The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-03-16
THE ADMINISTRATION IN ITS CONDUCT
OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS.


THE ADMINISTRATION in ITS CONDUCT
OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS.
No administration has, in the first year OF its ex-
istenee, gained more OF public confidence than the
present. Difficult questions Of many kinds, and
some Of long standing, still remained open. Among
these-one Of the mos, important to Ore.
goni but on that subject the of the President
has thus far been sustained by an unusual approach
to unanimtyi and the notice to terminate the con-
vention Of 1897, so strongly recommended in the
annual message, has been sustained in the House OF
Representatives by the almost unprecedented ma or.
ity Of more than three to one. Nothing is ROW
wanting that branch of the question, bu, the action
the Senate. Until it is de6nyely settled in that
body, the feverish impotence Of the public mind
will continue; and thousand rumors, one more alb
surd than another will be circulated as hereto.
fore.
In the midst of the excitement which this delay
is so well calculated TO nAame, the in which
the President has conducted his part Of our inter.
course with foreiga states has evidently conciiated
for him, that which is necessary for his success
the confidence Of the people in his prudence and his
courage. His policy has been alike calm and
fearless, so that the country rcposes in the convic
ton that there is ground for apprehending
errors, either from timidity on the one side or
rashness on the other. At the very moment
Of his Inauguration conflict was menaced on
the part of Mexico, a weaker power. Pro-
foundly sensible that the policy Of honorable
peace is the policy of civilization, and the only
one worthy Of friend to the best interests Of hu-
| msnty, oil his efforts were bent to accomplish the
annexation of Texas without an armed collision.
In this, his good judgment enabled him to succeed,
and there has been no conflict with Mexico, and no
rupture with either of the European states, whose
wanton and irritating interference was 30 well de
signed to defeat the purpose Of the United States.
There is equal ground for public satisfaction in
the manner in which he has performed his duty in
relation to Oregon. Already, in one short year, he
has accomplished much towards indicating the
rights of America
| In the first place, he has evidently changed the
tone of the British press and the temper of the Brit
ish government in reference to the whole subject
In the next place, it is observable that the President
has changed the aspect under which the subject is
considered by the government of France. A few
short months ago France altogether on the side
Of England on all American questions. Her gov
eminent was publishing and distributing works 10
/. prove that in their claims Oregon the English
were in the right; and exerng all its influence
to defeat the annexation Of Texas. And how has
this been changed by the firm and manly exposition
| Of American rights by the President In the Cham
Der of Deputies Of France, the illusrious Theirs
but recently her prime mnster--one Of the very
greatest If not the greatest, of her living authors
| man whose voice is never raised but to be heard
by all classes Of intelligent Europe, and whose pub
lished works have for their audience the whole civil
lied world-has explained before the representatives
Of France the position OF the United States and by
sound reasoning and just appreciation of the facts,
has compelled the ministry Of Louis Philippe to as
sert the independence and the neutrality OF France
The importance of this result is as yet not fully es-
tmated But France, in proclaiming its neutrality
in any contingent conflict, procaims also her pur-
pose to maintain the rights of neutral flags. In
word, she bids the British ministry beware of enga-
ging in strife with the United States for in the event
of such strife, the neutral flag of France would
protect its vessels and all they nigh, BEAR so that
England must at once find an enemy in France or
abdcate in her favor the chief share in the carry
ing trade between the continents. France, compel-
ed to Independence and neutrality, becomes by that
neutrality the virtual associate of the United States
Her return to this her natural and ancient position
is effective guarantee for the continuance of peace,
since England has now no option but to preserve
unbroken harmony with the United States, or to
transfer to France the principal share in maritime
commerce.
Nor is this all. Not only has the President in
duced England to view the Oregon question under a
new aspect, not only has he brought France to a
proclamation of neutrality and adhesion to the rights
Of neutral flags but he has impressed on the civilized
world higher of the justice Of claims, and
has gained respect for the country by the dignity
with which those claims are asserted. From all
parts Of Europe, Americans abroad have written
home, that, as they read the Presidents message,
they exulted that they were his countrymen. Eve
rywhere the right of America was recognised to be
classed among the great nations Of the earth; and il
seemed that as il for the first time the European
world had grown sensible ofthe great advancement of
the people of the United States Before this occa
sion the world had been ignorant or careless of our
rights the Pacific; the policy Of the President has
everywhere, conciated respect for our title, and the
acknowledgment Of our power. The territorial rights
Of the country were not submitted to the very uncer-
tain biasses Of an arbitration; but in advance of the
offer of arbitration, the appeal has been made to the
tribunal of public opinion, and the claims Of America
have been freely submitted to the judgment of man
kind.
The President has thus far done his part. What
has he omitted What opportunity has he lost
He has done all that depended on executive action.
He has exerted all his constitutional power Of
recommending measures Of legislation. With the
general appreciation Of the country he has urged the
abrogation Of the convention OF lsl7--the forma-
ton Of posts to the Rocky mountsins-the ere
rtion Of military force to protect the emigrants
on the route-the extension Of our laws over our