Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1846-08-06
THE OREGON TREATY.


Philadelphia correspondent, oJtdt copy Of the Orc
gon Treaty ,cifh Poik's Message Submitting the
British prefer to the Senate and The accompanying
documents. How these State Papers were procu-
red-and whether from London or Washington
we know not, and have not now time to inquire |
Suffice it that they accurately given below
Those who read them will see how futile were
the pretences that Polk wished the Senate to ad
wise him not to accept the British offer, and that
the free navigation of the Columbia is not surren
dered in perpetuity. These documents, however
nte nded, tell plain story, which will make some
Tears Jingle Read! Read!--.N Y. Tribune.
FROM THE PHILADELPHIA NORTH AMEnicAN
CONFIDENTIAL.
Message from the President Of Tic United States
communicating a proposition on the part of the
British Government for the adjustment Of The
Oregon question:.
June 10, lS45-read.1
To the Senate Of the United States:
l lay before the Senate proposal in the form of
Convention, presented to the Secretary of State
on the 9th inst, by the Envoy Extraordinary and
Minister Plenipotentary of her Britannia Majesty
Tor the adjustment of the Oregon question, together
with protocol Of this proceeding. l submit this
proposal to the consideration of the Senate and re-
quest their advice as to the action which, in their
judgment, may be proper to take in reference TO it,
In the early periods Of the Government, the opn-
ION and advice of the Senate often taken in
advance upon important questions of foreign policy.
General Washington repeatedly consulted the Sc
nate and asked their previous advice, to which he
always conformed his action. This practice though
rarely resorted to in later times, was, in my judg
ment, emnently wise, and may, occasions OF
great Importance, be properly revived. The Senate
are branch of the treaty-making power and by
consulting them in advance OF his action, upon
important measures of foreign policy which may
ultimately come before them for consideration, the
President secures harmony of action between that
body and himself
The Senate are moreover a branch of the war
making power, and it may be eminenty proper for
the Executive to take the opinion and advice of that
body In advance upon any great question which
may involve In its decision the issue of peace or
war On the present occasion the magnitude of
the subject would induce me, under any circum-
stances, to desire the previous advice of the Senate
and that desire is increased by the recent debates
and proceedings in Congress, which render it in my
Judgment, not only respectful TO the Senate but ne
ceSSary and proper if not indispensable to insure
harmonious action, between that body and the Exc
cutive. In comforting on the Executive the autho-
rty TO give the notice for the abrogaton of the Con-
vention of 1927, the Senate acted publicly so large
part, that the decision the proposal now made
by the British Government, without definite
knowledge of the views of that body in reference
to 1t, might render the question still compli-
Gated and difficult of adjustment. For these rea-
sons, invite the consideration of the Senate to the
proposal Of the British Government for the settle
Inent of the Oregon question, and ask their advice
on the subject.
My opinions and my action on the Oregon ques-
ton Were fully made known TO Congress in my an
nual message of the Cd December last, and the
opinions therein expressed remain unchanged
Should the Senate, by the Constitutional ma
Jorlty required for the ratification of Treaties adj
wise the acceptance of this proposition or advise it
with such notifications they may upon full de
liberation, deem proper, shall conform my action
to their advice. Should the Senate, however de
cline by such Constitutional majority to give such
ADVICE, or to express an opinion the subject, |
shall consider it my G;ty to reject the offer.
also communicate herewith an extract from a
despatch OF the Secretary of State to the Minister
OF the United States at London, under date of the
oth OF April last, directing him in accordance with
the joint resolutions of Congress, Concerning the
Oregon Territory to deliver the Notice to the
British Government for the abrogation of the Con-
vention of 9th August, 1927 and, also, copy of
the Notice transmitted TO him for that purpose,
gether with extracts from a despatch of that Min
lser to the Secretary OF State, bearing date the 18th
May last. JAMES K. POLK
WASHINGTON, June 10, 1916.
PROTOCOL
Aconference was held at the Department of State
on the 9th June, 1916, between the honorable
James Buchanan, Secretary of State, the Ameri-
can flehlpOentlary, and the right honorable Rich
ard Pakenham, the British Plenipotentiary, when
the negotiation respecting the Oregon Territory was
resumed. The British Plenpotcntary made a YER
bal explanation of the motives which had induced
her NlajeSty's government to instruct him to make
another proposition to the Government of the Uni
ted States for the solution OF these long existing
difficulties The Secretary of State expressed his
satisfaction with the friendly motives which had
animated the British Government in this endeavor
Whereupon the British Plenipotentiary submit
ted to the Secretary of State the draught OF Con
yention (marked A. setting forth the terms which
he had been instructed TO propose to the Govern
of the United States for the settlement of the
Oregon question.
JAMES BUCHANAN,
RICHARD PAKENHAM
Here follow the draught of the Convention
which is in the precise words OF the treaty below
given and the formal notice to England by the Pre-
sldent that the joint occupancy of Oregon would be
dissolved in accordance with the resolutions of Con
gress. There is also mass of extracts Of letters
from Mr.. MPLANE TO Mr.. BUcHANAH, relative to
the British proposition, which we accepted We
shall not give all these at this time but be content to
show that Mr. M'LANE was opposed to the terms
of the treaty. Hear what he says in the extract
Of his letter
It is scarcely necessary for me to state that the
proposition as now submitted, has not received
my countenance. Tbavo
therefore felt it my duty TO discourage the expccta
ton that it would be accepted by the Senate
do not think there can be much doubt however
that an impression has been produced here that the
Il