Southport telegraph. [volume] (Southport, W.T. [i.e. Kenosha, Wis.]) 1840-1850, 1846-03-10
FURTHER AND MORE PARTICULAR
NEWS BY THE CAMBRIA.

The OREGON QUESTION IN PAPLIAMENT
The following debate took place between
Lord John Russell and Sir Robert Peel Oh
the 24,h:-
Lord John Russell said, he was not about
to alude TO those subjects which had be-
fore the House last tight, but there were
questions in that part or the speech from the
throne which related to our foreign relations
which he wished for some explanation upon.
First, with regard TO The Oregon question.
He entirely participated in The feeling OF The
right honorable gentleman, both that peace
with the United States was the most desira-
BILE, and that we ought to do nothing that
was inconsistent with the honor of this
country. But certain statements had been
put forth in America, and had been report
ed TO have been made to the Congress of
the United States, which made il desirable
that some explanations should be given on
that subject.
He had thought that the President ofthe
United States had las, year made declara-
lions to Congress on this subject, which
were not comfortable to the usage Of civil
ized countries, or to the friendly relations oil
the two states; but it would appear, howev-
er, that proposition for compromise had
been made from the President to her Maj
esty's government. and he Lord John Rus
sel) conceived that the proposition had
changed the state Of the question. The
proposition itself might be satisfactory or
not satisfactory but having been made. il did
appear 10 him to require statement from
those in authority in this country of the
terms on which they would be satisfied to
settle the question.
That proposition, as he understood, had
not been received by her Majesty's govern.
ment, but had been declared to be totally
nadmissible by our Minister in America
He (Lord John Russe!D confessed he
thought that was hasty proceeding on the
part of the representative of her Majesty in
the U. States. But what he wished to ask
was, whether the negotiations had recon-.
menced or were going on? He was not de-
sirous that the papers should be presented
to the House; he was willing TO leave the
negotiations in the hands of her Majesiy's
government; until they could state, that a
satisfactory result had been attained, before
he asked for any information of the partlcu-
lar state ofthe negotiation.
One word with respecl to what had fallen
from the hon. member from Montrose.-
Her Majesty required the attention Of the
House TO the increase in the estimate which
provided for the efficacy Of the military and
naval services. He could well understand
that with The increased possessions of this
country abroad, and the consequently in
creased demands OH the services of our
military and naval forces in every pnrt Of
the world there might be reason for the in
crease ofthe estimates even at season of
profound peace and when nothing threaten.
ed on any side; and he trusted that it was
on these grounds, and not OH account ofany
thing in the aspect of affairs with reference
to the United States, that her M3jesty's
government had made this increase.
He for his part, had for some time thought
that the efficacy of the military force of this
country at is present amount was too much
tried, and that too much was demanded fiom
that force.
Sir Robert Peel With reference to the
question jus! put by the noble lord, | beg to
say, tina, not foreseeing that he would put
it, am not at present prepared TO give him
an answer, and have therefore TO crave that
he will postpone his question until another
time.
On the subject Of the Oregon territory, ]
have to state that proposal was made by
Mr.. Buchanan with the authority OF the
President of the United States, TO Mr.. PAX
enham, and that the proposal so made sug-
gested division OF territory. Whether or
not that proposal ought to have been accep-
ted. cannot say. Mr.. Pakenham thought
that the terms proposed were so unlikely to
be acceptable, that he did not feel himself
warranted nj transmitting the proposal to the
government at home; and on signifying this
TO Mr.. Buchanan, the latter Immediately
stated that the proposal was withdrawn.
This is the state Of the negotiation at
present, so far as am informed, respecting
the proposal submitted by Mr.. Buchanan, |
have The highest opinion of Mr.. Pakenham,
have the greatest respect for his talents,
and the greatest confidence in his Judgment
yet must say that it would have been bet
Ter had he transmitted That proposal TO the
home government for their consideration,
and if found in itself satisfactory, it might
possibly have formed the foundation for a
further proposal. (Hear.)
Since that period this country has again
repeated TO The United States their offer of
referring the matter TO arbitration, but no
answer has yet been received to the propo-
sal SO made. With respect TO the proposed
increase in the naval and military force,it is
impossible for any one 10 see the progress of
steam navigation and the continued increase
OF colonial posse ssons, without at the same
time seeing the necessity for an increase in
our naval and military establishments
Within the last few months the colony of
New Zealand has made heavy demand up
on us in this respect and the continual drain
made upon our troops on account of the
necessary relefs in our other possessions is
so great that il is almost impossible to fill up
our regiments.
| think tina, even while we have the ut
most confidence in the intentions of foreign
powers, we would not be wise 10 neglect
the defences of our country, and to render
it secure against any possible contingency.
(Hear, hearty | say, then, that the propo-
sed increase in the estimates may be en-
tirey justified on purely defensive grounds,
and that her Majesiy's government, have felt
it their duty TO propose an increase Of The
estimates for our naval, military and ord
Il. al =