The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-03-06

siiion to the acquisition OF territory, that the
price Of land may increase. o. .....
j The hopes OF the advocates for free government
have been realized The rights Of man have been
secured. The spirit Of our constitution and laws
has spread from the Atlantic shores, far west
throughout the valley Of the MissiFsipp the Rocky
mountains have been surmounted, and liberty and
equality cover, as with shield, the American eiti.
zen upon the shores OF the Pacific.
Sir might allude to the value of that country Ia
the United States. might dwell uTon its excellent
harbors where our shipping can rest secure from
the attacks OF our enemies, In lis passage between
the two hemispheres, while exchanging the neees-
saries of one for the Injuries Of the other could
bring the attention Of the committee the facilities
which il will afford US for ship-buiding-the vas
amount Of fir, white oak, pine, and live oak which
cover the land. Upon her hills the shepherd car
tend his hocks apon the plains rich and fertile
farms, covered with waving grain, will reward The
labor Of the husbandmsn; her valleys, teeming with
manufactures, viii difuse comforts throughout the
territory; her lovely gens and beautiful cascades
Will be the admiration of travellers, while the son
breezes from the Pacific will watt TO her lap all that
can contribute to the health or happiness Of her
citizens. But oil this affords mo greater induce
ment to assert our right 10 territory which unqaes-
uonably belongs to us.
\ But, il is said, Mr.. Chairman, that there IN no
necessity for urging this question now, This haa
bean the argument of Eneisnd Tor years she has Oh
ected 20 the adj ustment Of this question. Twenty
Teight years, Mr.. Chairman is long enough TO be
discussing question Of territorial right. We have
never gained much by negotiating with our ancient
foe. Her statesmen are cautious and far-seeing.
They we'll OF the lime to press an unound-
ed claim, and can well Judge Of how many difficult
ties adjust ut once. When the treaty was form
ed cedDg away the mountain boundary OF Maine,
as an equivalent for that unwarruntable cession,
Great Britain ought TO have had the Hiagnanmiiy TO
renqulsh unfounded claim to any portion OF
Oregon territory, even il the American negotistor
had not the spirit to ask IT, Sir, we may see the
artful policy by which English dplomatsls are gov
erned by reading the following extract from the
Communication OF Lord Aberdeen, in October, 1912,
to Mr. Fox, the British minister at Washington
You are aware that Lord Ashburon furnished with
specific and detailed Instructions with respect to the treat
ment OF this point Of difference between the two
mcnts in the general negotiations with which he was en-
trusted and which he has brought to satisfactory issue
"FoT which II Is not necessary here TO state a.
length that point aer having been made the subject Of
conference with the American Secretary OF state was not
further pressed The main ground alleged by his lorship
absSinng from proposing TO carry on the discussion
with respectto the question OF the northwest boundary
lar NOR, iSpora mailer Of "a, norhsdIsra boundary should
b, iApsdsd. o. s1po,ed TO ma ha=drd Of GJaiHt"
A bold prompt and determined assertion Of our
rights should at all times be adopted by this coun-
try, but more especially at so critical period in our
| history as the present.
| | have been much surprised, Mr.. Chairman, to
hear gentlemen upon this hoor, in glowing language,
talk about the power of England and the weakness
Of our country, if that was to be taken into
consideration by members representing portions OF
this powerful confederacy, when settling question
Of territorial right Why, sir, do they forget that
we are six times stronger than when the stars and
stripes waved in triumph the flag of England IN
the first struggle; and that We have grown IN
strength since American vaor proved victorious al
the point Of the bayonet, and broke the charm OF
D., ,.k iuyi he hU hIF
Chairman gentlemen might take courage from the
spirited language OF young lady, who, from her
position upon the northern border, is in as much
danger these gentlemen or their constituents. 10
letter to me she remarks: "IeGnnot say that j irish
for uar but still do not ,cish foot Of land 10 be
giren up thai belongs TO u.s. and if il cannot be done amy
other ,ray keep il at the mouth Of your cannon"
| During thnt period Of country's history
(which tried mems souls,n the assistance and ad.
vice Of the ladies was received and appreciated and
experience has proved, that in times Of peril they
are oftener right than the sterner sex.
| A nation which hesltates To defend her rights
soor ceases possess the respect Of the powers NJ
the earth; one eneroachment after another narrows
her influence and contracts her territory, until
bition or avarce strikes her from the list Of nations
| One Of the most brilliant passages IN the history
Of the world, and, at the same tirne Of the
instructing, was the glorious stand taken by Fred
erick the Great of Prussia, against the combined
powers Of Russia, France, and Austria when they
/ sought 10 carve up his commons. i ne OIdS were
fearful but he did not hesitate to defend his rights
and before the war closed, he taught his enemies
how terrible Is the shock Of battle when warriors
are defending their homes
| The Gauls once proving victorious over the arms
of Rome, laid sege to the Capitol. Struck with
ror at the 'po,cer of the Gauls and their 'detence-
less" condition. they sought to "buy peace
While the Romans were weighing the gold the
leader of the GauIs cast his sword into the scale,
declaring that the fate of the conquered was subms-
sion. At this moment Camillus appeared before
the gates, and the Romans placing themselves under
his command, gained n complete victory over the
Gaus.
Mr. Chairman, when the American people suffer
their representatives TO buya peace, 1t will be when
| the etds of our srcs forgotten, and valor and
patriotism cease to meet the approving smiles of
| American beauty.
A proposition is gravely urged, to extend to the
President the power to give the notice whenever, in
| his discretion, he may think proper Would gen.
temen throw all the responsibility upon the Exec
utive1 If we shrink from the discharge of duty,
will he feel authorized to the responsibility
| Of giving the notice. He stands alone, without any
one to divide the odium with him, il disastrous
war should be the result Of giving the notice; and
although do not distrust his frmness, yet when a
bold stand upon the part Of this House is much
to be desired, as evidence to England Of the deter
mination Of the people, it is strange that gentlemen
4 will shrink. do not know what will be the result
| of giving notice but am much inclined to believe,
that it will produce satisfactory and speedy adjust
ment of the question.
| am fearful, Mr.. Chairman, that the wishes OF
the people sometimes merged in a desire for
| president-makpg. They will certainly he held to
fearful accountability by their constituents if there
is falterng in the path Of duty The citizens Of this
Il country will promptly condemn any system Of wire
working and double-dealing, any nice calculations
of how much territory may be surrendered, or how
far our rights must be extended in order that any
he ,,tn tba ,ha,.
A straightforward determination to assert the rights
and honor Of the country will alone meet the appro
baton Of American people
My position was taken upon this question before
my constituents. | see no reason, sir, for changing
the opinions l avowed before my election. an
willing to be- as explicit here as was then.
FIVE obtain the whole territory by negotia
ton, and that speedily, !, as one individual, an
willing that negotiations should be opened again 70
that purpose. am opposed TO arbitration or com
promise. | would vote for a declaration Of wa
sooner than surrender any portion of the Oregon
territory.