The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-02-11
From the Baltimore Sur
oREGoN-THE NOTICE.

Whether Oregon, agricnturally considered, be, al
some have alleged, barren territory, sterIl vii
derness, not, 1t is quite certain that 1t has proved
exceedingly fertile Of oTatory and newspaper specu
laion. Nor has the full harvest of either beer
gathered ia yet for although, in the opinion Of dis
unguished statesman the argument Of the Oregon
question on the notice TO terminate the "ioint occu
pancy," as il has been Familiarity phrased had beef
exhausted in the House Of Representatives Their,
are yet more speeches TO be delivered elsew her
and essays to be written before the main question
Is finally settled Ia the national Senate and on thu
question alone OF the notice, may look for sOmt
splendid displays of eiOquence and, we trust Of pa
triousm also. With this body it now rests 10 de
eide the question OF notice, and say whether or no
II shall be given proposed and advised by III,
President; and towards it the eye of national expec
taton will be directed with anxiety, until its dcci
| sion shall have become known.
without the present means Of calculating in ad
vance upon the result of the coming senatorial de-
lberaons, we presume not to anticipate II; but were
we 10 assume the existence Of a controlling respect
for the popular WILL we should have no difficulty in
arriving at u correct conclusion. Is there any eyi
dence OF that will in the vote Of the House the
question OF giving the notice. and If So what does
II amount Why, to one hundred and sixty-thre
representatives Of the people fer, and fifty fouI
against giving 1t, showing majority Of one hun.
dred and nIne and more than three TO one in favor
Of 1t. And though the ordinary presumption is
that the people have been fairly represented in
that vote, we do not hesitate 10 advance the opinion
that II the question were now before them Eat the
polls, with the whole Argument had in the House
together with the entire diplomatic correspondence
and unencumbered with the burden of any other
political matter whatever, the popular vote in favor
OF the notice would fall comparatively but little
snort OF unanmIty; and this, too, may be fairly
predIcated Of the constituency, without any impeach-
ment even by ndirecuon, Of the honesty of the re.
eusant portion Of the representation. VIII the Sen
! ate, then, hearken 10 the voice of the people, We
shall see in due season.
In the mean time, let US inquire what is the voice
OF the people, not merely upon the preliminary
question OF "the notice." but upon that of posses
Ion, occupancy, and settlement II ''ror popui, pol
Del" could ever have been fairly quoted in reference
TO any question of political nature, it most az.
suredly can in this case. The people of England
have not spoken to the point; their is therefore
nhil-their voice is nothing in reference to 1t; bu
the voice OF their government, heard IN theiI
official acts, is that VIII oh would speak Oregon into
the continued condition Of wilderness, "bound-
less continuity Of shade" favorable to savage life
and heathenism, and fertile of turs. What is the
united voice of our people and government Is it,
or Is II not, III harmonious accord with the voice OF
God! They would go forth into the territory, Gin
crease; and multiply, and spread abroad" in it,
agreeably 10 the primordal Divine Injunction, re-
deem II from heathenism, and confer upon it the
advantages of civilization and the blessings of Chris
tianty. Even should England propose do this
as she has not yet, still feel convinced, the
evidence of our civil rights, Of better claim Of
right to assume the burden of that important duty.
mus we perceive that there is perfect congruity
IN the different phases of great purposes, tempo
raj and spiritual, moral, political, and religious
lhey are IN perfect harmony, and look to the &C.
compilshment OF one great and truly phanthropic
end that OF the Divine purpose, revealed to man
and In that the best good Of mankind. But as po /
iucians are not wont to pay much regard to such
| nj
we will not urge them farther now upon their atien
ton; nor shall we just now do ourselves the pleasure
10 wiring The wthers of portion of the press whose
want of patriotism has been clearly proved by theil
course 80 far upon this same "Oregon question
generally; but we cannot promise protracted con-
lnuance OF this immunity, should the honor the
interest of the country demand the chastiscment Of
the bascness that would compromise both, sell either
for mess of British pottage, sacrifice them open.
ly or by ill-conceaed indlrecuon at the shrine Of
party. his question in fact rises above party, and
expands UNNECESSARILY beyond its dimensions, nc
| matter how enlarged and comprehensive they may
be, ard he is either Ignoramus, or traitor his
country and the best interests of the human race
who treats It as party question. 1t is question Of
national right, In which we of this country have q
special and very particular interest; and if the whole
human race have no concern in the matter we
we should like TO know why the British negotiation
should appeal to 1.-THE world" as tribunal 10 Judge
between him and our Secretary of State, or between
his government and ours. Let the spirit of party
them eschew all interference with the consideration
OF this question, whether of "the notice" or any
other in the category of necessary measures; let tim
idlty ,remble If 1t will and be silent, and cowardct
and treason hide their heads, but let them not ven
,urc into the councils of the brave and patriotic les
they be ANONYMOUSLY elected. The auspices of,hs
incIpiency give warrant of energetic progress and
favorable conclusion, and wo be 10 those who may
essay TO impede the one to the peril Of the other.