Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1846-01-29
THE OREGON QUESTION.


The following Is tho resolution introduced in
TO the Senate by Mr. Crittcnden Of Kentucky-we
need not add that he is Wing all over:
Mr.. CRrrrrNDEN's resolution, in reference 10 the
Oregon Territory, is expressed in the following
words:
Whereas, by the convention concluded the 2Oth
day of October, 1918, between the United States
of America and the King Of the United Kingdom
of Great Britain and Ireland, for the period OF Ten
years, and afterwards indefinitely extended and
continued in force by another convention OF the
same parties, concluded on the 9th day of August,
1897, It was agreed hatany part of country that was
claimed by either party on the northwest coast oil
America west of the Stony or Rocky Mountains
commonly called the Oregon territory, should, to-
gether with its harbors, bays, and creeks and the
navigation Of all rivers within the same be free
and OPEN to the vessels, citizens and subjects of
the two powers, but without prejudice 10 any claim
which either Of the parties might have TO any part
of said country; and with this further provision in
the second article Of the said convention the 9th
of August, 1877, that either party might abrogac
or annul the said convention, on giving due notice
Of twelve months TO the other contracting party
And whereas ii has now become desirable that
the respective claims Of the United States and G.
Britain should be definitely settled; and that the
SAID territory may no longer than need be remain
subject TO the evil consequences of the divided al
legiance Of its American and British population,
aud OF the confusion and conflicts Of national jus-
dctions, dangerous to the cherished peace and good
understanding of the two countres
With a view, therefore, that steps be taken for
the abrogaton Of the said convention Of the 9th Of
August, 1897, in the mode prescribed in its second
article, and that the attention of the government of
both may be the more earnestly and Immediately
directed to renewed efforts for the settlement of
all their differences and disputes in respect TO said
territory:
BE it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep
rescntotivcs Of the United States in Congress AS
sembled, That the President # the United States,
be, and he is hereby authorised at his discretion,
to give to the British government the notice re-
CURED by its second article for the abrogatlon of
said convention Of the Oh Of August, 1897. Pro-
vided, however, that in order to afford ample time
and opportunity for the anicable settlement ard
adjustment Of all their differences and disputes in
respect TO said Territory, said notice ought not TO
be given till after the close of the present session
Of Congress-
The consideration of this resolution is made the
order OF the day for the same day that has been
already fixed upon for the consideration Of the
resolution on the same subject reported by the
committee OF Foreign Relations that is to say, the
tenth day of February
Tins proposition seems to be just the thing for
the occasion. On this great question there were
but two courses for the Government to pursue eli
tier TO let 1t alone, or to make vigorous push for
prompt settlement of the business 1t was wiscst
probably to adopt Mr. Calhoun's mastery inactiy-
ity;" but the politicians in the Baltimore Conven-
ton put stop to that by raising a clamor from
Maine to Oregon Without doubt their real mo
tive was TO keep themselves in power by means of
this questions to agiate the people, and keep them
agated just long this question can be put Of.
prompt settlement they do not want that would
restore quiet to the country, deprive the admins
tration of large share of its capital with which to
get votes and leave the people leisure TO scrutiuize
the conduct of the men in power. They have rails.
ed the storm, however, and cahnot control it the
people tciN have settlement Of the question:; and
the how is the point The first thing is to abrogate
the treaty with Great Britain for joint occupancy.
Mr. Crittenden proposes to have this done not
hastily, not in the spirit Of defiance which seems
to fill the mad-caps Of Congress,--but done with
due dedication, and done by the President, whose
heavy responsibility in the matter will be thrown
into the ease to help to secure dgnied and we'll
considered action. War will not necessarily be
the result; indeed, the delerrng of the notice and
the confding the question to the treaty-making
power, is an invitation for peaceful negotiation,
rather than war. But if war is TO follow the gain
ing of time for preparation is no small considera-
ton IN favor Of Senator Crittendens proposition.
The country is in no sort prepared for double war
"a war with England on the ocean and the nor
them frontier, and with Mexico on the south: a
fact which shows the folly of the Iocofoco leaders
in strong relief 1t is to be hoped, however, tina,
this proposition from the Wing side of the Senate
Il r
question by negotiatIon When the two Govern
ments come to diplomacy again, the main point of
difference will doubtless turn out to be the nayira-
ton of the Columbia-or rather the paper right to
navigate it, since little use can be made of that
river in its present condition.
Thus far had we written before receiving the la
test news from England; that news, we are happy
to say, is of a peaceful character. Without very
great folly on the part Of the politicians at Wash
ington, war with England is impossible.