Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1846-08-06
The Oregon Treaty and accompanying
Documents.

nished with a copy OF the Oregon treaty, with the
accompanying documents. The seal OF secrecy
has been again violated, but by whom is stat
ed
The first paper is a Message from the President
communicating proposition the part Of the
British Government for the settlement Of the Ore
CON boundary question, in which he asks the Gd-
rice Of the Senate stating that although his opinions
remain unchanged upon this question, he shall
eheerfuy conform to their advice, whether it is to
accept the proposition Of England or reject it.
The next is a shor, note from Mr. Buchanan and
Mr. Pakenham to the President, containing draught
Of the convention.
The next is a letter from Mr. Buchanan to our
Minister in London, containing the notification
passed by Congress for the abrogaton Of the treaty
OF the Joint occupation Of Oregon, TO be presented
to the British Government
The next document is a letter from our Minister
in England, stating that he shall take the earlies.
opportunity Of laying before the British Govern
meni the 10 Mt resolution passed for the abrogstion
Of the convention Of 1877 for the joint occupation
OF Oregon and that farther offers will probably be
made by the British Government, soon, for the final
settlement of the Oregon boundary question and
stating what that proposition would probably be.
The next is message from Mr. Polk to the Sen.
ate. laying before tina, body. for its ratification, the
treaty agreed upon BY the two Governments.
Then follows a copy Of the treaty as signed by
the proper persons and ratified by the Senate which
we give entire
The United States OF America aud her Majesty
the Queen Of the United Kingdom Of Great Britain
and Ireland deeming it 10 be desirable, for the
future welfare of both countries that the state OF
doubt aud uncertainty which has hitherto prevailed
respecting the sovereignty aud government Of the
territory the northwest coast Of America, lying
westward Of the Rocky or Stony Mountains should
be finally terminated by an amicabIe compromise
Of the rights mutually asserted by the two parties
said territory, have respectively named
Plenipoieniares 10 treat and agree concerning the
terms Of such settlement that is to say, the Presi
dent Of the United States OF America has on his
part furnished with full powers James Buchanan,
Secretary Of State Of the United States and her
Majesty, the Queen Of the United Kingdom Of
Great British and Ireland, has her part appoint
ed Right Honorable Richard Pakenham a mem.
Der Of her Maiesiy's most Honorable Privy Coun.
Gil, and her Majestys Envoy Extraordinary aud
Minister Penipo,entiary to the United States who,
after having communicated To each other their re.
spectiye full powers framed in good aud due form,
have agreed upon and concluded the following az
ticles:
ARTICLE l.-"From the point on the 49th par
alle Of north latitude, where the boundary laid down
in existing treaties and conventions between Great
Britain and the United States terminates, the line
Of boundary between the territories her Britannia
Majesty aud those Of the United States shall be
continued westward along the 18th parallel OF
north latitude to the middle Of the channel which
separates the continent from Vsncouvers Island,
and thence soulheriy through the middle Of the
said channel, and Of Fuca Straits, 10 the Pacific
Ocean provided, however, that the navigation of
the said channel and straits south Of the 49t par.
alel of north latitude, remain free and open TO both
parties"
Article 2.-"From the point at which the 10th
parallel Of north latitude shall be found niersect
the great northern branch of the Columbia river
the navigation Of the said brapch shall be free and
open 10 the Hudson's Bay Company and TO all
British subjects trading with the same, to the point
where the said branch meets the main stream OF
the Columbia and thence down the said main stream
10 the ocean, with free into end through the
said river OF rivers it being understood that all
the usual poriages along the line thus described,
shall in like manner be free and open. In navgat-
ing the said river or rivers, British subjects with
their goods and produce, shall be treated the
same footing citizens of the United States it
being. however, always understood that nothing in
this article shall be construed as preventing or
intended to prevent, the Government Of the United
States from making any regulations respecting the
navigation Of the said river rivers not inconsis-
tent with the present treaty"
ARTICLE SIN the future appropriation Of the
territory south ofthe 49lh parallel ofnorth latitude,
provided in the first article of this treaty, the
possessory rights Of the Hudsons Bay Company,
and Of ali British subjects who may be already in
the occupation Of land or other property lawfully
acquired within the said territory shall be respect
ed
ARTICLE 4-The farms, lands, and other prop
eriy Of every description, belonging the Puget's
Sound Agricultural Company on the north side Of
the Columbia river, shall be confirmed to the said
Company. In case, however, the situation ofthose
farms and lands should be considered by the Unit
ed States to be of public aud political importance
and the United States Government should signify
desire TO obtain possession Of the whole Of any
thereof, the property so required shall be trans
ferred to the said Government at proper valuation
to be agreed upon between the parties
/ ARTICLE 5-The present Treaty shall be rsii-
fed by the President Of the United States by aud
! with the advice and consent Of the Senate thereof
and by her Britannia Majesty aud the Publications
shall be exchanged at London at the expiration Of
six months from the date hereof or sooner if posi-
\ bic.
| In witness whereof, the respective Plenipotenti-
aries have signed the same and have affixed thereto
the seals of their arms
Done at Washington, the fifteenth day Of June,
in the year Of our Lord one thousand eight hundred
and fony-six.
JAMES BUCHANAN.
RICHARD PAKENHAM.
Dr.eApnos o. Grs. TArron-Tbs following brief