The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-03-12
THE OREGON QUESTION.


This subject has been so ably discussed in the
negotiations between the two governments and the
debates in both houses Of Congress--to say nothing
Of the valuable work Of Mr.. Groenhow, and other
publications Of greater less interest-that it may
appear impossible to throw any new light upon it,
and perhaps presumptuous to make tho attempt But
the view taken Of it in the articles published some
weeks since in the National Inteligencer by writers
Ofso much ability, intelligence, and information, as
Messrs Gaatin and Rives, demands, perhaps, a more
particular notice from quarter than il will
uraly receive from any official source. These emf
nent statesmen pursue, in treating the subject near
y the same line Of argument. The principal OBJ
ect Of both, so far rights concerned, is to
depreciate the value Of the Spanish titlethat is, the
title which accrued to by the cession from SPAIN
and subsequently Mexico, Of all their respective
"ights, claims, and pretensions'' to the territory
north of the foty-second degree of north latitude
This title we regard not only as important ele-
m.nt in the mass Of materials upon side of the
question, but as being ofitsef complete and sufficient
Independently of any other, to authorize action to
any extent that good policy may permit require.
We consider the treaties with Spain and Mexico,
to which we have alluded, having conveyed to
us, in the language Of the Presidents message, a
"ccar and unquestionable right to the whole Of Ore
gon" from the forty-second to the sxy-second par
ae Of north latitude, which is still in force except
ing SO far it may have been diminished by the
subsequent treaty with Russia, limiting our exclu-
sve occupancy TO $40 40-. ..
If we thought Gas MIR. Gallatin appears to sup
pose) that an attempt to show the validity Of the
Spanish title would increase, so far as it might be
successful, the probability Of war, great is our
reluctance TO see the question decided by that last
resort Of kings that might hesitate about giving
to the very slight degree of influence which we
might hope to exercise so disastrous direction
But the danger is evidently the other side; and
the best means as conceive, Of obtaining the best
possible resultant is, amicable adjustment of
the difference to the satisfaction of both partiesis
firm and fearless exposition Of the truth. If
the American people really possess, as we be-
heve, "clear and unquestionabe title to the
whole of Oregon" large majority Of them must,
and will, from the nature of the case, be of
the force, and take what they consider the wisest
and proper for enforcing their Just preten-
sions, and Of preserving an honorable peace. At
tempts, however well meant and honest, to depre-
cate the value Of our title, will not therefore, inter-
rup the regular Of events on our side while
by distracting the public councils at home and en-
oouraging the opposite party abroad, they deprive
us Of the advantage of presenting Arm and un.
broken front to Great Britain and the world. One
Of the great of the peace party of the period
preceding the war of l5l2--and one which proba-
bly, did more than any other single cause TO pro-
duce that war-was their determined defence Of the
views Of Great Britain, on all the points then in
controversy between the two countries, and their
denial Of rights on our side in regard to which the
opinion Of the people, including the most prom
inent surviving members Of the opposition Of that
day, is now unanimous. Had the same unanimity
that now prevails throughout the whole country
upon the great questions Of neutral rights and Inn
pressment been exhibited at that period, Great
Britain, who was then, as she is now, really anx
ous to avoid war, would have taken measures in
season to escape from the crisis. Deceived by the
violence Of the opposition in this country, and
probably uniformed by their ministers here, the
British government delayed entering upon this line
of action little too long; and although, as soon as
they were sure that we were quite in earnest, they
made haste to take the first step towards reconca-
ton, by repeating the orders in council, the act
which would probably have prevented war, had il
been known in seaaon, did not reach this country,
until the declaration had been actually made.
1t is not, therefore, from firm and vigorous as
serton of rights, but rather from studied de-
probation Of them, accompanied by an earnest op-
position 10 the measures best fitted to give
them effect, that we have reason to apprehend dan
ger to the peace Of the country. No judcious per-
son can expect or desire to compel Great Britain to
scquiesce in any illfounded pretensions on side
but il we really have an unquestionabe right to tn,
Oregon territory, the utmost possible unanimity il
Affirming and maintaining IT, is not only dictated by
AUST regard to our interest in the point in question
OO, will prove, in the end, the most efectoal mean