Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1846-04-10

THe VExED QUESTION. ~ During four
long months, the people of the United States
have been KEEP. in a state of excitement and
uneasiness. even deeper and mo:e universal
than that which existed during the tendency
of the North Eastern Boundary controversy.
War rumors are spread with The rapidity of
lightning. The whole country is convulsed
day after day with fears of impending war
and all its concomitant calamities. During
four long months has the Oregon question oc-
cupied the time and breath of our" grave and
reverend Senator'S at Washington; and we
believe that greater uncertainty now exists
as to the manner in which it will be finally
settled, than when it was first taken into con-
sideration by Congress. Mr.. Polk, in his
message of December Cd, recommended that
the twelve months notice should be given to
Great Britain. This We thought at the time,
was a wise and salutary step; and we have
seen nothing developed in the voluminous dis
cussions which have since taken place, to
change our opinion. The object-ihe real
bona fide objrct-of giving the Notice, was
not to close the door against negotiation. By
no means. 1t was, We have no doubt, inten-
ded by Mr.. Polk, to have the effect of hasten
ing the amicabIe settlement of the question.
Why then, we would ask, did not Congress
at once pass it, and leave the question in the
hands of the Executive, where it properly be-
longs. All but honorable Senators and hon.
orable Congress, men were hrImfull Of elo-
quence and patriotism, and they must improve
the chance offered Of letting it off. Upwards
of $50 long set speeches is the result. The
Senate has not yet m ade up its mind as to
how it will vote. Why not pass the Notice,
and leave al! the balance Of the negotiation in
the hands of Mr.. Polk! For one, we have
ample confidence in his ability and his faith.
fullness to the interests and honor of his conn
try. Besides, any treaty which we might
conclude, must, as a matter Of course, come
before the Senate in Executive session for "a.
LITIGATION, where, ifany thing was done WRONG,
it might be corrected. Three-fourths Of the
Senate have expressed themselves in favor OF
settling the matter on the basis of compromise.
and we feel confident that this is the opinion
of Mr.. Polk himself. We think, indeed, that
the question is virtually settled. For, that
England will not be content with the line OF
400, we cannot for a moment dream /; and We
think that it will be thus settled before this
time next year. We wish, however. that the
Senate would take action of some kind at once.
The mind of the country is infdmed by the
reiterated discussion of the question, needless
| ly, as we think. Besides, there are other
great and important measures which demand
the attention of Congress. Not single step
has the Tariff moved yet; and we look upon
this as the most important question before the
country: The Session is waxing towards its
close and really, as yet, little Of importance
has been done. We say then, let the Senate
at once pass the Notice, and leave the balance
in the hands Of Mr.. Polk and his Cabinet
Let the public fever be Quoted. We are
heartily sick Of the interminable discussion;
and we think that the greatmass of the Ameri.
can people are equally so.