The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-03-24

4
| Mr.. ]. also presented remonstrances of Francis
lie Bean, Jean Bevin. and Alexis Porch, against the
continuation OF certain land claims; which were re-
ferred TO the Committee on Private Land Claims.
LIMITATION on THE DEBATE.
Mr. ALLEN desired to ask the attention Of the
Senate TO the question on what day they would be
willing 10 take the vote the Oregon question. He
believed II was now fory-hye days since the debate
had commenced. He certainly had no right to com
plain OF the time that had been consumed, having
himself occupied the attention Of the Senate for two
days. But for many reasons which IL was not ne
cessary To detail, he thought that there should be
some day fixed on which the subject would be
brought TO final conclusion He desired that that
day should if practicable, be known in advance, In
| order that some senators, whose circumstances
might demand temporary absence from the Sen
ate, might so arrange as to be present when the vote
was taken. But there were still more important con-
siderations TO be urged. Aftsr some three or four
months devoted to this subject by Congress, II did
appear TO him reasonable and proper that the Sen
ate should FIX some day, and that not very remote,
when the sense Of the body could be taken. After
few additional remarks Of the same putport, MIR.
A. concluded by stating that he not at all inhu-
enced by any representations that had been made
about the necessity of"quietng the apprehensions Of
the country" He had never thought il necessary
to indulge in any such remarks. He spoke chiefly
with a view of meeting the wishes of several SEN
ators, and he proposed that next Saturday should
be fixed as the day on which the vote would be
taken. ..|
Mr.. MoREHEAD did not perceive the necessity
Of fixing any day-certainly not one so near as that
named. There several senators who yet de-
sired to speak on the question. In his opinion the
known courtesy Of the Senato-its well-ascertained
disposition never TO take vote when any conside-
rable number Of members were absent, might be
safely trusted. He hoped that the senator from
Ohio would not press his motion; and at all events
that IL would lie over till tomorrow.
Mr.. SPEIGHT called the attention ofthe Sena te
TO the special order.
Mr.. ALLEN observed that he had not made any
motion. He did not desire To protract the discus
sion, trespass the time allotted to his friend
who was about to address the Senate. All he desr-
ed an informal arrangement by which senators
would be enabled to fix their minds a certain day
as that on which the vote would be taken.
Here the matter dropped. and Senate proceeded
TO the consideration Of the
SPECIAL oRpER-oREGos, "rHE NOTICE"
Mr. CHALMERS addressed the Senate in favor
OF the notice. At his request. our report Of his
speech is delayed, but will speedily appear.
A message was received from the President Of
the United States.
Mr.. ALLEN called for the reading of the mes
sage, and it was read, as follows:
To the Senate ofhs United Siaissi
In answer to the inquiry Of the Senate, contained
in their resolution Of the 18th instant whether, in
my Judgment, any circumstances connected with,
growing out Of the foreign relations Of this coun
try, require at this time increase OF our naval or
military force" and, if so, "what those crcumstan-
ces are, have TO express the opinion, that wise
precaution demands such increase.
In my annual message ofthe I'd of December last,
recommended to the favorable consideration OF Con-
gress an increase of our naval force, especially Of
our steam navy, and the raising Of an adequate mill
iiary force to guard and protect such Of citizens
as might think proper to emigrate TO Oregon Since
that period, have seen to recall modify
these recommendations. On the contrary, reasons
exist which, in my judgment, render it proper not
only that they should be promptly carried into ef-
feet, but that additional provision should be made
for the public defence.
The consideration Of such additional provision
was brought before appropriate committees Of the
two houses OF Congress, in answer to calls made by
them, in reports prepared with my sanction by the
Secretary Of War and the Secretary of the Navy,
on the 18th Of December and the 9Th Of January
last; a mode Of communication with Congress not
unusual, and, under existing circumstances, beev-
ed to be most eligible. Subsequent events have con-
hrmed me in the opinion that these recommends
tons were proper as precautionary measures.
II was wise maxim Of the Father of his coun-
try, that ito be prepared for war; is one of the
most efficient means of preserving peace;" and
that, avoiding occasions Of expense by cultiva-
ting peace" we should remember, also, that
timely disbursements to prepare for danger fire.
quently prevent much greater disbursements to
repe it," The general obligation to perform
this duty is greatly strengthened by facts known to
the whole world. controversy respecting the
Oregon territory now exists between the United
States and Great Britain; and while, as far as we
know, the relations of the latter with all European
nations are OF the most pacific character, she is
king unusual and extraordinary ornaments and
warlike preparations, naval and military, both at
home and in her North American possessions.
1t cannot be disguised that however sincere may
be the desire of peace, in the event Of rupture
these armaments and preparations would be used
against our country. Whatever may have been the
original purpose of these preparations, the fact is
undoubted that they are now proceeding, in part at
least, with view to the contingent possibility Of
war with the United States. The general policy Of
making additional warlike preparations was dis
tinctly announced, in the speech from the throne,
as late as January last and has since been reiterated
by the ministers of the crown in both houses Of
Parliament Under this aspect Of our relations with
Great Britain, | cannot doubt the propriety of in
creasing our means Of defence, both by land and
sea. This can give Great Britain cause of Of
fence, nor increase the danger of rupture. IT, on
the contrary, we should fold our arms in security,
and at last be suddenly involved in hostties for the
maintenance of our just rights, without any ade-
quate preparation, our responsibility to the country
would be of the gravest character. Should collision
between the two countries be avoided as sincere-
ly trust it may be, the additional charge upon the
treasury, in making the necessary preparations will
not be lost; while, in the event Of such collision,
they would be indispensable for the maintenance of
our national rights and national honor.
| have seen no reason to change or modify the
recommendations of my annual message in regard
to the Oregon question The notice to abrogate the
treaty Of the 9Th of August, 1897, is authorized by
the treaty ITSELF and cannot be regarded as war.
like measure; and 1 cannot withhold my strong
conviction that it should be promptly given. The
other recommendations are in conformity with the
existing treaty, and would afford to American ct-
zens in Oregon no more than the same measure Of
protection which has long since been extended to
British subjects in that territory. ...
The state Of our relations with Mexico is still in
an unsettled condition. Since the meeting of Con-
gress another revolution has taken place in that
country, by which the government has passed into
the hands of new rulers. This event has procras-
tnated, and may possibly defeat the settlement of
the differences between the United States and that
country The minister of the United States to
At fhc data of h. LAT al, had haap