The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-04-15
coz GREss SION AL.
SPEECH OF MR.. ASHLEY,


the convention Of joint occupancy Of the Oregon
tsuilory. a..
Mr. ASHLEY addressed the Senate as fol-
lowsi ,r..
Mr.. PHEsIpksrs | can scarcely hope, indeed no
ons could reasonably expect, that should be able
70 throy much additional light, or 10 advance any
thinx new on ths impouant subject before the Sen
ATE az this late stage Of iis discasaiop The utmost
could hope 10 do would be TO present some OF the
old Arguments under new ssise, and state the re-
suits OF those arguments on my own mind. i shall
Of course, be liable 10 present many thoughts ard
arssmonts in a manner somewhat crude, and not
sufhciensly maiured. Be that as 1t may, do not
feel wolf justified as Of the representatives oil
a sovereign STATE, 10 give silent vote on question
so rnsmsnious which may possibly result m invols-
ing the peace Of this eouHtry with one OF the most
powerful nations Of the EARTH as England rs yaunt.
ngiv represented IN this chamber, but feel myself
conseientiously bound to give the reasons which
will govern my own vote on the various PROPOSE
tons now under consideration, and for the strength
and correctness Of which hold myself responsible
10 my constituents.
In the discussion of this question various topics
have been introduced, which, in my judgment we're
altogether irrelevant, and have really nothing TO do
with-iis merits. II We had confined ourselves to
the isolated question legtimatsly and properly be-
fore US IL appears to that there could be scarcely
any differences OF sentiment to the proper course
which ought TO be adonted-the simple question OF
NOTES alone would surely have long ago been deter.
mined upon, IL all who believed we had any claims
ID Oregon had acted IN concert There are, never
thoieas, some other subjects which, though not
strictly connected with tho question before US, 1t
nav not be improper for the Senate Of the Unlted
Staics---a most important branch OF the govern
menl--to look forward 70 and carefully weigh:
such as the results that might be anticipated as
are likely to spring out Of the giving the eonempla-
ted notice. II we believe will probably follow,
then prudence and sound wisdom would require US
to make adequate preparation in view OF such con-
tageney 81 ,.r...
Thus Gar Il might be proper TO go beyond the in
trinsc meri Of the question before the Senate and
cannot ascent 10 the proprety OF introducing any
hing else. Notwithstanding many irrelevant and
sxuaneous matters have been brought into this dis
eussion, (which should not have introduced my
SELF yet, having been frequently referred to, and
commented on, In the previous debate, am unvi-
ing To pass in silence, lest the democratic party
should be subjected 10 wrong constructions, and i'm.
pusasions wholly gra,uitous and 'unfounded, ADD
eur ssncs aiduced rs evidence Of the business OF
the allegations made, and differences deduced from
them by our wing friends on the other side Of the
chamber. One Of these irrelevant matters, which
has most surprised me, is the Introduction into this
more convention; and have been yet more sur
prised al charge made by an honorable senator
from Virginia, on the other side Of Inc CHAMBER
tnf, hhoHLHJ .nai 'ns eo"yenu"n W'' w ,''uoaue
uon ho'e WIS u'e Ieso" /" .ao'"""' a"u nv "
msneprsssn, inc remark on inc ken'e'nan' veg
cave 70 read rom MS Puahsuea speech SNORT sA
uact' he says
opsuly nvoks discussion one Of the appropriate
mean. . inds !, wa Propsr that ihs people houi.
ing Of this appeal Th- Baltimore convention What
III The auhority d an unknown to the Inst
,u0 9! M MADE tns 'u1so' o. appeal 70 eon
spponted Or nearly so convened for an alleged specific OBJ
ci y carry INTO effect an assumed public sentiment in
on to that oj-ct proceeding had bern to discard
s .dmi.isd public sentiment which Pnrportrd to hsv'
Been moi to rreeye but to make public srntimsnt II
ubaton Of that winch protested to have been sen,
exscue snd then to mise political issues which might b
~ nd ' aud n
on Of its professsd authority had been successful in die
ns its most important election to the country and it's
oy was now mss
M, tts - ~ A -, 49, ~ IL.
bad Of ,"sa;e In H. Sals Of egsi,.o
ws, W. 10 hs snen hos ~. xow Al would 3. ressiveS
II 10 manifest, from these remarks, that the sena
tor wishes 10 induce the reopo to believe that there
has been an attempt to dictate 10 the Legislature, tc
influence their decisions improperly, and to conro
their action, as the celebrated Jacobn club Of Pari,
did in the Gays Of the French revolution. Is hi
borne out in this by anything that has transpired n
Of i1--by the acts Of the Baltimore convention it.
self or the democratic party, whose delegates COM
posed that convention Sir, that convention waf
composed of delegates from all parts Of the Union
representing the will and wishes of the whole de
mocrscy Of the United States; possessed of high
talents, and the full confidence Of those whom they
represented, convened to consult on the common
veal of the party, and to select candidates for the
presidency and vice presidency of this great repub
lie, that should meet the wishes and carry out thu
principles Of the democratic party--the principles
ola Washington, a Jefferson, Madison, and Jack
son, and well did they perform their duty. Allow
me, Mr.. President to read from the proceedings o.
that convention what they did do in relation TO the
subject now before the Senate. Mr.. b. +. Butler, o
New York, offered series of resolutions expressly,
Of the sentiments and principles OF the party, which
were unanimously adopted by the con venfon, anon.
which the only one referring to the subject nov
under discussion, is the following: al.r.. ...
~Resoir.d That ourttle the whole Of the territory
oreson clear and unquestionabe that ne per,on OF n
SANE na oagh 70 pc ceuaa 70 ud ~
oTsxas al the earliest practicable period are great Anne,
lean measures, which this convention recommends to tn
rdiaisupport oil the democracy Of the Union"
Was -there any Jacabonism In this' If so, II
Whist did It consist After thorough examination
OF the whole proceedings of that body, and all tina
has hA~ H. d.. .l-s.z