The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-06-02

the stnder the then existing circumstances What
they did not possess, have acquired. What
they did not know, we have discovered. We have
extended our claim by new purchase, and we have
ascertained, what Mr. Madison appears to have sus-
pected that the historical statement respecting the
establishment of the parallel Of 400, at any rate
west of the Rocky mountains is incorrect, and that
no such line exists. And the same remark applies,
although TO a less extent, 10 the cabinets OF MIR.
Monroe and of MIR. Adams both Of whom have
been appealed TO by the senator from Missouri IN
support Of his position. Florida was not purchased
until towards the close Of the first term Of Mr.. Mon
roe and after that time the notion that the 49th paral
lei had been established under the treaty Of Utrecht,
and extended perhaps west OF the Rocky noun
lans may have produced some impression. But
IL is obvious that II did not permanently influence
the course of the government. For Mr.. Rush Of
fered the 5lst parallel as compromise line for
our boundary; and Mr. Gallatin, as have already
said repudiated the early offers, and went back 10
the whole claim
Nov, sir, where is this monstrous Inconsistency
and injustice which the honorable senator sees in
the assertion OF our claim by the present sdminls-
tration north of the 49th' If the cabinet Of Mr..
Adams believed we were concluded by the treaty Of
Utrecht aud by line esAblis ~ lander It, how
ca ne they to pass beyond that kne, and 20 offer
a compromise two degrees Of latitude north Of IL IN
dicating by the very offer ITSELF that our just claim
went beyond that limit And what was meant by
1.-The semi pTOttSi Of Mr. Gallatin, announcing that
ing been rejected, his government would now con-
tend for the full claims Of the United States These
full claims Of course went beyond 5lCj and having
got so far on the north side of 49o, and so near
$40 40 with the cabinet Of Mr.. Adams. shall
leave To the honorable senator from Missouri the
task Of reconcng their conduct with the belief that
this barrier of ago rises like great fertilization to
check our further progress IN northern drec-
uon.
i The senator frsm Missouri has again submitted
A ~ II 49, 81
lei Of ago, under the treaty Of Utrecht In the for
mer discussions his object TO vlndicate the
truth Of history and TO redeem the character Of the
American Senate from the charge Of ignorance.
He expressly stated he made practical applica-
ton Of the main fact. Now the ground seems TO
be changed. The senator says that my endorse
ment Of Mr.. Greenhow's error a bLundsring
book "iays him under the necessity Of correcting third
error ,odieh the y.toiUo rtieS hug TO their bosonts"
i We do not claim any exemption from the ordina-
i ry fraites Of humanity. II we hug 10 our bosoms
the rights and interests of our country bear
to be sneered at, though at the same time we may
be permitted to investigate the facts and the deduc-
tons by which the charges against us are so conf
IDENTIFY urged.
/ shall not go over this matter Of the treaty Of
Utrecht, am unwilling even to aude TO II again.
But cannot be driven from my position, or surren-
der it without defence. shall, however, touch the
topic very briefly, combining myself to the new views
presented by the senator from Missouri.
The senator says that my endorsement Of Mr..
RI Greenhows blunders has rendered this yindlcaton
necessary. In the first place, have not endorsed
Mr.. Greenhow's assertions conclusions, be they
ri blunders be they truths. With respect to the
ly point made by the senator before the establish
ment of the parallel of 49o east the Rocky noun
tains, expressly stated 1t a subject upon which
reasonable men might differ | stated that the pos
tive and negative evidence produced by Mr. Green
how, had induced me 10 believe that no such line
had been run, but expressly disclamed the very en-
dorsement which the gentleman now charges upon
1 me But will add, that all my subsequent exam
nation and reflection have fortified this belief and
am more and more convinced that the assertion re-
specting the establishment of this line is an histori-
cal error, which should be removed from all our de-
4 bates on this subject.
In the second place, the holTrsble senator has
renewed this discussion for a new purpose, not be-
fore avowed. 1t is now not alone with a view TO
vndcate history. and redeem the character of the
Senate, as on the former occasion; but also for a
much more important object-for the establishment
of political right The subjec TO be of
, speculation, AMI becomes one Of action This line
! is now pushed across the Rocky mountains, and Is
nterposed as barrier to the extension of the terri
, toral claim which our government has asserted.
| Before proceed further allow me to say that the
fifty -fourforties occupy the negative side of this posi-
ton. The proof must come from their opponents,
1t is said that claim is limited by the parallel OF
ago. The existence Of a claim is conceded on all
hands. In its extension north, it is met by the as
sertion, that its further progress in that direction
is stopped by a line on the parallel Of 49o
1 established by the treaty Of Utrecht more than
ri century ago. Now let those who say this prove
: liz. The burden is upon them. The assumption,
' till shown and satisfactorily shown, is purely gra
tutous. And the proof must be reasonable, and
such suits the circumstances; not loose assertions
and quotations from historical works, without au-
r thority upon such subject. And more especially
| when there vast number of circumstances OF
positive and negative character which discredt the
= establishment of such boundary. And when the
notices referred to seem to be repeated successfully
from one work to another, without any examinia-
ton of their authenticity and depending perhaps on
one common and erroneous origin. Why, the very
O discussion in which we are engaged proves the ne
cessity of adhering to established principles. A
suit for 2I cents could not be maintained upon such
!, proof as is here adduced when so much better ia
I within the reach of the parties. Two months are
h amply sufficient to procure from the archives OF
London or Paris evidence upon this subject which
would terminate the controversy. Until that is pro-
duced l. for one, shall protest against the rights oil
our country being limited affected by the assump
. ton Of line resting merely upon loose assertion
@ and upon deductions made from them.
il With respect to the existence Of this line under
i the treaty Of Utrecht, what evidence not already
considered, and, | think, fairly refued, has the
:, senator from Missouri produced? shall glance at
rather than examine, the facts he has brought Tor
e ward
c FIRST, he states that the British Indian traders
asked as favor to be permitted to trade in Louisi
/; ana south of 40, which was refused. The otficla
communication Of the British ministers, referred tt
in support Of the above assertion respecting this par
}. allel does not support it, The application wal
is made under the treaty of 1854. Louisiana was &c
h quired subsequently, No spcsf6c boundaries are
|, alluded to, but claim is made to trade with thu
d Indians in Louisiana. But the honorable senate
il states that Major Soddarts, who was then, think
&c not governor Of Louisiana, but military command
y ant at st. Louis, in his sketches OF that country
o speaks of its northern boundary as follows:
e The commerce by the terms Of the patent ex
tended the limits Of Louisiana in that quarter
which by the treaty Of Utrecht in l73 was fixed TIT
ir A9th degree"
At think may safely appeal to the honorable sen
ator and ask him whether he thinks such mere as
n sertion this is entitled to any weight in the DC
d termination of this grave question: Major Stoddar