The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-01-14

musDArrD LANDS OK THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER.

INUNDATED LANDS on THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER.
The following resolution, reported yesterday by
the Committee ON Public Lands, was taken up for
action:
Slrsd That the Secretary Of the Treasury be directed
ee. t9 the ing Of the mississippi river between
Memphis aud Vcksburg with estimate OF the probable
the quantity Of lands which Will thereby become ssies6s
sAd report plan for such Protsetion practicable al the
present session Of Congress- or at an early day Of the neat
On the suggestion of Mr.. JOHNSON, of Louisi-
ana, tho consideration Of the resolution was post.
poned.
NATIONAL ARMoRY
The bill to establish a national armory at the
Suck on the Tennessee river in the State Of TenUes
see" was read second time, and referred to the
Committee on Military Affairs.
FEE-EnPuoE sTsTEa
The "bill to establish general pre-emplion sys.
tenn In favor of actual settlers the public lands,
WAS, on motion OF Mr. BREESE, passed by lnfoT-
mally. .......
The "Lill for the relief of Nathaniel Goddard &
Co." was read second time, and considered in com
mtee Of the whole.
Mr.. sPEIGHT called for the reading Of The re-
port made thereon by the Committee on Claims
which ordered.
M. CLAYTON, TURNKEY, BAGBY, sPEIGHT,
and JOHNSON, of Maryland,
MIR. ALLEN moved " lay the bill on the table,
IN order to enable the Senate TO proceed TO the con-
sIdoniiOn Of executive business; which motion was
negati'ed, and the ball was by consent, passed by
informally.
The Senate proceeded into executive session; and
after time spent therein, during which one or
two nominations were eonhTmed,) the doors were
opened, and the Senate adjourned.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
The journal Of yesterday was read in part, and
(the further reading having been dispensed With
was approved
Mr.. PHELrs, member elect from the State Of
Missouri, appeared, was qualified, and took his
seat.
The SPEAKER announced that the business first
in order would be the call Of the committees for re-
ports.
OREGON.
On motion Of Mr.. PETIT, the House resolved
itself into Committee Of the Whole on the state OF
the Union, Mr.. TIBBArrs in the chair, and resumed
the confederation Of the joint resolution heretofore
reported by Mr.. G. ]. lHGERsoLL, from the Com
miltee on Foreign Affairs, providing for the twelve
months notice To Great Britain Of the termination
Of the convention between that government and the
United States, respecting the Oregon territory; and
Of the amendments thereto pending
Mr. STANTON was entitled TO the floor and
later moments interruPuon) proceeded TO address
the committee.
He said:
Mr. CHAIRaAN In The intense anxiety Of nu-
merous members Of the House TO address the COM
mittee upon this momentous question, a proper es-
innate Of my personal position and influence would
require me TO listen rather than TO speak dis
cussion Of this character, maintained for long
time, must have an important and immediate infu-
upon the business occupations and interests of
the people Of this vast country But this influence
great as 1t is and by means TO be overlooked or
despised, is but dust in the balance, compared with
those grayer consequences which will result to this
country and the world, II the fears Of many gentle
men should be realized, and war should follow.
Stupendous conflicts Of nations and systems con-
iicis which will shake, not only this country, but
this globe to its csntre-may possibly hang upon the
issue Of this debate.
approach this subject of overwhelming magni-
tude, with perfect knowledge Of the slight nHu-
ence my opinions can be expected to have, either
upon this House or the country; yet, representing
district of some importance, both in its agricul-
ural and commrrcis interesls-a district compris-
ing portion Of the people Of State whose sons
have acquired some laures in war, as well as some
distinction in the more quiet walks Of peaceful
statesmanship-l feel II 10 be my duty trouble the
committee with my views upon the subject now
under discussion. The people Of Tennessee will
not be backward TO express their opinions-thoy
will not be fearful TO maintain them, in whatever
manner and 70 whatever extent the occasion may
require. lspeak for myself | think | can speak
for those Of my colleagues with whom am associa-
ted as member Of the same party. | hope I
speak also for those with whom | am
not thus associated At any rate, | hope
at least to hear from them before this discussion
shall close, and that their views will exhibit noble
patriotism, which, upon a great question, involving
the honor and interest OF the whole nation, will for
get all personal and party distinctions and support
the cause of their country with all their known tai
ents and with all the ardor and devotion of Tennss-
seeans.
Mr.. Chairman, there seems to be little diversity of
opinion here, TO the question Of title between
Great Britain and the United States believe the
recent correspondence between the respective pleni
potentiaries Of the two countries will convince the
impartial judgment of the world that we are right
fully entitled to the whole territory of Oregon ac-
cording to the principles adopted by European ma
tons In reference to the appropriation of the Amer
can continent express no opinion as to the jus
ce of those principles; | assert only that even &C
cording to them, the whole Of Oregon is ours
shall follow the example Of nearly all the gentlemen
who have preceded me in this discussion in omit
ting any argument on the question Of title, except in
cidentally, in another part Of my remarks.
The only question which has given rise to any Sc
rous debate here is that which properly arises upon
these resolutions-the propriety or improperly of
giving notice to Great Britain Of the termination of
the existing convention between the two powers af-
ter period of twelve months. This is the vital
point of difference--the very hinge upon which
ucilocidtouS Hust eventually tuTn ana upon ms
great question, the widest and most irreconciIable
differences prevail. 1t is asserted, ard vehemently
maintained, on one side Of the House. that to give
this notice will inevitably involve the two nations in
war: the other it is maintained, with equal earn
estness, that the measure proposed will not lead to
war--that 1t is the only possible of bringing
the matter speedily to favorable and peaceful termi-
nation. On the one hand gentlemen declare that
they will take no step for the extension of our laws
the security Of ourcitizens in Oregon, unless this
notice be given; while, the other hand gentle
say they will do all these ,hings--they will ex-
tend our laws, erect forts, provide men and arms,
establish Indian agencies and postreutes--in short,
they will do everything else but they will not give
this notice. Sir, these grave questons--ques-
tons upon which gentlemen may well differ without
any just impntation upon their patriotism.
II is my Intention for the time allotted me by the
rules Of the House, to endeavor to discuss these
questions, stripping them Of every irrelevant con-
sderation, and endeavorng, the best of my abil-
ity, to arrive at conclusion which shall be sup
ported by reason and fortified by argument.
maintain, sir, that the notice proposed to be Civ