The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1846-02-19
J. F. MCCLELLAN, Printer.
Mr.. McLane TO Mr. Buchanan.
LONDON, Jan. 5, 1910

YOUR d!Spatcn Ghteu the lotH VI tuat iHoHlH|
and OIL the day following sought an IT.
terview with Lord Aberdeen, in order
that, in conformity with your Instructions.
| might bring TO his notice tbs warlike
preparations making by Great Britain, Land,
if possible. ascertain their real character
and object.
1t will not escape you that upon such
subject it is not ways easy 10 obtain very
categorical answers, or entirely defnils
official information; and did not doub.
that frank personal conference was the
best, if not the only mode, of Obtaining
any satisfactory information whatever.
In introducing the subject, adverled
at the same lime 10 the information The
President had received, from variety of
sources, oftbe extensive warlike prepera-
lions making by Great Britain. and the
natural inference upon his part that in the
present pacific state OF the relations of
Great Britain with all the Powers of
Europe, they could only look to rupture
with the United States on the Oregon
question.
Lord Aberdeen said very promptly and
frankly that it would be improper to dis
guise that, with the sincerest desire to a.
void it, they were obliged TO look To the
possibility of rupture with the United
States; and that, in such crisis, the war
like preparations now making would be
useful and important; but he stated at tho
same, time, very positively and distinctly,
that they had no direct reference 10 such
d rupture, and would have been made in
the same way, and 10 the extent. without
regard to the relations of Great Britain
aud the Uuited States.
He also adverted 10 the fact that such
preparations as was actually making had
been commenced before the relations be-
tween the United States and Great Britt
ain had become as serious as they now APP
pear 10 be, and therefore could not at that
time have any connection with difficulties
" hich had since grown out of the Oregon
question. He thought too that the repre>
sensations as 10 the extent of the prepara-
lions must have been exaggerated.
He denied that they related particular
w. as had been Informed, 10 a distant
service or that they were making any
addition to the old form of marine. He
stated that the most extensive and formida.
BILE parts of their preparations were the
Qualifications Of the principal and exposed
ports ard stations. which he thought could
hardly be supposed TO guard against inva-
sion from the United States; and 10 the
increase Of the number of steam vessels in
lieu Of the old craft, which it appears 9th
er nations were about to adopt, and which
he confessed he thought matter Of doubt,
full policy:
In short, he assumed the preparations
in progress 10 be only part OF wise and
prudent system of national defence and
protection, and of preparing in time Of
peace for the exigencies of war, if i! should
unfortunately come from any quarter
whatever; and he distinctly repeated his
disclaimer that they had particular or d.
rect reference TO rupture with the United
States on the Oregon question, or any 9th.
er ground.
In regard TO my own opinion upon this
subject, which the President has been
pleased TO desire,
n it is altogether probable
that the possibility OF other difficulties
from other quarters in Europe
may have its Influence in dic,a-
ting the policy Of the extensive prepare.
tions in progress in all parts of the king
dom; and. with undated confidence in
the frankness and slraig ht>forwardness OF
Lord Aberdeen. and without meaning 20
dlstrusl in the slightest degree the sinceri-
ty Of his disclaimers in our recent conver-
satioa, | do not think it ought 10 be as
sumed by any one that warlike prepara-
lions upon such scale as that upon which
they are undeniably making here could
not have even an indirect reference to the
possible contingency Of a rupture with
US.
And at the same time it is perfectly OBJ
vious that they are in great degree aud
especially so far as they consist OF an aug
men,ation in the number Of steam vessels
and Of the naval marine generally, PIE,
cisely Of the character to be the most ap-
propTiate and the most useful in a war
with our country.
| am not prepared to say nor do
deem il material to decide, how far we
have right to expect an explicit disclaim-
er of the character and purposes of the
warlike circumstances.
They make the dictate of various mo.
lives of policy, and the result of many
causes; and, without attempting to as
sign to each its particular influence.
am by no means prepared to admit that
the apprehension Of difficulties with the
United States had no share in them
and it is very clear that if rupture with
the United States should grow out of our
present difficulties, this country will be-
as fully and eTectually prepared for it at
all points, and for all possible purposes.
as if that, and that alone, had been the