The New era. [volume] ([Portsmouth, Va.]) 1845-1847, 1846-05-14


attempt to establish, government for themselves
ouch course on their part must lead to an es-
arrangement between ms and them Yet who
under the circumstances of the case, and in the
absence OF law enacted by us to protect them
= can rlghtiny censnre them for adopting such a
course. when they find Congress adjourning with
out taking any measures to protect them? LEFT,
! to themselves, abandoned by us, made aliens To
our laws. what can they do hut provide and
maintain government for themselves? What
statesman In this country is prepared 10 assume ;,
by his action. the responsibility Of such result
All this is on the supposition of continued
peace But 1t matters turn out worse, and f
hostiilties should unfortunately arise upon the
oregon question. then how much worse will be
the case? In such a contingency our citizens in
Oregon, If left to themselves. must either turn TO
the Hudson Bay Company for protection, or else
must protect themselves and fight their own bat
ties. In either case. the sense of duty left I'M
done will press heavily upon us. In view of
peace. 1t is our duty 10 concaie them. and to
knit them more closely to MS by extending to them
The protection and the security of our laws In
case OF hostilites their aid Indispensable to Us
and IN both cases alike it seems the planest die
tate OF wisdom and souud pulley that we are
bound to protect them.
And what do we gain by procrastination2 Do,
we gain anything in England? We have assert
British journals point to the speeches of our sena-
tors, and attach great consequence to their uti-
male movements. In Ibis stale of things what
possible good purpose does delay hesitation
su6serVef Do we procTastinaie and shrink back
from carrying our laws into Oregon in order TO
preserve peace ? For ourselves we maintain that
such an extension of our jurisdiction has now be-
come duty-a duty to Oregon--a duty to our
selves-a duty flowing out Of the position we
rnnI II L
no man among US thinks from receding
But 1t this were not So we beg most respect-
lniiv TO say to those gentlemen who clamor most
loudly fnr peace, that this measure is urged as
one OF system of measures tending to preserve
our rights and the peace of the world. which will
preserve peace il peace can be preserved, with
honor
Rely upon it, if we hesitate longer TO asses, our
rights ny legislation. and 10 show by our legisla-
ton mat we believe in our rights, and mean 10
maintain ihem-rely upon ii, that in such case,
England will advance upon us in her demands.-
u we would settle this question without further
and more serious difficulties the time has now
come, when, without disrespect or aggression in,
unr tone or bearing, should take firm stand
and adopt efficient measures
vi such measures-ofsuch a measure as the
Oregon bill adopted by the House-Great Britain
has no cause to complain In our Judgment. ifsit
she now complains of the nutce. She has no
more right to complain fit While the coaven-
ton lasts the bill fully and in express terms res
poets The convention and saves every British right
arising under il. When the convention terminates.
the bill claims nothing which is not ours. and
does nothing which we are not bound to do 1t falls
lar short OF the British statute in its provisions IL
is altogether more moderate, more c0nciliatury
more respectful. Ii is pacific in lis Character
Ic mi sIat tive . 4
same rights and duties in view of which we have
protested to pass the notice Such is its whole
scope and purpose. If in any of the details of the
Dill II may need modification, willingly trust
II IN this regard to the consideration OF the Senate
But we repeat no time should be LOST Pbe conn
try demands the measure, and events on the side
OF the Atlantic and the state Of things in OREGON.
and our own elected position, fully Justify the
demand.
In case of the preservation of peace. the iDris
dIctlon bill only protects our people going 10 Ore
gon and protects them by our own laws whilst
they remain there. In case Of hosiliiies, il ena-
bles us to avail ourselves ofour Increasing emf
grants to guard our own and their terrtaIy against
attack. In either aspect, it seems to be demand
ed by the solid interests Of our country
In conclusion. let US respectfully but freely say.
that 1t is delay that breeds the danger - and
that those gentlemen who cause the deiay will he
The letters from England state that il is this nm.
fortunate hesitation which has already changed
her policy. Garry out this system ofprccrastina
ton fnrther-fail to act till we wait again to hear
from bondon--procrasinate Till steamer after
steamer arrives or go further, and DESTROY the
jurisdiction bill altogether-and England will adj
vance IN her demands in proportion as we abate
IN our spirit and decision Five months have al
ready past. and England is still waiting upon us.
and increasing her demands; and further still. a
change Of ministry is approaching that may make
it more difficult TO adjust our differences. And
all this time, the spirit Of our own people has
been demanding action at the hands Of Congress
The democrats are specially called upon 10 act
with decision. Should procrastnaton still be-
come the order Of the day the danger will increase
upon our hands, and fearful responsibility il
falling upon those who delay all defnitive and
decided action.
We were very pleasantly surprised by visit
from hlr. Cough, who has returned on fyino,
iTp from his visit 10 the SnntI,- ;-,,rro,o1