Liberty advocate. [volume] (Liberty, Miss.) 1835-1866, 1846-02-21
MIR, GALLATlN AND OREGON.

Hon. Albert Gallatn has written four
communications TO the National hteHi.
gencer, on The subject of our dispute with
Oregon. The fourth closes in this wise
-Naiche: Courier.
1t has been attempted in these papers
TO prove
list. That neither Of the two powers has
an absolute and indisputabIe right TO the
whole contested territory; that each may
rece1e from its extreme pretenslons with
out impairng National honor or wound
ing pride: and that the way is therefore
still open for renewal of negotiations.
3D. That the avowed object OF the Uni
ted States in givihg notice Of tho abroga-
ton Of the convention, is the determine
lion to assert and maintain their assumed
right OF absolute and exclusive sovereign
ty over the whole territory; that Great
Britain is fully committed on that point,
and has constantly and explicitly declared
that such an attempt would be resisted,
and the British interests in tina. quarter
be protected; and that war Is therefore he
unavoidable consequence of such a de
Icislve step--a war not only necessarily
calamtous and expensive, but in lis char
Iacter aggressive, not justIiiable by the
magnitude and Importance of its object,
and of which the chances are uncertain.
3d. That the inconvenience Of the
present state Of things may in great de-
gree be avoided; that, if no war should
ensue, they will be the same, if not great
er, without than under a convention; that
not single object can be gained by Civ
ing the notice at this time, unless it be to
do something not permitted by the present
convention, and therefore provoking re-
sistance and productive Of war. If a sim
gle other advantage can be gained by CIV
ing the notice, let it be stated.
4th. That it has been fully ADM! tied
by Great Britain that, whether under or
without convention, he United States
have the same right as herself, to trade,
to navigate, and to occupy and make set
Elements in and over every part o.: the
Territory; and that, if this state Of things
be not now sturbed, natural causes must
necessarily give the whole territory to
the United States.
Under these circumstances, 1t is only
asked, that the subject may be postponed
for the present; that Government should
not commit itself by any premature act
or declaration; that, instead Of increasing
the irritation and excitement which exist
on both sides, time to be given for mutual
reflection, and for the subdua and sub5l
dence OF angry and violent feelings.
Then, and then only, can the deliberate
opinion Of the American people on this
momentous question be truly ascertalned.
1t is not perceived how the postponcment
for the present and for time can, in any
shape or in the slightest degree, injure
the United States.
The establishment Of a kindred and
friendly power on the Northwest coast of
America, is all that England can expect,
all perhaps that the United States ought
10 desire. 1t seems almost incredible
that, whllstthat object may be attained by
simply not impending The effect OF natur-
al causes, two kindred natous, having
such powerful motives to remain at peace,
and standing at the head Of European and
American civilization, should, in this en-
Iightened age, give to the world the scan
daouS spectacle, perhaps not unwelcome
to some Of the behoders, Of an unnatural
and unnecessary war; that they shou ID
apply all their faculties and exhaust their
resources in inhicting, each on the other,
every injury in their power, and for what
purpose! The certain consequence, IN
dependent Of all the direct calamities and
miseries OF war, will be mutual increase
OF debt and taxation, and the ultimate fate
ofOregon will be the same as if the war
had not taken place.