Sentinel of the valley. [volume] (Woodstock, Va) 1841-1848, 1846-02-19

thirteen degrees Of latitude, calculated as they
are to constitute so ample an area for the ex-
! tension Of freedom, and for the establishment
OF SO many new States Of cur confederacy-
opening wide and noble asy lum. not only for
the emigran,sof the eastern hemisphere, but
Tor the citizens OF our own republic-forming
the connecting, direct, and important link be-
tween the commercial nations of the East, and
the citizens Of cur Atlantic borders? Can we
reasonably expect that sny European arbitrator
wouic be able TO estimate properly the great
Interests which we have at stake in Oregon,
not temporary, as they might prove, if colo
nZed by Great Britain. but enduring for ages
as they will prove under the wings Of our own
( eagle4 Could they even justly appreciate the
l-yaine OF the ports and haraors. which are de-
| MED to the lower regions of the Oregon, and
!, yet are found in such admirable adaptation on
the higher waters gifts beautiful coast?
But. independently of these considerations,
there is. another objection merely touched by
! the Secretary of State: we mean the difficulty
lot selecting suitable Arbitrator How is it to be
surmounted9 Where are we to find an Impair
tial one? We do not say it is impossible; but
1t IS extremely difficult, almost impractcable,
to Ind one whose Judgment, upon such an oc-
cason as this, will play so easily upon its piv-
/
the august king of the French, with all his
high character, likely to prove entirely impair
tlal between the two nations? The co-opera-
ton of his ministers with the British in the
case OF Iexas-their new doctrine of the ball
ance OF power in America-the sanction which
has been extended to the very partial work of
lie Motras, are calculated to produce insur-
| mountable doubts about the capacity Of this &C
jcomplished prince to deal with the strictest i'm
partiality on the question Of Oregon. Would
the emperor Of all the Russias. with all his no
Bile probity and his friendly feelings towards
the United States, be willing to see our citizens,
with their peculiar notions, the immediate
neighbors Of his own people, on the line of $40
4U! Cast your eyes over the rest of the con-
tlnent, and with all their love for abstract JUS
tce, which of the other states of the CONT
nent could we expect to find entirely free from
all prepossessions in regard to both the parties,
when some are members of that Holy Alliance,
not entirely exempt from every prejudice TO-
wards our political system, and others may be
unconsciously BIASED in favor of Great Britain
BY the force Of family affinity, of commercial
interest, or Of political relations? Can we
reasonably expect from any of the sovereigns
of the Old World, Or from any of their minis
tiers, frame of mind, an absolute capacity of
dividing with the strictest inpartiality, in a
case where the interests Of the respective sys-
tens of monarchy and republic are supposed
to be lnvolved-as is the case with the desti-
MES of Oregon2 Where shall we find an en-
tirely impartial arbitrator on our own continent?
Is it in the most powerful of the states OIL
South America? in the highly respectable court
OF Brazil, connected as it is with one of the
strongest powers of Europe? Shall we refer
the question to board of the citizens of the
two countries, each of whom may participate
in the prejudces of its own nation. and the
whole decision may thus rest upon the acciden-
tai selection Of perhaps. a compromising UNI
plre! Wherever we look, we find some diff
Guilty in selecting s'suitable arbitrator"
We consider, therefore, the proposition for
arbitration as inexpedient and as nadmssable.
We regard it also as altogether declined by our
own government. The question must be left,
OF course, TO the justice of the two nations-{
We are strongly inclined to hope for an ami
cable settlement. Such, certainly, is the wish
of our own country and the spirit of our own
administration. 1t is SO expressed in MIR.
Buchanan's last letter in August last, and it is
now repeated in the paper before US.
Another important feature of these docu-
ments is the conversation Of Mr.. McLane with
Mr.. McLane that the extensive and warlike
preparations of Great Britain have no mmedi-
ate connex;on with the relations Of the two
countries. But at the same time, he says
that they may be employed against us in case
of hostilities. We confess we are not as
much impressed as some gentlemen may be at
this conversation. |. certainly does not appear !
TO as, that our administration regards the letter
of Mr.. McLane as signal Of impending hos
iilltes. His letter bears date ON the Sd jan /
uary, and Mr.. Buchanan's On the 4th Februa-
ry; and yet we see no change Of purpose-no
modification Of policy proposed by the admins
tration since the annual message was sent in 7
For our own part, we cannot seriously appre-
bend war. The tone of the last English
prints is pacific; that of the English govern
eminent is conciliatory. We will not believe
in the probability of "a rupture between the two
nations. Yet, let US not be too confident. We {
see nothing in these documents to change the
course of policy Of the United States. They
would rather contribute to confirm all the re-
CT the Presidents message
We should boldly and actively pursue The
course of measures which is now under the
consideration of Congress. Let US give the
march up to that object with promp-
itude and decision. Let US encourage ernigra-
ton, and provide for the extension Of our laws
to the region beyond the Rocky mountains
As Great Britain is arming, we must arm
likewise; and though we do not seriously ap-
prehend war, yet it behooves wise and an
energetic people to be prepared for it. Such
is our view Of the documents which are now
laid before Congress-such the policy we
would most respectfully recommend. In
word. let us carry out the measures of the
message. act with prompness and decision,
aud be prepared for either future.
CONVENTION BILL.
10 the Editors Of tie Enquirer: