeared other nations were about
to adopt, and which he confessed he
though, matter of doubtful policy
In short, he assumed the preparations
in progress to be only a part OF wise
and prudent system ofnatlonal defence
and protection, and Of preparing IN
time Of peace for the exigencies Of war,
fit should unfortunately come from any
quarter whatever; and he distinctly re-
.pea,ed his disclaimer that they had
particular or direct reference TO aIup-
ture with .he United States on the Or
egon question, or any other ground.
In regard to my own opinion upon
this subject, which the President has
been pleased to desire, :
it is altogether probable that the posi-
biiity of other difficulties from other
quarters in Europe !.
may have its lnfiaence IN dictatlnS the
poiicy of the extensive preparations in
progress in all parts OF The kingdom;
and. with undated confidence IN the
frankness and straigh,forwardness OF
Lord Aberdeen, and withou: meaning
10 dis,rnsi in the slightest degree the
sincerity OF his disclaimers IN our re-
cent conversation, do not think it
oueh, to be assumed by any one that
I warlike preparations upon such scale
as tina, upon which they are undeniao'y
making here could not have even an
| indirect rei-renccto the possible con-
ttinsency Of rupture with us. And
al the same time iii perfectly obvious
thai they are in a great degree, and
especially so far as ,ney consist OF an
augmentation IN the number Of steam
vessels and of the naval marine genef-
ally, precisely of the character 70 be
The most appropriate and the most use
full in war with our country. ! an
moi prepared to say, nor do deem II
material to decide, how far we have a
| right 10 expect an explicit disclaimer
OF The character and purposes OF the
warlike preparations now making ~
4 Great Britain under the circumstances
They may be the dictate OF various Us
motives Of policy, and the result OF ma
\ ny causes; and, without attempting e
assign 10 each its particular influence
J, am by no means prepared to admit
that the apprehension of difficulties
| with the United States had no share IN
them; and it IS very clear that i ruP.
/ ture with the United States should
y grow out Of our present difficulties. ! this