The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-03-06
OCCASIONAL
SPEECH OF MR.. CHASE,
OF TENNESSEE,


In the House Of Representatives, february D. is4o-on
the Oregon question.
The House having under consideration the JOINT
resolution reported by the Comnllttse on Foreign
Affairs, directing the President TO give notice 10
Great Britain that the United Sntes will terminate
the convention between the governments, pro-
yidins for the Joint right Of trade In the Oregon
territory. at the expiration Of twelve months
Nj CHASE, Of Tennessee, being entitled to the
floor, ss,di
I regret, Mr. Chairman, at the present stage Of
this discussion, that l am compelled 10 occupy the
time or the attention Of the committee. But the posi-
ton occupy before my constituents, and the allu-
sions which have been made TO the South by mem
bers from the North, upon this floor, makes il my
il peculiarly unfortunate If this should become a
sectional question. When the honor of the country
is TO be defended there should be but one voice in
this hall, but one opinion in this country. II our
national eseutcheon 10 TO be furnished by surren-
der Of our SOIL the blight should fall equally upon
every portion of our land. But, il the national
faith is to be nobly INDICATED, the glory should de-
seend upon all.
The assncelers condition of cities upon the coast
has been alluded 10 by sssslsmss. Have heir In
habtsnts become so eneryated that they cannot raj,
ly in the defence Of their affairs and their resides!
Where can there be more danger than upon our
northern and western border The entire northern
line from the mouth Of the 81. Johns TO the Pacif
&C. the frontier from the mouth Of the Columbia 10
the Rio del Nore, is exposed 10 the attacks OF the
British and their allies, the sayages, Sir, the
pahgs of death more terrible in cities than in the
country Is the loss OF property moro TO be dread
ed or will they alike "pledge life, fortune, and
cred honor" in the defence of their eountrys nghts
was much pleased with The fesressness Of the gen.
tleman from Missouri, Mr.. SINS He boldly
hings his banner TO the breeze, upon which he has
inscribed his motto, "the whole of Oregon or none,
now or never" That gentleman stakes his all in
the position he has assumed. His home is upon
the frontier where his family have to dread the
tomahawk Of the msrcess savage, more terrible
in their fury than their civilized employers, whose
attacks are so much dreaded upon the coast Not
only will that gentleman maintain his position upon
this floor, but, IL necessary, he will back il with
western rife. So much has been said about the
eagle, il may be considered in bad taste, upon my
part, If let the poor bird rest So often has he
been compelled TO dash through the air, now bleed
ing the lion, at the request Of the gentleman from
Indiana, fMr. KENNEDY, and anon at the socita-
ton Of the eloquent gentleman from Virginia, Mr..
BEpISGER,l attempting, but without success, 10 dash
and again making the effort, as he wheeled and
scared alof, as If determined to brave the fire and
artillery Of heaven and 'pass TO the taclless
gions Of the West" The gentleman should have
required another bold and triumphant effort, enabling
the eagle, as the emblem OF our power and our in
stiiutons TO soar above the cloud or pass through
H. rather than TO suffer him TO pause until the dan
ger had passed. will frat, Mr. Chairman, allude
to the position taken by my colleague, Mr.. EwRs.l
could hardly resist the conclusion, that the gentle
man had made Great Britain his client, such strik
ing similarity is there between part Of his argu
ments and those advanced by Mr.. Pakenham.