The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-08-10
CON GREssT'oNA AL.
MESSAGE

From the President Of the Untd States, communicating
documents not heretofore communicated 10 the SeRai'
relative 10 the Oregon Territory, 10 10 the res
oltitiOn Of the Senate Of l7h June, 1886.
[oOEcLUDEDl
Mr. Buchanan 10 Mr.. MeLane.
| mo. Dol DEPARTMENT OF STATE,
Washington, december 10, l645.
Sin; You will receive by the Cambria copy OF
the Presidents message, and the documents accom-
panying il, in relation to Texas and Oregon. These
are all which have yet been printed ~ ... .
You will observe that whilst the President has
recommended that the necessary notice shall be CIV
en- to abrogate the convention, he has carefully
avoided TO recommend any legislative measure
which could in the meantime, conflict with lis pro-
visions; and il rs not apprehended that Congress will
adopt any such measure B.. 1.I .t0p % ~ aT
The message has been well received throughout
thaapun,ry, and its doctrines generally will, think,
meet the appreciation Of Congress. ..l' ..
The President sincerely desires TO preserve our
friendly relations with Great Britain. His policy
with that and all other nations is peace, 30 long as
this can be maintained consistently with the national
rights aud honor. The Oregon question 10 now oP-
preaching crisis. II is hardly probable that tho
British government will suffer il 10 remain upon its
present basis; and il is clear that IL there should
be any new movement towards its adjustment, this
must originate with Great Britain. Should that
government take any further step with a view TO
sctue inc controversy, inc Grslucnt Noulu Juuso "
the character OF the proposition when madej and u,
in his opinion il should be such TO justify this,
he would feel inclined to submit Il to the Senate for
their previous advice before taking any other action
upon IL. As the determination on any such propo-
alton might involve the issue Of peace or war be-
the two countries, he would feel II 10 he his
duty 10 consult his constitutional advisers before
final decision. deem It necessary to give you this
information, not that you may make any such sug-
gestisn TO the British government but 10 enable you
to regulate wisely your conversation and conduct IN
the critical position in which you are now placed
What the result might be in the Senate, cannot an
ueipae. d" a.
The President has received information from a
variety Of sources which he cannot disregard, that
G.. Britain is now making extensive warlke prepara-
TONS As her relations with all the powers OF Europe
seem at present to be Of peaceful character, the
prevailing and uatuTal inference here is that these
preparations look TO a rupture with the United
States on the Oregon question. IL Is OF vast
importance that this government should, as
early possible, ascertain their true char
acter. You are, therefore, instructed TO embrace
the first opportunity OF bringing this subject TO the
notice Of the Earl Of Aberdeen in such manner as
you may deem most expedient II is true, that on
more than one occasion Mr. Pakenham has inform
ed me in conversation that these warlke prepare
tons had been commenced some time before the
existing difficulties between the two countries had
assumed their present serious aspect, and had no
connexion whatever with the Oregon question; but
yet it wodld be satisfactory to receive such assu-
rance in more authoritative and authentic form.
The President is also anxious to learn your
own opinion upon this subject with the least prac-
ticable delay.
| am, &C.,
JAMES BUCHANAN.