The North-Carolina standard., 1846-03-25

that respec, being prevent disputes and differ
ences among themselves"
This convention remained in force till it was
renewed by the convention signed at London, Au'
gust 6, 1927, which provided ....a.. Il
s;ART. /. All the provisions of the third article
of the convention concluded between the United
States of America and his Majesty the King of the
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland on the
goth day of Oct 1918, shall be- and they are here
by, further indefinitely extended and continued IN
force, in the same manner as if all the provisions
of the said article herein specifically recled.
CART. g. 1t shall be competent, however, for
either of the contracting parties, in case either
should think fit, at any time after the 2Oth October,
1928, giving due notice of twelve months to
the other contracting party, to annul and abIogate
this convention and it SHALL in such case be ac-
cordngly entirely anDued and abrogated, aller tne
expiration of the said term of notice
TART. 3. Nothing contained in this convention
in the third article of the convention OF the 2Oth
October 1918, hereby continued in force shall be
construed 10 impair, in any manner affect, the
claims which either of The contracting parties may
have 10 any part oil the country westward OF the
Stony or Rocky mountains" ..5
From 1918, up to the present time, repeated
efforts have been made TO settle by negotiation
the dispute between the two countries in regard
to this territory; but Great Britain has always re-
fused TO propose such terms as this country could
accept, without sacrifice Of her rights In this
condition the question stands at the present mo-
ment and it light so remain, but for the change
of circumstances which will in a short time rem
der it both impracticable and impossible. While
the country was only used for hunting, fishing,
and furtrading, there was but little difficulty be-
tween the two governments in relation TO their
conflicting claims, and it was not indspensably
necessary to ad Just them. But things have chang
ed. Within few years thousands of our indus
trious and cnterprising citizens have gone with
their families to that country to engage IN agrlcul
tural, mechanical, and other pursuits Of civilized
life. and they are now cullivating the soil, and
earning for themselves permanent tIU.-.-e, o-'d on
inheritance for their children. Does any one
suppose that we have arrived at such perfection
in the science of government to justify the hope
that two distinct races of people, each governed
by different code of laws, and owing allegiance
TO governments totally diring in their character,
can settle and occupy the same territory, and
maintain peaceabe relations towards each other :?
Such hope is illusive. Why then should we in
dulge further delay, when every moment we live
this question becomes more difficult to settle ?
When n dispute arises between TWO neighbors
as to the boundary of their lands, the dispute may
often be easily adjusted at first; but if they once
drive their fence-stakcs cut their ditches, and
build their houses en- the disputed territory, a
friendly settlement of the boundary becomes al
most imposs ibe. So it will be in regard TO Ore
gon. This territory is now regarded rs greatly
more valuable than it was in 1918; and IT you
wait years longer its estimation will no doubt
be moro than quadruPled. Is it not important.
then, that this question should be settled as early
as practicable2 In view of all this, l ask, is 1t
our duty to take such as will taclll-
tate the decision of this question? For one, be-
lieve the country is to 54 deg 40 min but
the extent of title is not the question now un
der consideration and all who believe that we
have rights in Oregon, no matter to what extent,
so they be greater than the British government
has offered to concede, ought to vote for this
measure.
The President of the United States, in MS an
nual message at the opening of the present session
OF Congress, says:
" The extraordinary and wholly iDadmissible
demands Of the British government, and the re-
lection of the proposition made in Difference alone
10 what had teen done by my predecessors, and
the implied obligation which their acts seemed 10
impose, afford satisfactory evidence that no COM
promise which the United States ought TO accept
can be effected. With this conviction, the pro-
position Of compromise, which had been made
and rejected, was, by my direction, subsequently
Withdrawn, and our title TO the whole Oregon ter
rtory asserted, and as is believed, maintained by
inrefrugable facts and arguments.
"The civilized world will see in these proceed
ings, spirit of liberal concession the part Of
the United States; and this government will be
relieved from all responsibility which may follow
the failure TO settle the controversy.
"All attempts at compromise having failed, it
becomes the duty of Congress to consider what
measures it may be proper 20 adopt for the securl-
ty and protection of our citizens inhabiting,
or who may hereafter inhabit Oregon, and for the
maintenance Of our just title to that territory. IN
adopting measures for This purpose care should be
taken that nothing be done TO violate the stipua
tions of The convention of 1927, which is still in
force. The faith of treaties, in their letter and
spirit has ever been, and, trust, will ever be,
scrupuously observed by the Uuited States. I'm
der that convention, years notice is required TO
be given by either party the oher before the
joint occupancy shall terminate, and before either
can rghrfuly assert exercise exclusive jursdic-
ton any portion of the territory. This no.
tice it. would, in my judgment, be proper to give !;
and recommend that provision be made by law
for giving 1t accordingly, and terminating, in this
manner the convention of the sixth of August,
1927"
Now, sir, inthe face Of these facts, can we
shrink from giving the notice Some gentlemen
take it for granted that this measure will cut off
all negotiation; but they mistaken. 1t only
carries out what public opinion has declared, and
what the true policy of the country requires II
further negotiation shall be necessary or proper,
then this notice in no wise prevents it; if further
negotiation is unnecessary improper, it is our
imperative duty TO give the notice Passing this
measure, then, will not prevent our government
from doing anything that ought to be done, while
it will unite our hands and leave free to pursue
such measures as the interests of the country de-
mand In doing these things, we must observe
our national faith, and violate no treaty stipulation