True Democrat., 1846-03-04

''tO 1''" dI'iloI, oey ouu tue stony mountains,
to the Pacific. Why did the United States at
that time agree TO such a proposition, if our
commissioners supposed that we had an exclu
slve RICH to the territory over Great Britain
II, at that time they believed Spain to have
rights there worthy Of respect, why were they
willing to surrender those rights for the 49th
parallel of latitude? By that very treaty.
by that very convension-you acknowledge
existing rights in great Britain; and as before
stated, not a sing gestatesman in the country ever
asserted an exclusive right on our part TO that
territory until somewhere between 1885 and
| the present time. Matters incident to the occu-
| patton oil Oregon were frequently brought be-
fore this the and other branch OF Congress, be-
tween the years 1920 & So and | have now be-
fore me most able speech, delivered by the
senator from Missouri, on my left, upon bill
to occupy the mouth the Columbia river. In
those days we had no idea ofasserting an excIu-
sive right to the territory, but simply to occupy
distinct but isolated portions have read that
speech with serious attention, and feel satisfied
that It will repay every member who may be
disposed to peruse ii. In that speech, the author
contends correctly, and with his accustomed en-
crgy, in favor of our right to extend protection
to our citizens, and to establish our laws to the
same extent as have been practIsed by Great
Britain; but at the same time it was carefully
avoided 10 assert any claim 10 those portion now
in dispute. The gentleman is present, and can
say whether or not am correct
mir. Benton. You are right
Mr.. SPEIGHT proceeded. TO be brief on
this subject let me ask what are the pretcxls for
a war with Great Britain? Has she assert
cd right TO the whole territory have heard
It declared on this floor more than once, that
Great Britain had claims TO the whole of this
territory. But how? Does she lay claim to ac.
tuLl sovereignty over the whole Of i2 | ap-
prehend not She claims right to the whole
of IL in joint occupancy with the United States.
But she is willing to define that right, and di-
vide the territory upon fair and equitable terms,
in which our concurrence Of course, is requir-
cd. 1t is not necessary to my purpose, nor
would it be proper at this time, TO enter into
discussion oflhe several points Of international |
law supposed to be involved in the present is
sue, as it may regard the title of discovery and
occupation do moi think however, the task
difficult to show that Great Britain has rights
in Oregon which according TO the law Of ma
tons, we must repect The eminent statesman
(Mr Gallalin) to whom | have alluded, takes
ground broadly and distinctly, that by the treaty
Of Noolka sound the right to sovereignty over
the soil was tranlcuod from Spain to Great Br
tain. ! am aware Mr. President, that our Sec
rotary Of State has, in a most elaborate manner,
taken a different view Of this part Of the subject
to that Of the eminent statesman to whom |
have alluded, but, unfortunately, twas too late.
1t was after the door OF negotiation was closed
and therefore may be said to be "lovc's labor
lost"
had intended saying much more on this
branch Of the subject but must bring my re-
marks TO a close have remarked that the bill
presents iisclfto US in two aspccls-frst, as a
PEACE measure, and secondly, as a WAR mea-
sure. live are to have a war with Great Bri.
ain for the Oregon territory, | must be- permit
icd 10 tell my honorable friend that the provis-
sions Of this bill are far from being commcnsu-
rate 10 the crisis. consider il tri1ing with the
American people 10 tell them in one breath that
they arc to engage in war with one Of the most
formidable naval powers on the earth, and in
.hc next thaithe shall rely upon the inefficient
nd Of Ten steamships that can Hrrsr te seat BE-
yoal he coast ofhc Uaiied Stated If the
question Of war with Great Britain is seitlod--
4 il must ensue before our difficulties with that
,ountry can be honorably adjusted, then Let the
honorable gentleman from Maine bringin bill
% built FIFTY VESSELS OF WAR; When |
fnd that time has arrived, my vote shall be
.heerlully given; but until il docs take place,
bis house shall, by no act Of mine, give loose
-eln TO expenditures Of the public money for the
Increase Of our naval power, and saddle the tax
7avcrs orthis nation with an annual outlay Of
.sa or firsIrs mHlions Of 9ollara What Is the
onJEcr Of all this. Why Il Is al mere pre-
sr,. sir. under the guise Of which II Is isprOpcsed
o levy immense tax upon the laboring classes
j