Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1846-05-29
THE PROTECTION OF THE SET
TIERS OF OREGON

Appearances seem TO indicate in the Uni
ted States Senate, that nothing will be done
TO give our fellow citizens who have emigra-
ted to Oregon the protection of our laws
What Britain has done, and done early and
efectually, for the servants Of the Hudson's
Bay Company, adventures, temporary So
journers in that region, our own government
is likely to refuse to the families who have
migrated thither, with the view of making it
their home for life and the future abode Of
their children. 1t is supposed that even this
slender measure of attention to the demands
and necessities of our brethren beyond the
Rocky Mountains will be coldly and in1cxi-
bly, withheld.
We do not understand this, we were about
70 say, but we change the expression. and
say that we understand il too well. What
we have 10 ask is, that if our western pos
sessions are to he wholly neglected, while we
seek to enlarge, even at the hazard Of all the
evils Of war, our dominions in the southern
direction, the intention shall be honestly
avowcd. Let the neglect be put upon its
true ground, and let no member who means
10 look his fellow men hereafter in the face,
aft ct to res, it upon grave scrupIcs and poll
TIC doubts. Let him acknowledge that his
settled object is to discourage and prevent,
by all possible means, the enlargement and
growth Of the north, and to keep up and
strengthen the prcpondcrance of the southern
States. When we have came TO the UNDER
standing, we shall acknowledge the frank
ness of these men, if we cannot applaud their
sense Of Justice. We shall then know how
how to deal with the question; we shall be
able 10 lay before the people in a perfectly
Ineligible form, and expect prompt and
just decision.
1t is curious to contrast the temper in
which we iegisaie concerning Texas with
that in which we lcgislate in regard TO Ore
gon. All that has been done by Congress in
regard TO Texas has been done with most
exemplary despatch. All that has been done
vItl.regard to Oregon has been done with
the tardiest reluctance. Texas was snatchcd
into the Union the resolutions providing for
her annexation we're passed in IA hurry the
ordinance when Admitted her into the Union
was prccpitated through both Houses before
the present session was well begun. The
annexation Of Texas has drawn after it, as
we warned the nation il would, war with
Mexico, and the same session Of Congress
by which the new State is admitted into the
Union instantly places at the disposal Of the
government an army Of fifty thousand men,
and DEGREES the appropriation Of millions to
carry on the war.
In regard to Oregon the only step that
Congress has taken is TO direct the giving OF
the notice which terminates the convention
of Joint occupation, but that measure was
wrung from the two Houses by the mere
force of public opinion. Never was mea-
sure passed more unwllingly by any dclibe-
cate body than the notice of resolution was
passed by the Senate. II was passed because
the members feared 10 reject it, because
many who voted for it had not the courage
to resist and defy the public will. AT pre-
sent the minds Of men are occupied by the
war, and the Senate are growing holder on
the Oregon question.
They think doubtless tina. in the din and
tumult Of military preparation, and the ear
nest expectation with which all eyes are turn
ed on the southern frontier, they may safely
disregard that public opinion 10 which they
lately SO reluctantly submitted. We can
give no other explanation for the conduct Of
the committee which, has charge Of the ques-
ton of extending the jurisdiction Of our laws
over American citizens in Oregon.-N. y
Ey. Post.