American Republican and Baltimore daily clipper. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1844-1846, 1846-06-27

GoyERNMENr OF OREaoN. AS there can be
no doubt of the ratification by the British gov
ernment, of the treaty lately concluded between
the United States and that country, in relation
to the Oregon territory, 1t would seem to be the
dutv of Congress to make some provision, du-
ring its present session, for the government OF
that portion Of the territory TO which we have
NOW ga clear and ndisputable title" Mr.. Ben
ton has very properly called the attention OF
the Senate to this subject, and we presume that
a bill for the purpose will be speedily introdu-
ce |. so that, at the expiration Of the twelve
months notice given to England, or sooner, the
citizens of the United States may be governed
by laws authorized by the government OF their
own country. We know not the precise num-
Der of citizens now located in Oregon south Of
the forty-nnth parallel of latitude; but they
have found it necessary, in the absence OF pro-
tectnr laws from the United States, to adopt
a code for themselves: but as emigration to that
region will no doubt greatly augment now that
all appruhensions of war with Eng land are dis
sipated, it would certainly be advisable to es-
tablsh permanent laws for the regulations OF
affairs among the settlers. Oregon is destined
in time, to become an important point Of CON-
morcal operations, and will be densely popu-
lated. We have no doubt that Railroad VIII
be made from the Atlantic TO the Pacific, so as
to facilitate intercourse with the East Indies;
t,af thnra shpnId
be any hesitation on the part of Congress, to ac-
cept the proposition OF Mr.. Whitney upon this
subject: as the construction 0t the Railroad ac-
cordlng to his plan, would not only not cost
the government cent, but would greatly en-
nance the value Of the public lands through
which it would pass. He assumes the risk and
responsibility; and if there should be loss he
must sustain it. After constructing the work
he will be content with such compensation for
mis- services as Congress may deem reasonable
No proposition could be more fair; and we re-
peat the expression of our surprise, that there
should be any difficulty in accepting it. We
can see but one cause for the hestancy, and
that is, the hope that may be INDUCED by mem
bors, that we shall acquire California, and thus
have a superior harbor to that at the mouth of
the Columbia. But this should be no obstacle,
as the law might be SO framed as to vary the
terminus of the Railroad according to citcum-
stances.
We may live yet to see representatives from
Oregon upon the floor of Congrcss-aod it is
possible that we may see an independent gov
eminent established in that teritorY-for, an
less facilities of intercourse be greater than at
present, the citizens of Oregon may feel dlsin
clined to remain subordinate to government
operating at such distance. These things arr
in the womb of time; but our policy shoult
wisely provide for all exigencies Hun rail-
road across the Continent, and it will be ban
which will hold the different sections otthe U
MON together neglect to provide this bond o
security, and distnctness of interest and otteei
ing may produce separation of action.