The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-01-15

=
differ, ii only proves the freedom and Independence
that characterize an American statesman and re-
publican Congress-. Letus not degrade the dignity
Of the subject by harboring for an instant the idea
that Presdentmaxinx, political capital, Influences
the action or thevois of solitary member on Ihls
floor and whatever plan shall be finally determined
upon, and should collision with any foreign coun-
try unfortunately ensue, let this sentiment meet
unanimous response from every member oil this
Congress, and the people from the 81. Lawrence 10
the Rio Grande viii re-echo IL backs 'our country
our whole counuy--right or wrong"
Mr.. DOBBIN addressed the committee. lie dad
not, he said, consider that he was bound by the
hour-ruls TO make an hour speech, and, therefore,
If he were allowed few moments, he would rein-
quish the floor to others. ,.
Mr.. ID. did not he said, entertain the hope that
he would be able to enghten the House on this
subject, after all the display Of ability and eoquenee
in this discussion, but such was the magnitude OF
the question, and such ts universal interest," that ne
felt constrained TO give his opinion IN regard TO H.
He was grafed TO find that the crisis was met IN
proper spirit that all sectional and party spirit was
discarded; and that members had come here from
every portion Of the country with an American
spirit, without regard 10 party lines Much had
been said in regard 10 a war party and peace par
ty. He was from North Carolina, and was OF a
peace party; but still he would go for the nouee
to Great Britain Of the termination OF the eonVen-
notice should be given, and by giving II now, we
should best promote the peace Of the country. he
believed thai ihoss who opposed this measure were
pursuing policy that would plunge this country
into war. The measure now proposed was
more peaceful, more open and honorable, and
more conformabe with the existing conyen-
lion than the policy recommended on the other side.
But he was charged with being Of the war party
Let us see which 10 the war party. (sa,d Mr.. ID
am for the ncees-4O On the other side, inactivity
was recommended. He was himself fora time,
favorable to that Inactivity. But that time had
passed. Al tho present time il would be seen that
all were in fayor Of action. Inactivity was no long
err deemed mastery or expedient by either side
Both parties now preferred action. Their inaetiyl-
ty profsssed peace, bat led TO war; and Il was de-
cepuve on is very face. What was the policy
recommended TO us by the gentleman from Virginia
on his right Il was to press settlements in Ore
gon TO Obtain the possession of the country through
them TO send our people to Oregon with their axesand
rifles settlers. Was this peaoel These settlers,
we3were told, would soon press beyond the Colum.
bia, though AT first confined to its south side and
that in few years, they would acquire the country
for us. They were to 90 there with their axes, but
they were to carry rifles too. Presently they were
20 drop the axe, and we were to hear the crack OF
the rife. First IL was to be heard on the south side
Of the Columbia, but soon on the north side. As
one gentleman had stated in debate, we might soon
HAYES hundred thousand settlers IN Oregonj ana
among them there would be twenty thousand good
rifles. IL peace was intended, why should not the
instruments Of peace be usedi
But no. the rife was the instrument that to
establish our settlers in Oregon, both on the south
and the north side Of the Columbia. Was this war
or peace' Whist would the Hudson Bay Compa-
ny say to IL What would the world say They
would say that the United States government told
US that they were going 10 Oregon to settle the
south side Of the Columbia, but they settled the
north side; they said they would carry the axe but
they carried the rife, too. Would this be viewed
peace measure! IL was not peace AT all. All the
world would say that it an artful scheme TO get
possession Of Oregon. ....,
Suppose (said MIR D. the British statesmen were
assembled in solemn council on this subject, and II
should he made known to them what our policy vas
would II not be said TO them-do not be luled to
sleep--look out--the Americans have gone TO Ore
gon with axes, but with rifles too-it is but sem
blance of peace that they offer you' What would
be their decision' Would they not deem II war
measured Would they not say, We thought the
Americans proud people-we thought that they
would give notice when they wanted this territory
What would be the next thing The cross of ST.
George would be floating on one side, and the stars
and stripes on the other. British soldiers would be
arrayed one side with their bayonets, and Amer
lean settlers on the other, with their axes and RI
fes. chickering's and jealousies would ensue and then
collisions; length, the noise ofthe ak FINISHES would
come across the mountains and infame the west
ern people; and, at the same time, 1t would cross
the Atlantic and produce the irritation there
The circle Of commeaion would increase, until IL
had spread far enough to include both countries In
open, fragrant, general war. atr.. .nra..s e.
| Had il not been shown that this was not treaty
of joint occupation but Of trade, commerce, naviga
ton, and settlement Then the proposition Of the
exclusive advocates Of peace was not conformable
with the treaty. We could not undertake to colo
nize the country if the treaty did not allow Of joint
occupation. We might have it for the purposes of
.,ft al frnr,
Great Britain through the medium of an armed oc-
cupation. The project was, therefore, violation
OF the spirit of the treaty. Were we to steal into
the territory, or seize it like mem To send over
men to take ii under pretences of peace was unbe-
cominga people Of proud and determined spirit. The
eloquent gentleman from Virginia, MR. BED,NeER,l
who had last spoken, had both pleased and paned
him with his remarks. He had listened to him with
deep interest. The gentleman had wished that
time should settle the question. John Bull was
growing old, and his hair was becoming gray. He
ould soon be in such situation that he could be
easily overcome. Would any one. in private life,
ever resort to such an argumenti Would any one
wait till an enemy had become superannuated be-
fore he demanded redress from him Would it be
the course Of honor to wait till the adversary was in
his do,age, and then take the old man and gouge
him. That was not the case in the revolutionary
conflict When Great Britain was depressing US,
was it proposed by Washington and Hamilton to
wait till the oppressor had become old and decrepid
before we asserted our rghts9 When they felt that
their rights were violated, they subjected their
to the test Of war-hoding to The injunction, "Be
Just and fear not" 81. - ..
Suppose it had been said on the occurrence of the
late war, let us wait till Great Britain falls into
state of decrepitude' Then would we have lost all
the glories and advantages the contest that ensued
II was policy that would subject US to the con-
tempt of the world and to self-degradation Peace
had charms, apd war horrors. He delighted to con-
template the blessings Of peace But if the country
belonged to us, did not the spirit Of our fathers call
upon US to maintain our rights TO in Gentlemen
argue that we must wait, on we must have war. Let
us try negotiation again, they said; but negotiation
have been tried in vain, and the only was to
give The notice, which would compel Great Britain
to make more arrangements for the adjustment Of
the question. sr.st i -arn5 ..n.i ..r.s.r
Had not this negotiation baffed all the skill of our
eminent statement Had Il not been tried by Mr.
Clay, and Mr.. Calhoun, and more recently by the
present very able Secretary Of Staei Had not all
attemps nj ueroti faile6r When ord sbbpr-