The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1846-02-07

the Oregon Territory, in a most interesting
condition. There is feverish anxiety in all circles,
10 know the exact position OF this matter, and
natural consequence, all sorts OF rumors and sur
misses have been put forth IN relation TO the progress
oil the business between the two tuncuonaries to
whom II has been entrusted. We are much dis
posed to think that the question might have been
settled by the two governments months ago, II I'M
pedments had not been thrown in the way from va
rlous quarters which thus far have kept the ques-
tor open for fresh trouble and excitement, equally
injurious to both nations. Let briefly refer to
the various unfortunate steps of this controversy
during the last year, and the causes of delay as
ascertaned thus far.
Last summer Mr. Polk, with a great deal OF mo-
deraton and good sense, promptly and frankly Of
fered TO the British Minister the 49th degree as ba-
SIS OF compromise reasonable proposition
could not have been made by The United States 60
vernment, or have been accepted by the British go
cernment, considering the particular foundation and
arguments which the claims Of each OF them
stood. This moderate and reasonable proposition
the British Minister abruptly refused to accept, and
thereby necessarily threw the President of the Uni
ted States upon the broad rights of the nation, touch
ing the whole territory. These steps in dplo-
macy were calmly but firmly related in the late
message; and in the difficulty growing out of
this state OF things, the President wisely re-
commended certain course OF legislation to be
adopted by Congress during Its present session
These measures recommended by the President
were framed with great regard to the good faith of
existing treaties between England and the United
States and they put forth in spirit of conci-
hation and compromise Of the most peaceable kind
towards Great Britain. Every one will remember
,b<e !, y
throughout It's whole extent, by the moderation, dig.
nifty, irmness and promptitude displayed in the
message, upon the Oregon question The first impress
sion in New York was, that the message was docu-
ment of peace, which though written with firmness
and determination, calculated to preserve peace
able relations between the two countries and to lead
TO the adjustment OF this controversy without COM
promising the honor or interests of either. This
impression lasted for few days, until certain stock
Jobbers gaveanother Interpretation to the message,
TO suit their specific purposes, and set forth the
idea that It war message-that il would be re-
garded as war document in England and France
and that 1t would bring those countries at once,
in with the United States The Wall street
ournas for purposes of speculation, were most ar
dent IN giving this Interpretation to the message
Unfortunately for the peaceable progress of this
exciting difficulty, certain leading members OF the
administration party in Congress, unwsey, as the
issue proved, adopted this Interpretation, and en-
deavored, out of the public feeling, to create
greater excitement and TO give an addi-
tonal direction TO the popular fever for their
own particular ends, TO be awaited of hereafter
General Cass, in the Senate, the first to break
ground upon this warke Interpretation; and he
was quickly followed by Senators Alien and uannc-
gan, well as by others both houses. The
leading members OF the wing party, not TO be out
done or outbid by the leading members of the adj
mlnstration, followed the same course, as in the
special instance OF Mr. Mangum. Then, also, to
the establishment OF every body, John Quincy
Adams, and Mr.. Giddings, OF Ohio, tor abolition
purposes, made vigorous onset In the same
direction, thus reversing their former condition
on this controversy. Unfortunately also, John
G. Calhoun, of South Carolina, substantially
adopted the same Interpretation, and considering
the message TO be a warike document commenced
opposition not only TO the movement OF Genera
Cass, but even TO the recommendations of Mr.. Polk
made and intended by him as peaceable mea-
sures, tor the purpose of bringing on negotiations
and Fastening friendly results in this affair
Mr.. Calhoun, therefore, was right in his feelings
but unfortunate in his inferences and he unwisely
acted upon those differences, in opposition to the
policy and character OF the message. All the de-
bates, motions and movements in both Houses,
were founded upon these incorrect assumptions
in reference TO the character of the message and
to the purposes OF the President. They were based
upon false view of the position of the coun-
try, OF the nature OF the negotiations upon
this question: OF The object OF the Presidents re-
commentators, and of the effect they were calcu-
lated TO produce Both wings and democrats
rushed into this course upon this question: for the
sake OF political excitement and with the view of
making political capital at home. In this view,
they were giving an incorrect Interpretation to the
message-they were acting upon false assumption,
and quarrelhng upon distractions, while they gave
false direction to public opinion, which produced
the worst effects upon the commercial as well as
other interests of the country.
DO we mistake, or these views incorrect?
We think not. The recent intelligence from Eu.
rope confirms this view OF the peacsable luterpreta
tioR which belongs to the message, and repudiates
the idee of that warlike aspect which was given to
il by so many of the Presidents friends in Con-
gress. The moment the message was read in France
and in England, that moment direction was
communicated to European feeling on this question,
is fully developed, both by thepublc press and in
private correspondence. All intelligent and respec.
table parties regarded the message document OF
peace, and as leading peace, taking it all in all
This general tact shows that those members of Con-
gress, and others In this country who thought that
the position OF the Oregon difficulty must lead to in
evitabe war, were acting without due regard to
common sense, or 10 the just Interpretation which
ought to have been put upon the message General
Cass unfortunate in giving to il such an inter-
probation. Mr.. Calhoun was unfortunate in adon,-
ing such Interpretation. All the others were nm.
forunatein following up such an incorrect interpre
patton. None of them appear to have acted as men
enlightened in their views and opinions on this mat.
ter excepf the President himself with NJ u.L..-