The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-03-26
A HOPEFUL CONVERT.

A HOPEFUL CONVERT.
We have read the leading article of the Intelli-
gencer OF this morning with equal pleasure and
prise. IL is fit that the widest possible publicity
should at be given to the fact that the "Inte-
gencer" after the dubitaon and delay Of at least six
months, during which time il has been industri-
ously collecting and quoting whatever has been said
or written to embarrass our government in the con-
duct Of the Oregon controversy, has at last reached
and has this morning distinctly published to its read
ers the conclusion "that all the just rights Of the
country, and the unblemshed honor Of the country,
ought to be maintained and defended"
This is great step forward in the politics OF the
"lntegencer." Weare really curious to learn where
its new readings In the lore of patriotism and pub
lie spirit have been found. Have the ayes and noes
of the House Of Representatives been useful Has
Mr. websters virtual denunciation Of its course In
respect to our "hile," had an effect Does the
gencer" feel the "bisters" on its lips at LAST
Has the emphasis Of renewal in the recent message,
Of the Presidents recommendation, at length open
ed its eyes, Or are we to set down to our own
"italcs''and capitals" something Of the merit and
the miracle of this sudden change However this
may be, we hail the tone Of the "Intsllgencer" this
morning an angury and an earnest of better
things. Patience, patience! I, may, through re-
pentance and recantation-,hough the task be hard
| gel to be an .amsriean Journal epen yet. ...
To be sure, the case Is yet critical. There are
| symphonic of back sliding. The force of habit is
not easily thrown off. The "Intelligencerr is still
Of opinion that IL any claim right Of ours be in
the very least degree doubtful il must be given up
| with all ha,ts--i being wrfi understood, we sup
pose, that England is to be the opposite claimant.
Well, we do not much object to this view Of the
'Intelligencer in this particular case, because our
government stands clearly IN the right against Eng
land on the ritual admission of the British premier
himself. Yet the spirit which spies out and trum-
pets to the world any the slightest "doubt" as to our
/ right, and then urges such "doubt" as a con-
elusive reason for summary, prompt and total
| surrender our part, almost beforehand
does, we must say, augur unfavorably for the an
telligencer's" power to keep hereafter up to that
"concert pitch" of patriotic frmness to which it
| has Just been screwed.
If it be our duty to hold any "doubt" of our right
in such utter horror, what, we ask, is the "Intel-
gencer's" view of the duty of England in that res
my lingering particle Of "doub" about the British
title If SO, cannot the "Intelgencer' find at least
gentle soothing word Of persuasion address to
Is English friends a soft intimation that they, too
nay, without loss Of all honor, give way just little?
II the "Integencer" can, without hurting its con-
science, just lisp out delicate hint of this kind we
venture to say it will be well received in this coun-
try at least.
The idea of usANrMrrY in our controversy with
England, seems just now to have struck the "In-
elligencer." 1t was we'll that we thought to print
the word in large capitals. We commend the topic
to the further consideration of that respectable Jour
nal. There is in its present view of the matter,
something ofthe rawness ofthe neophyte, or rather
something Of the soreness Of the recent pentent.
Its notions are yet quite confused, and indeed we
think we see symptoms Of petulance. Here is a
| specimen Of s language:
"Now, this (unanimity) means no moro and no
less than that Congress and the people should follow
the beck of the President; adopt such measures as
| he suggests; lay taxes, raise armies and equip ma
vies; while he keeps to HIMSELF shut up in his own
breast, and concealed even from all his friends, to
what purposes all these are to be applied" >
| Now, by-and-by, when the Intelligencer shall
have become more sober and settled in its new po-
stion il will remember in reference TO this matter
rst that the constitution in express terms makes il
the duty of the President not only to Suggest" but
to recommend to Congress such measures he shall
deem necessary and proper for the ationa defence
secondly, that in this case the Senate expressly
called on the President for his Judgment" as TO the
6ness Of an increase of our means Of defence; and
in the third place, that the President has stated in
the message both the facts upon which his judy
ment is founded, and the "policy" Of maintaining
all our just rights" which he means to pursue to
the end Of obtaining an honorable peace" These
points win doubtless hereafter become quite obvious
and plain to the "Intelligencer," 80 as its new
attitude, uneasy at first, shall give its mind fair
LAY.
1t will probably require little longer reflection
for that journal to perceive and to admit that the
President, in making this statement to the Senate
,as disclosed a, much Of the position Of this govern
nent in relation to pending controversy with
foreign power, MS a prudent regard TO the conduct
II future negotiations in the event Of their resum
ton, will permit him to disclose. II is very "a,
indeed from being the case, the Intcllgencer sup
poses, that the President conceals his purpose Fl,
,vows in terms that his purpose is peace honora
sic terms. 1t IL equally untrue that the President
| ,is friends ask for any blind and overweening con
idenoe in the administration on the part Of Con
sres. Quite the contrary. The President state
frankly al that his position permits him to stat
concerning the posture and the prospects Of on