The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-02-21
GRES SIGNAL.
SPEECH OF MR.. ATKINSON
OF VIRGINIA.

Mr. ATKINSON obtained the floor, and adj
dressed the comnttee as follows:
Mr.. CHAIKsIAS "Be Just and fear not, shall ever
be my motto. IL should be the motto Of every
man and Of every LEGISLATOR and wish il was in
scrIbed upon these walls IN letters Of gold that il
might stand conspicuously before us, adrnonshing
Us OF IFS prcsepts IN all our dell beraiions Ia The
dsoszsoa Of the question now under ooaside ration
lwill use my beet endeasors to make an appli-
cation OF It's principles by doing justice TO England
ss well as to my own beloved country The princi.
pies Of truth and justice should govern and direct
US in all controversies, whethar of national or in
dVidual character, and by this standard would in
woke every gentleman TO examine this momentous
subject, which now engrosses the thoughts and agi-
iaies the feelings OF the American people. Let US
spdeayor TO dyest ourselves of those strong emo
ions SO naturally arising from the discussion Of all
questions affecting national character or national
rights, whether they may spring on the one hand
from the ennobng sentiments Of love Of country and
Of glory, or from the debasing emotions of fear on
the other. And when we see how numerous and
powerful are the causes which are thus calculated
TO produce on undue bias Of the Judgment and how
often the wisest and best Of men arc found on the
wrong side OF questions OF the hrs, magnitude such
an exhorta,on viii not be regarded as idle or vision.
ay here. IL may remind Of the useful lessons Of
charity and forbearance to one another and each
US that, however confident we may feel OF the truth
ofour own views and CONVICTIONS we cannot DO sure
that those who entertain different opinions may not
be aetuated by pure motives and as correct prin-
eples as we ourselves. And whilst the observance
Of this duty marssa liberal mind, an opposite course
clearly defines a low and contracted spirit; and
when see amen condemnIng all others who hap.
pen to di6er from HIM in religion or politics and
denouaelng them as fools or knaves, ! cannot but
regard Inn as atorlng strong proof of his own de-
heieney in good sense and benevolence OF heart |
shall therefore make no criminatons against Others
nor esteem them lees intelligent or ia 'riotrc for
ms inns
But sir, ask ALL wings and democrats, to march
up to the examination and decision of this uueson
with hxed determination 10 do that which their
own judgments may dictate just and proper
have lived too long, and seen too much OF the frs-
y ofhuman nature, 10 condemn fellow man because
he may not think as do. And in reference to the
wing party, while entertain no sort of respect or
admiration tor principles, yet for its members gen.
eraly feel high respect and for some a warm
personal regard. There many gentlemen here
belonging TO that party--to which God forbid that
shall ever be attached-wh whom | am in habits
Of the most friendly associations; some of whom
too, have done me the justice to say am so dyed
IN the wool of democracy, that when they see me
giving political vote they know that their true
course is to move in the opposite direction.
In the conclusions 10 which | have arrived from
the best reflection which have been able to bestow
upon the SUBJECT, l have the misfortune to differ
from oil my colleagues who have vet spoken; a cir
cumstance which makes me dstrustfui of nv own
opinion, and would cause me TO hesitate and doubt
If the convictions of my own mind were not clear
and irresistible must therefore separate from them
upon this question; but part from them in peace
and good will. Far be it from me to esteem them
less highly or to seek to represent them here else
where, as less wise and patriotic as less friendly
to the peace, the happiness, and the glory of their
country than | am. | know that thew lock to
nothing other than the best interests of the country
IN the counsels they have given. But trust, sir,
that may yet have the satisfaction to sec them
recording their votes with mine. The pacific char
acer of the recent English news, the fact elected
the other day from the chairman of the Committee
on Foreign Affairs, by inquiry from an honora-
bic member from Tennessee, Mr.. GENrRY,l that
correspondence had lately taken place between the
two governments, and various other considerations
mot the least of which the arguments that have
been made upon this hoor) ought, in my judgment,
to convince my. colleagues that they should, al:
least IN some form, vote for the notice to ter
inmate the joint occupancy of the Oregon territory
myself greatly prefer the amendment introduced
bymy honorable colleague, Mr.. DRoMGooLE,1 be-
cause regard it as the most conciliatory PROPOSE
hon, and at the same time marked with proper
spirit of frmness and Of justice. will take this,
sir, if can get it, but will go for any proposition
that promises to carry out the wise and statesman
hike policy which characterizes the recommends
tons Of the Executive Il believe that my constu-
snts-especially those of the democratic party
have admired the Presidents message and have en-
as their representative this and all other occa-
MONS W, ,... t'r '.'
am free to confess, sir, that the argument Of one
oil my colleagues, Mr.. HUNTER, made at an early
stage Of this discussion was plausible and was
presented in so forcible and imposing a manner
with ervor Of eloquence SO well calculated to cap
hVate and mislead, produced deep impressio not
only upon my own mind, but upon the minds of
other gentlemen in this House; and it was not until
had time for composurc and calm reflection, that
LII. r. IF IL
persuasive powers Of that gentleman, and resume
fair and candid consideration of this subject.
In the remarks which have to submit, will not
60 back to the discovery of the Oregon territory,
nor further back than il necessary TO indicate the
course which is our duty to take in reference to
giving the notice. 1t would be waste Of the time
OF The committee to enter into an argument, at this
stage OF The discussion, to prove that which has been
already most concusively proved by fifty others be-
fore me- that our title to $40 4O is such as cannot
fm to satisfy the Anne rican nation that IL is fill and
complete. am perfectly content upon this point to
rest our claim on the arguments of that able diplo
matst, Mr.. Buchanan of the President of tho Uni
ted States, and Of Mr.. Calhoun, the distinguished
champion of the Palmetto State Beyond their ex-
positions do not wish to 60. Our right and
utie to the possession of the territory have been
placed before us in a light Ms strong and clear
as the glowing sunbeam Even the very nation
which now seeks TO divide il with us-Great Britain
herselt--hns, by her own act, acknowledged our
h,le And TO sustain this position, have only to
re,er TO historical facts, especially the treaty OF
Ghent, by the first article Of which it is stipulated
mat ooih nations shall surrender all places taken by
elther during the TO the respective parties with
an exception which does not affect the issue now be-
fore u.s. and TO The surrender of this very territory
oy the authorized agents of Great Britain, TO tie
authorities oil the United States in conformity to the
terms of the treaty. This fact alone would seem to
be conclusive Of the question, had we no others to
sustnin us, and is calculated TO make the iupres.
son upon every unprecedented, impartial mind, that
the joint occupancy since the date of the treaty..
which must have been granted as Il favor, now coz
si,utes the only ground upon which the English
government can base pretension Of claim, And
| yet there those who contend that tas stinulo
non for joint occupancy was entered into from a
lear ofwar, and to secure the continuance Of peace
between the two nations. | am old enough, cir. 10
remember what pu lie sentiment was at that day.
and well know that no such apprehensons or
opinions vert entertained on the part Of the Amer.
lean people. The stipuIations Of the convention il.
sell clearly show this; for according to an express
PROVISION, the termination Of the joint occupancy