Southport telegraph. [volume] (Southport, W.T. [i.e. Kenosha, Wis.]) 1840-1850, 1846-02-24

TO Mr. Packenham of the 30ih August last
by which The President had asserted in the
most solemn form, the title Of the United
States TO The whole territory Even if
there were not other conclusive reasons for
declining the proposition, this alone would
be deemed sufficient by the President.
Mr. Packenham again addresses the Sec.
rotary ofState with the following PROPOSE
ton:
"Whother, supposing The British gov
eminent TO entertain no objection TO such
course, it would suit the views Of the Uni
ted States government to refer 10 arbitra'
lion, not, as has already been proposed,
the question Of an equitable partition Of
the territory, but the question of title in eli
Their OF The two powers 10 the whole terri
tory, subject Of course TO the condition tba
if neither should be found, in the opinion o.
the arbitrator, 10 possess complete tile
to the whole territory, there should, in that
case be assigned to each that portion oil
territory which would, in opinion Of the ar
bilrating power, be called for by just ap
precation of The respective claims Of each
The undersigned has suggested ref
erence on the above principle 10 some
frienly sovereign or State.
This the undersigned believes TO be ,ht
course usually followed in such cases; ii i:
that which has already been resorted TO by
Tho two governments, (and more thar
once.) But there may be other forms q
arbitration, perhaps. more agreeable 10 The
government of the United States
There might be, for instance, mixed
commission with an umpire appointed by
common consent; or there might be a boarC
composed Of the most dstingu shed civil
ians and jurisis Of the time, appointed il
such manner as should bring all pending
questions 10 the decision Of The most en-
lighted, impartial, and independent minds
To this proposition Mr.. Buchanan re.
P. les in part as follows:
Ii is far from the intention Of the under
signed again TO open the discussion Of the
conflicting claims Of the the two powers &c
the Oregon territory. 1t is sufficient fol
him to state the continued conviction ofthe
President, that the United States hold the
best title in existence to the whole of this
territory. Under this conviction, he can.
not consent TO leopard for his country all
the great interests involved, and by any
possibility, however remote, to deprive the
republic of all the good haibors OH the
cost, by referring the question 10 arbitra-
ton.
Neither is the territory in dispute Of e.
quail, or nearly equul, value to the two
powers. Whilst it is invaluable to the T.
niled States, is is Of comparatively small
importance to Great Britain. TO her, Or
egon would be bat distant colonial pos.
session of doubtful value, and which from
the natural progress of human events, she
would not probably long enough enjoy to
derive from it essential benefits; whilst 10
The United States il would become an integ
raj and essential portion Of the republic. -
The gain TO Great Britain she would new.
er sensibly feel whilst the loss 10 the Uni
ted States would lie irreparable.
The undersigned is perfectly aware thai
such considerations can have no bearing
upon the question of the title Of either par.
ty. They are presented solely for the pur
pose of explaining the views Of the Presi
dent in his refusal 10 adopt any measure
which should withdraw our title from the
control Of the government and people OF
the United States, and place it within the
discretion ofan arbitrator; no matter how
intelligent and respectable.
This puts a worse face upon the matter
10 us, than it has before had.
Our government refuses to arbitrate on the
ground of the perfect character of our title.
The land we claim under this perfect title,
Great Britain saws sho has rights in, which
cannot be voluntarily abandoned. What is
10 be done. One or the ether Of the two
countries must back square out. Will they
do it? Our readers know as we'll as we can
tell Them; but it does look now, to US,
somewhat squally.