The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1846-01-21
WASHINGTON. Jan. 16 1916

The Effect Of the Independent Press-Ihs Oregon
Q,sestion-Natsomal Honor-OMr Relations ,cith
EngLand-Joint Occupation, &c.
An Independent press is the only one upon which
the people can rely Ths you have said-this you
have demonstrated. The Herald has become the
true standard OF sound political philosophy, proper
patriotism and safe counsels and propose, in fol-
lowing your own lead, to give you few facts and
deductions upon the state of matters here and upon
the Oregon question in particular. And here, again
can but remark upon the soundness of the argu-
ments heretofore employed by you, both as to prin-
cples and men, in connection with this subject
The Oregon question already begins to drag.
There have scarcely been more than three or four
speakers in the House who have advanced any.
thing of statesmanlike argument upon the matter
With few exceptions, they are speaking for Bun
comb, relieving their pent-up feelings of dislike
prejudice towards some prominent man, or dashing
themselves with preclpiate zeal into what they con-
slider the current OF popular sentiment. But the
sound which Is coming up from the ranks of the
people is not exactly what they expected. The
voice which has reached their ears is response,
not an echo. Like the fellow on the shore Of Kill
larney, who called out What are ysu doing
there q exp citing to hear echo return the words Of
the interrogatory, received. instead, very Impu-
dent and very unexpected reply. The truth Is,
that majority Of the politicians here have totally
misconceived the true feelings of the people. The
passed message was received by the country, has
greatly misled the politicians. They have mistaken
this general appreciation OF the Presidents sent-
mens and position Is desire ter MH or svnc
quire only little theatrical thunder here, " to pre-
pare their hearts to rush into conflict with Great
Britain, without moments elaboration The
message. 1t we'll deserved and fully received their
warmest and most unqualified APPRECIATION They
saw, with, the quick. discemment of common
sense and pure patriotism ne justice Of his
regard to Oregon, he had done all that man could
do to establish title, to maintain rights and
to vindicate our honor. Through the matchless ar
guments Of Mr.. Buchanan and Mr.. Calhoun, he had
convinced his own countrymen that our title vas
"clear and unquestionable," and doubt not, con-
WINGED the British envoy. also, if we could but read
done this, he in obedience to great moral duy-for
the sake OF the peace the harmony, and the welfare
OF two great nations-ofiered, as his predecessors
had done, to compromise the matter by surrendering
portion OF the territory in dispute. Now, those who
are 80 manfuly and periodically shaking their fists at
Great Britain entirely overlook the fact that the peo
pie, IN approving the Presidents message, fully APP
mise, and for the sake Of peace-in order to avoid
the ultima rGtio-tO make surrender OF 81 deg. and
4Om OF our territory This, however, they clearly did
They 60 still further; Tor we doubt not that they
sdent proposes, to terminate the joint occupancy;
but the manner in which this il to be done, constr
tuies the whole difficulty in which the question 10
now involved Inc notice should h,ys been
out menace, to terminate the joint occupation in two
or three years. as to have afforded to the govern
ment Of Great Britain ample time to reconsider the
the expressed hope Of the President, that 'the mat
ter might yet be amIcably adjusted" But the blum
ders Of these welmeaning heroes Of defiance and in
suing notice-made insulting BY their vain glorious
commentaries-are nearly as great as that Of Mr..
Pakenham in rejecting a compromise at 40.
That the West should feel most deeply on this sub
ject, 10 very natural and very proper. That they
should desire to extend laws ever the country
to shield and protect their relations, neighbors and
friends who are there, was fairly to be expected.
honor their brave spirits and generous impulses.
But they are letting their feelings usurp the place OF
what they consider great patriotic duty,
ly in temper OF mind to do justice to the subject,
to themselves, to those who are for attaining the
same ends, by slower process and more cautious
means. At the same time, some OF the Eastern poll
tcians are rampant for notice, and are roaring and
paving the earth like summer bulls They show,
too, that they have some wounds not entirely heal
s1e .os
sins OF the South which they cannot forget nor for
give. Hence they are making war upon Great Br
tain and South Carolina at the same time. Seine of
them feel that they were in an awkward fix upon
the Texas question, and they are determined to re-
deem themselves by ultra measures in regard to Ore
gon Like Yankee Hills "member from Oregon
theygo il blind -
But depend upon it, the public mind is rapidly
settling down to the right point. Great Britain Will
see that the country is in earnest in maintain
ing rights, at all hazards; yet willing to concede
something Tor the sake Of peace. BY the 10Th Of
February-unless the state Of the question should +
be changed by the next news from Engiand-the
Houee, the Senate, and the country, will have set
tied down upon the proper course to be pursued
And here let me say, that all the efforts that have
been or can be made, by persons or presses, cannot
place Mr.. Calhoun and his friends In opposition to
the administration; and for the simple reason, too
that they not in opposition to it. They heartily
approve the Presidents course. They see and ac
Knowledge the strength of his position on the Ore
support it in that way which they deem best calcu
lated TO maintain our rights and preserve the peace
81 the country: They 60 for Oregon--the whole Of
Oregon; but like the President they deem il better
disputed territory. however clear we may consider
our iitc-rather than peril the peace Of the TWO
countries--perhsps the peace Of the worId-in'a
s~f nd Avv1r mi