The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-02-18
A WAR FOR OREGON PREFERRED TO REDuc
or s,s.l

WAN fOh OhEbON PhEfEHHED TO REDUC
| TioN or THE TARIFF.
| We think we are not mistaken in the belief that
this Is the solemn conclusion to which the nfatua-
ted advocates Of protective tariff have now arrived
Indeed the readiness to embrace the alternative of
war for Oregon, sooner than, by our own pre-
determined and independent action upon the tariff,
Great Britain should be influenced peaceably 10
eoncede what We demand, has been already sub
stantially proclaimed.
The Baltimore Patriot, with all It's guarded
phrsssology, makes the avowsl to which we have
referred. That paper finds poor pretext for
most gratuitous expression Of its sentiments upon
the subject in certain rumors originating in this city
to the effect that the Oregon controversy would be
settled TO American satisfaction by an equivalent Of
fered in the reduction Of the American tariff. We
have no doubt that the rumor about this basis Of an
amicable adjustment OF our differences with Great
Britain, has its foundation in the criminal de-
sign to eomplieate the foreign and the do
nestle question, to the end Of preserving
monopoly TO the manufacturers in the
event Of successful elamor about bargaining"
or in the other event, and more desred-war Itself
We do sincerely think that many ofthe ultra friends
Of the protective system would much prefer a
with Great Britain TO repeal Of the tariff. They
say in plain terms-and why' Suppose that
Congress should reduce the rates of duties, and thns
open the American ports to the introduction Of Eng
lish goods; upon the presumption that commercial
advantages Of such consequence 10 Great Britain
would be duly appreciated, IL is reasonable, like
wise, to believe tina, she would be particularly anx-
Ia, H.. e., II
minating the Oregon controversy be increased by our
doing act Of Legislative justice, in the dminution
OF the taxes to our own people' Certainly not.
Is not the probability altogether the other way'
And if it be, the reason why the friends OF
the protective system prefer that the Oregon
controversy should be kept open, or termi.
mated in war, become pslpable. All the agita-
ton upon this theme Of Oregon, and our claim
to il, in the existing prospect Of reduction Of the
tariff reverts for the time being to the benefit Of the
advocates of protection. Until the controversy be
settled, we have no guarantee that military prepare
tons are not indispensable II these are 70 be made,
whether tariffs sustained for the purpose of pro-
lection or not, they must continue high.
The people Of the United st.,.., ~ s's"' ","-
iority, a. We are firmly pursusded, DO now require
ss. & fsS a RosS be made sI''iy . one ,0s
without delay. Let it be done, when il is
done, without reference to the independent for
eign question about our claim to Oregon. If
Great Britain shall please to conform her ac-
ton in the premises to an act Of domestic legsla.
ton adapted for ends, but incidentally benef-
cial to her, very well. IF she omits to do ii, her
positive responsibility in a matter collateral will
neither be increased nor diminished.
The following paragraph, which has elected what
we have said above s submitted to the attention Of
the reader being Characteristic Of the spirit which
actuates the friends Of monopoly: ID q
From the Baltimore Patriot.
ave desire to see the Oregon dispute settled. We
believe--have ever beieved-that It will be settled
amicably. But if it is only to be settled by sacr-
fcing our domestic industry, then, we say, let it
ever remain q cause Of contention; and if war to
come from it, let it come
"If Mr.. Polk must back out-if he must give up
something-much better that he should give up all
Oregon than that we should abandon our manufac-
lures reduce to ideness our mechanics, and bring
the price of labor down to the standard Of the pc u
pers of Europe. Beuer-much better-we say, that
all Oregon should be given up than such conse-
quences should be imposed on the country"
With respect to the sweeping declaratio ns of the
"Patriot" as to the consequences of reduction of
the tariff, may tomorrow submit some of the
statistics to be found in that repository of 80 much
that is important--the report and accompanying
documents of Mr.. Walker.