Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1846-03-12


~ the territory OF Oregon. The sudden
transition, from an ngreen,rnt however de-
iecilvc TO u proiniScuous occupancy, without
any provisions whatever that may prevent
collisions, 10 highly dangerous. When tins
's accompanied by mn avowed determination
on The pnrt OF the United States to assume
Iha, exclusive sovereignty which Great Brl,
am has positively declared she would resist,
war becomes inevitable.
I II has been attempted IN these papers to
prove
4 lot. That neither OF the two Powers has
an absolute and indlspu,ablc right to the
whole contested territory that each may re-
ccdc from rs extreme prctensions without
lmpa'ring national honor or woundlng nation
al pride and that the way is therefore still
open Tor u renewal oi negotiations.
I'd. That the avowed object OF The United
States ~ giving notice Of the abfogali0n ol
The convention, Is the determination to asser,
and mninlnIn their assumed right oi absolute
nhd exclusive sovereignty over the whole
'"rrliory that Great Britain is fully commit
'ed on that point, and has constantly aud cx.
plcnly declared that such an attempt would
be resisted, and the British interests in that
quarter be protected; aud that war Is therefore
The unnvoidab!r consequence Oi such a dcci-
sive stcp-a war not only necessarily caaml
tous and expensive, but in its character az
gresslve, not Unsuitable by the magnitude aud
Importance OF ITS object, and vi which The
chances are uncertain.
ID That the Inconvenience Of The prcsen,
stntc ot things may IN great degree be u
voidcd: that, II no war should ensUe, they
will be the same, II not greater. without than
under conventions; that not a single object
can be- gained by giving The notice at this
time, unless II be to do something not per.
united by the present convention, and there.
fore provoking resistance and productive OF
war. TIA single other advantage can be gain
ed by giving the notice, let it be stated.
! llh. That It has been fully admitted by
Great Britain that, whether under o, without
a convention, the United States have the
same rights as herself, TO trade, TO navigate,
and to occupy and make settlements in and
over every part Of the territory and that. II
ih's state OF things be not disturbed, natural
causes must necessarily give the whole ter.
ritory to the United States.
Under these circumstances. il is only asked
that, the SUBJECT may be postponed for the
present that Government should not commit
itself by any premature act or declaration
that, Instead of increasing the irritation and
excitement which exist on both sides, time
be given for mutual reflection, and TOR the |
snbdual or subsistence Of angry and violcn,
feelings. Then, and then only, can the de.
hbcrate oplnion Of the American people on
this momentous Qneaion he trul uscctalned. .
II is not perceived how the pos,poncment for
the present and for n time can, in any shape
or IN the slightest degree inj IRE the United
States.
1t is certainly true that England i. very
powerful and has often abused her power.
~ no case ~ q more outrageous manner than
by the impressment Of seamen, whether
American. English. or other foreigners. sail 4
ing under aud protected by the American
nag. ] am not aware that there has ever
been any powerful nniion, even in modern
times, and protesting Christianity which has
not occasionally abused its power. The
United States, who always appealed to JUS
'icc during their enrly youth, seem. as their
strength aud power increase, to give symp-
toms of similar disposition. Instead Of use
less and dangerous recriInnntions, might moi
the two nations, by their united efforts. pro.
mote grea. object. aud worthy OF their ec.
vaied situation 4
With the single exception OF tho territory
Of Oregon which extends from az t. 81 , 40 \
north latitude, all the American shores of /
The Pacific Ocean, from Cape Horn to B,h
rings Straits, are occupied on The north by
the factories Of the Russian Fur Company,
s"uhwnrdIy by semi civilized States, a mix
'nrc of Europeans Of Spanish descent aud Of
native Indians, who notwithstanding the ef.
forts Of enlightened, intelligent, and liberal
men, have heretofore failed in the attempt to
establish Governments founded on law that
might ensure liberty. preserve order, and pro.
'ect persons and properly. 1t Is in Oregon
alone that we mny hope to see portion Of \
The western shores oi America occupied and
by an active aud enlightened ma.
ti"n. which may exercise u moral influence
over her less favored ncighbors, and extend
lo them the benefits of inure advanced CIV
l'Zatl"n. u is on that account that the wIsh
has been expressed that tho Oregon te rrito n
~ may not be- divIdrd.-Thr Unitrd States
md England are the only Powers who lay
my clam to that country, the only nations
winch may & must lnhabit it. II is not, for,u.
nately, ~ the power Of either govs rnment 10 9
prevent this 'nkin. place but It depends up 1 i
~ them whether they shall unite IN promo.. I
ng The object or whether they shall bring on
10Th countries the calamitics of an useless , ,,
var, which may retard but not prevent the
Ultimate result. II matters but little whether I
he nhabllans shall come from England 4
n from the United States. II would seem {,
nat more Importance might be attached 10 n
u" TACT, thnt within period Of fifteen 4
ears near one million of souls nre now ad. ,
t d 4" the population ofthc United States by
from the dominIons ot G,ea,
'Htain yet, since permitted by both Pow. :,
~, they may be presumed to be beneficial }
both The emlgrnnis To Oregon, whether
americans or English, will be unite Il topcih
T 'y the community of language and lucra
'r", of the principles of law, and Of all the
indnmcnol elements oft similar civilization. I"
The establishment Of a kindred and friend. /,
Power OF the Northwest coast Of America II r,
all that England can expect, all perhaps .,
'at the United States ought TO desire. IA
'cins almost incredible tiia, whilst TIM, oh "'
ct may be- attained by sInpy not inprd. J.
~ !he eject of natural causes. two kindrcd tu
atoms having such powerful motives to re-. %,
nln nt peace, aud standing at the head OF
uropcnn d. American civilization, should, IN :"
~ enlightened ngc, give To the world the
spectacle. perhaps not unwcl
INC To some at tho bcholdrrs. nf an unnn,u
i md unnecessary war; tint they should ap- 10
y all their faculties and exhauS, tlIrir rc. hi
,urccs IN INJECTING each ON The oth,t cy. ~