Indiana State sentinel., 1846-02-26
The correspondence.

We commend the following article, from the Phila-
delphla Ledger, to the attention of our readers 1t
speaks our own opinions precisely. The Ledger from
rst to last has been of the abest advocates of the
American side of the Oregon question. Independent
OF parties classes or cliques, it speaks manfuly
and patriotically.
On reading the diplomatic correspondence recently
communicated to the Federal House Of Representatives
by the Executive, those who denounced the resolution
offered by General Cass premature and ridculed
Mr.. Fairelds proposition to increase our navy will
perceive that they have laughed in the wrong place
Lord Aberdeen, the British Minister for Foreign
Affairs, actually admits to Mr.. Mclean that the war
like preparations of the British government snau be
necessary against the United States. This admission
corroborates the opinion ofen expressed by this Jour
nal within the last two years. that the British gov
eminent would endeavor to intimidate u.s. but would
not ultimately fight; and that in war with u.s. they
expected to meet another enemy, much nearer hume
Lord Aberdeen says that these military preparations
especially the defences of the harbors and backwards
are founded upon the state of Europe, and not upon
! the Oregon question, though some of them NAV be
necessary in the relations of Britain with our country
What Is this declaration but attempt TO intmidate
1t very plainly says that while the British government
did not arm exclusively for Oregon. they will not
surrender it without contest.
But will the British government fight for Oregon
We repeat our assertion that they will not and for
proof refer to their great alteration of tone within
few months. Upon receiving the Presidents Inaugu-
raj Address, the British press and British Statesmen
in Parliament very decided in language about
their alleged rights In Oregon. On learning that this
tone produced no excitement In our country but was
received with perfect GOODNESS, they becume more
moderate. On receiving the Presidents Message,
together with the correspondence between our Secre-
taries of State and Mr.. Pakenbam, they became still
more moderate in One and spoke of the mutual inte-
rests of the two nations in maintaining peace. At
the time the Wings failed in forming admin
israton, because Lord PamerSton, their man for the
foreign Office was known to be hostile TO our country
portion of the British press censured Mr. Pakenham
for refusing offer Of the 49th degree for bounda-
nv. These facts show that the British government
very unwilling to wsge war for Oregon, and will
not persist in a warlike tone, when they find that
intimidation will not avail And now may add to
all these indications, the recent offers of Mr. Paken-
ham, after negotiations had been suspended.
But will say that the refusal by our govern
ment, of these new offers, and its persistence in
claiming the whole territory, will nfalliblv produce
a war We do not believe ii; and if it should we
should not think of averlng that by submission.
How could the President entertain Mr. Pakenhams
proposition for arbitration, after this admission by
Lord Aberdeen BY referring the case to arbitration
nOlc even If it were without serious objections would
certainly subject to the imputation of yielding
Lord Aberdeen's contingent threats Until the British
government retract the admission, that, their warke
prepara may be used against u.s. our government
is bound in honor 10 insist claim to the wbOe
We cannot negotiate, much less refer to arb ira
tion while threat Is extant, though contingent
And in this condition of the question: the course Cf
our government is obvious. 1t should prepare for n
struggle, establish detenceS for the seaports and the
lakes augment the navy, and prepare to organize an
army By this course showing that threats will not
avail, and by this course only, shall be able to
maintain our rights without war. The British
nation, which is under necessity of fighting for
character, will despise and trample upon all who fear
it. but will respect those who are ready to engage it
! in the last resort. Hence if we would maintain our
rights peacefully. must show that we are ready 10
! defend them forcibly.