The Charlotte journal. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1835-1851, 1846-02-20


upon an equal footing. there might bc no
insupefabe objection TO such course. But
what is the extent Of territory in dispute
on the present occasion !, embraces
nearly thirteen degrees of latitude along
The northwest coast of tho Pacific, and
stretches eastward TO the summit Of the
Rocky Mountains. Within lis limits sew
eraI powerful and prosperous States Of the
| Union may be embraced. Ii lies con,ieu
Gus, on this continent, To the acknowledged
territory OF the United States, and is des.
tined, at no distant day, TO Inc peop!ed by our
citizens. This territory presents the ave.
nue. through which the commerce of our
Western States can be profitably conduct
cd with Asia and the western coasts of this
cco,inent; aud its ports, the only harbors
belonging TO the United States to which
cur numerous whalers and other vessels ia
that region can resort. And yet. vast as
are It's Dimensions, II contains not single
safe aud commodious harbor from IT'S south
cru extremity until We approach the 49th
parallel Of latitude.
Ii is far from the intention of the under.
signed again TO open the discussion Of the
conflicting claims Of the two Powers to the
Oregon territory. IL is sufficient for him
4 to state the continued conviction OF the
President, that the United States hold the
best title IN existence to the whole of this
|ierntory. Under this conviction, he can.
not consent TO leopard for has country all
|the great interests involved, and by any
possibility, however remote, TO deprive the
|Repuhllc of all the good harbors on the
coast, BY referring the question 10 arbltra.
ion.
Neither is the territory in dispute Of
fual, OF nearly equal, value 10 the two
Powers. Whilst II IS invaluable to the
ni,cd States, II is Of comparatively small
= Importance to Great Britain. To her, q.
Segon would he bot distant colonial poe.
ession Of doubtful value and which, from
I he natural progress Of human events, she
4 auId ao probably long enough ENJOY 10
2euye from II essential benefits whist To
Dc United States II would become an tn,e
raj and essential portion OF The Republic
he gain 10 Great Britain she would never
1FnsibIy feel; whilst the loss t. the United
hates would be irreparable.
4 The Undersigned Is perfectly aware that
bel considerations can have no bearing
pou tbs question Of the title Of either par.
! They are presented solely for the pur,
SC Of explaining the views Of the Pres.
nt N hts refusal TO adopt any mcusure
hich should Withdraw our title from the
bnrul q the Government and people Of
y Uhlcd States, aud place il within The !
'crc,Ion Of any arbitrator, no matter how :
ielltgcnt and respectable. e
The President cordially concurs with !
y Government Of Great Britain 10 desir. ,
that the ptesen, controversy may bc /,
rIcably adjusted. or this, he has gwen 5
e strongest proof before the whole world. !
believes that. as there arc no Two ua. :
tas on the earth more closely bound 10. !.
iher By The tee Of commerce, so there
g none who ought to be more able or vii. +
TO do each other justice, without the to
opposition Of any arbitrator. {
The undersigned svaiI- himself of tbs 2
aston to renew 10 Mr.. rakcnham the Il
sgranco Of his high consideration. d
JAMES BUCHANAN. +
shI Hen. RICHARD PAKENHAN, &c. I