The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1846-01-03
From the Union of Dec. "a.
THE LONDON TiMES--OREGON
AND Mr.. WEBSTER.


An article Of the "'rimes" of the %
December, upon the 'Oregon question,
has attracted much attention in this
country, and furnished the text for G
good deal of commentary both. instruc
tive and amusing.
1t is very discernible, and we are
happy in finding it the case, that the
rancorous and bitter newspaper at
which we are now referring, is not as
warlkc as its general temper, whenev'
er illusions are made to this country.
might have led US to expect. The wis
dom of common observation which
asserts that ediscreton is the better
part Of valor," begins to be somewhat
appreciated by the savage "Times."-
However, in the absence of decided
ly bel.igerent spirit. we find the afore-
said influential journal charged TO the
muzzle with acrimonious censure, and
directed, all of it, with discriminating
malice, TO the "powers that be-" and to
that greatest of all denominations in the
eyes of monarchists-the 'democratic
party" in the United States.
1t is an unpleasant but quite a noto-
rious fact, that for many years, com
prehensive of the political career of''Mr.
Webster especially, the most reliable
justification which Great Britain ap-
pears to have had in her various COLI
sions with the United States is discov-
cred in the concurrence and support
found and rendered her by certain
American politicians. With disa-
greeabIe but strong recollection ofthis
unpatriotic sympathy-this. unnatural
feeling for the foreign cause, always
and so shamelessly displayed in partic-
ular quarters-we suppose it would be
hard exercise to put case SO ''clear
and unquestionable" for the United
States that, with England for a con-
testant, "some eminent attorney" here
would not be found ready TO do his de-
voir in her behalf. This, however pre-
posterous, has been almost invariably
the case. And now, again, the "Lon-
don Times" IN an article laudatory of
Mr.. Webster, proclaims in very dis
tinct terms, and with the belief that the
declarations it makes will be highly
agreeable to the American senator, that
ifhe (Mr. Webster) were at the head
Of affairs, the Oregon controversy
would be readily adjusted according to
English conceptions of equity and
fairness.
1t did not require the development
made in the speech, which the "Morn-
ing Chronicle" described as being "suh-
lime as an epic and tender as an elegy,"
to satisfy British statesmen what would
be the probable attitude of Mr.. Web
ster with reference to the Oregon con-
troversy. On the contrary, the uni
form and favoring participation of that
gentleman in most matters which havs
Great Britain. satisfied them
in advance upon that point.
All who are conversant, land so pow
erfulIy has Mr.. Webster impressed
upon the country by the force
Of his admitted abilities, that most are
with his political course,)
will, or should, allow the truth of the
facts to which we are directing atten.
ton, however disparaging these facts
may be to him of whom they are affirm
ed. What great international ques-
ton has come up for discussion, that in
his effort to compose it by the sacrifice
VI national reputation, or some propri-
etary interest, popular verdict has not
been awarded against Mr.. Webster?
The English cabinet have been vigI-
antly observant of that which has so
often occurred for the peculiar benefit
Of Great Britain.
But let US hear the Times. That pa
per says "if the momentous question
of peace or war beteen the United
States and Great Britain had to be de-
rided in Faneuil Hall, or in the city Of
Boston; or if the eminent statesman
who belongs emphatically to New
and who represents in these
dark and evil days the better traditions