The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-07-21

not enFunh the dsOWul Of tnot OptiiiouB
10 justice TO him say lhis-tis perfectly consistent
with that opinion, az TO the moral obligation OF
maintaining peace while peace can be maintained
with honor that there was minister less IN
clined TO sacrifice any essential interest, or abae
anythng from the dignity and honor Of this eoun-
Try, for the purpose Of securing even that nestma-
BILE blessng-(eheers Sir, | do hope that we
factory stste--(loud rs)-that, speaking not
Only of France, but speaking of the other great
powers Of Europe, there Is confidence in the nten-
tons Of this country and real desire on the part
OF the government Of other powers TO cooperate
with US IN the maintenance OF peace cheers
Sir, IL is that mutual confidence IN the honor and
intentions of public men which most facilitates the
maintenance Of peace. We come in conflict with
France in distant parts Of the world; there are
heated partisans naturally and Justly jealous OF
the honor Of their respective Countries quar-
nss small in themselves might be magnihed by
the spirit OF jealousy, and a too nice rivalry
about national honor might easily be fomentsd
into cause Of war, desolaIing nations, unless
the eonnsels OF the great powers were presi'
ded over by those who, feeling peace 10 be the true
interest Of the civilized world, are determined that
the heated passions OF angry partisans shall not in.
yolye their respective countries in war. Loud
cheers. Sir, il anything could have induced me 10
regret decision on the part Of the house premature
y terminating the existence Of the government, IL
would have been the wish that we should have sur
sived the day when intelligence might be received
from the United States loud eheers as 10 the result
or perhaps, last attempt TO adjust those differ
enees between this country and the United States,
which, unless speedily terminated, might have in
volyed us in war. The house will probably reeol-
ect that afler We had offered arbitration and that
offer had been rejected, the President OF the United
States ssnt a message TO the house Of Congress
in that country which led to discussions with re-
gard TO the termination Of that convention which
al
ences-at least for temporary avoidance Of quarrel
--sEd enabled the two countries jointly TO occupy
the territory Of the Oregon. Sir, the two houses Of
the American Congress, although advising the
President Of the United States 10 SIGNIFY 70 this
country, as he was empowered to do, the termina-
lon OF the existing convention, by giving years
notice, added To thai advice, which might perhaps
have been considered Of an unsatisfactory or hosus
character, the declaration that they advised the
notice for the termination OF the convention 70 be
given, IN order that IL might facilitate amicsbs
adjustment Of the dispute. We thought the addi-
ton Of these words by those high authorities, tho
expression Of hope that the termination Of the
convention might the more strongly impress upon
the two countries the necessity OF Amicable ADJUST
ment We thought that those expressions removed
any barrier TO renewal by either country Of the
attempt 10 settle this difference. We did not hes-
tate, therefore, within two days after the re-
ceipt Of that intelligence Of a wish expressed by
the houses OF Congress that efforts might be
made for the peaceful termination Of these dis
puies, although the offer Of arbitration had been
rejected-we did not hesitate to do that which,
in the present state Of the dispute, it became
essential 10 do-not to propose renewed and length
ened negotiations, but specify frankly and at once
what were the terms on which we could consent to
partition Of the country Of the Oregon. Sir, the
President Of the United States, | must say, what
ever might have been the expressions heretofore
made by him, and however strongly he might have
been personally committed 10 the adoption Of DIFF
erent course wisely and periodically determined at
once to refer our proposals TO the Senate-hat au-
thorty Of the United States whose consent is requ-
site for the termination Of any negotiation OF this
kind; and the Senate, again acting in the same spirit
has, have the heartfelt satisfaction TO state at once
advised the adoption Of the terms we offered them
Loud cheers. Sir, perhaps, from the importance
Of the subject, and considering this is the last day
shall have to address the house as miniser of The
crown may be allowed to state what are the terms
Of the proposals we made to the United States on
the Oregon question. In order to prevent the neces-
sity for renewed diplomatic negotiations, we sent a
convention, which we trusted the United States
would accept. The hrst article OF that convention
was to this effect, that
From the point on the 49th parallel of north
latitude, where the boundary laid down in ex-
sting treaties and conventions between Great
Britain and the United States Terminates the line of
boundary between the territories of her Britannia
Majesty and those Of the United States shall be
continued westward, along the said 4Sh parallel of
north latitude, to the middle of the channel which
separates the continent from Vancouver island,
and thence southeriy through the middle Of the said
channel and Of Fuca's straits to the Pacific ocean;
provided, however, that the navigation of the said
channel and straits south Of the 49th parallel Of
north latitude remain free and open to both par
ties"
Those who remember the local conformation of
that will understand thar u,ef, h.
continuation of the 49th parallel of latitude till it
strikes the straits Of Fuca that il should not be con-
tinued across Vancouver's island-thus deprying us
Of any part Of Vancouver's island-but leaving us
in possession of the whole of Vancouver's island.
Sir the second article of the convention we sent for
tho acceptance of the United States was to this effect
that .....
"From the point at which the 49th parallel of
north latitude shall be found to nersect the great
northern branch OF the Columbia river, the nayiga-
ton Of the said branch shall be free and open to the
Hudson Bay Company, and to all British subjects
trading with the same, to the point where the said
branch meets the main stream of the Columbia. and
thence down the said main stream to the ocean,
with free access into and through the said river or
rivers, It being understood that all the usual Dor
tages along the line thus described shall in like man.
ner be free and OPEN. In navigating the said river
or rivers British subjects, with their goods and pro-
duce shall be treated on the same footing as citizens
Of the United States, it being however, always un-
derstood that nothing in this article shall be con.
strued as preventing, or intended to prevent, the
government of the United States from making anv
regulations respecting the navigation of the said RI
yer or rivers, not inconsistent with the present
treaty." ...
Sir, will not occupy the attention of the House
with any of the details of this convention.
[Cheers.l would only state that, en- this very
day, on my return from nv mission to her majesty
TO offer the resignation of her majesty's servants,
had the satisfaction of finding an official letter from
Mr. Pakenham, intimating in the following terms
the acceptance of our proposals, and giving an az
surance of the immediate termination Of our differ
ences with the United States:
..l ly.4 ."WAsHrNeToN, June I3, 1876.
Ny LORD: In conformity with what had the
honor to state in my despatch, No &c. of the 7th in
slant, the President sent message on Wednesday
last to the Senate submitting for the opinion of that
body the draft of convention Tor the settlement Of
the Oregon question, which / was instructed by
your lordship's despatch, No. 10, of the 18th Of
May, to propose for the acceptance Of the United
States. After few hours deliberation on each of
the three DAVIS Wednesday, Thursdev and Friday