Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1846-10-10


than quarter OF century and not be supposed that
the British Government will by negotiation 10
yield to us the whole territory TO $40 40 after Govern
ment had thrice offered to divide il by the parallel of 49 and
they had thrice refused this offer when accompanied by
grant of the free navigation of the Columbia.
The notice OF this question will be found under the
Administration Of General Jackson II Is contained in the
instructions of Mr. Livingston to Mr. Van Buren,, dated on
the first of August 1881, with cory of which, far as
they relate this subject you shall be Furnished From hi
you will perceive that General Jacksons Administration,
far from Directing the occupation of whole territory by
the British in with ourselves entirely satisfied
suffer this state Of things to continue These instructions
do proceed upon the principle OF claiming the whole ter
rory for the United States although they express strong
opinion in favor of right After stating that the term OF
Joint occupation indefinitely continued for the purpose,
the language of the treaty, of giving time TO mature mea
which shall have for their obec; definite settle
of the claims of each party the said Territory they
20 on to remark that this subject then, open for dis
CUSTOM and until the rights Of the parties be settled by
negotiation; ours suffer nothing by delay,
These instructions evidently look to settlement OF the
rights Of the respective parties by negotiation, and not 70
absolute exclusion of Great Britain from the whole ter
ntory.
From the lt Of August, 1891, the date of Mr.. Living
sons instructions Mr. Van Buren,, until the 9th OF Oco-
be Si further notice OF the Oregon question was taken
in any instructions from this Department On that day, Mr.
Upshu then the Secretary Of State under Mr. Tyers Adj
mnistraon addressed instructions Mr. Everett the sub
ect Following in the Of compromise pointed out by
his predecessors, Mr.. Upshur says
rhe offer Of the 10th parallel OF latitude, although It has
rejected, be again rendered. together with the
right Of navigating the Columbia upon equitable terms Be-
yond this the President prepared Nevere
less you may propose receive subject to the approval o.
this Governments other of compromise which the
progress Of your discussions appear TO promise satstae
tory adjustment OF this important question:
Next came the existing negotiation, which the President
found pending on his accession TO office.
This negotiation, like all which had preceded IT. was based
upon the principle of compromising the claims of the parties
and Of demanding the whole territory for the United States
The first PROTOCOL signed by Messrs Calhoun and Paken
ham, the 23d August last states that instituted TO
of the respective claims Of the countries 10 the Ore
gon territory, with the to establish permanent boun-
Diary between the countries westward of the Rocky Noun
| tains to the Pacific ocean"
The President very early period Of his Administration
was called upon dec lie whether he would break off
tnue this negotiation. Placed in such responsible position,
he first inquired whether the national honor required that he
should abruptly terminate by demanding the whole territory
in dispute War before dsonor is maxim deeply engraven
upon of the American people and this maxim ever
shall regulate his conduct towards foreign nations But il
was impossible him conceive that there could be dsho
pursuing the which had been adopted by Mr.
Monroe his patriot revolutionary predecessor, more than
quarter Of century and had been either expressly sane
toned acquieseed in by all succeeding Administrations
His inquiry was would compromise Of the claims oil
the parties by adopting the parallel Of 40 degrees, materially
ue the interest Of the United States The entrance OF The
Straits Of Fuca, Admiralty Inlet and Pugets Sound, with
their fine and rich surrounding SOIL all south OF
this parallel We know but little Of the country north OF it,
but from all the nforation have obtained, with the
exception OF few spots, wholly unfit for agriculture, and IN
capable Of sustaining considerable population It's chief,
indeed almost its only ~Luo consists IN the urs which may
yet be collected upon asd even IN this particular 1t Is not
of much Importance.
Arbitration being Of the question: the
remained either compromise the claims OF the parties
upon similar to those which had often been proposed by
the Government OF the United States and rejected by that OF
Great Britain demand the exclusive sovereignty
the whole territory in dispute and thus to render almost
inevitable In the present enlightened and christian
ought 10 be the very last alternative Of nations and should
be resorted unless for which renders mpea
lively necessary To rush hosiles if this be hon
orably avoided would subject the United States 10 the
demnaton all Christendom. The President doubts whe
Their the Judgment Of the civilized world would be IN our favor
in a waged for comparatively worthless territory north
40 degrees which his predecessors had and over again
offered surrender TO Great Britain provided she would yed
her peenons 10 the country south OF that latitude Besides
such cause, whilst would doubtless he sustained
by the PATRIOTISM might the appreciation, of large
portion Of our fellow citizens.
On the other hand suppose the American proposition OF
the Igh degree Of latitude should be again made by The
United States and again rejected by Great Britain, and wa
then he the consequence, might appeal TO all mankind Tor
the Justice and moderation of demand The voice OF an
impartial world would pronounce cause to be righteous
and citizens would be enthusiastically united IN sts
tafnng such Should the negotiation end IN disap
pontnen President having done all that can be required
him for the preservation of peace will afterwards feel him
self perfectly free TO insist upon rights IN their iu extent
up the Russian line.
Influenced by these important considerations you will per-
ceive, from my Mr.. Pakenham copy of which
now enclose YOU that the President has proposed
the Government of Great Britain that the territory west Of
the Rocky Mountains which has been under existing treaties
free and OPEN the occupation OF both nations since
1873 shall be divided between them by the 18th para
lei Of north latitude, offering the time 10 make free Ia
Great Britain any port ports Vancouvers lsand south
Of this parallel which the British Government may desire
You will observe that the proposition is silent in regard To
the navigation Of the Columbia rivera privilege which has
heretofore been repeatedly offered 10 Great Britain in former
attempts settle this question. Such privilege the Presi
dent concede, although he well OF the serious
nsupcabe obstacles which this may present TO the
cess of the negotiation The tcnacty with which Great
Britain will adhere the free navigation Of the Columbia,
which she enjoys, manifest from the not" of Mr. Pa
kenham Mr. Calhoun Of the 18th September last with
copy Of which you have been furnished.
If the free navigation Of the Columbia granted to
Great Britain this would be perpetual source Of strife and
cause of collision between the citizens and subjects of the
nations in those regions Ii would be almost i'm
possible by any vigilance that could be execd, TO execute
the laws of the respective countries and prevent
smuggling on either side Of the river Besides there are
porages around the falls and rapids Of this river and
its branches the of which necessary TO the enjoyment
free navigation This would introduce the subjects OF
Great Britain with their merchandise into the heart OF the
country, and thus greatly increase the evil beyond what
would be if they were confined the channel Of the river
The President is DESTROYS adjust the question in such
manner leave behind from which might pro
coed new difficulties and dangers again TO involve the
peace Of the two countries With his present impressions he
can never Weld 10 Great Britain the free navigation Of the
Columbia
TO be hoped that Great Britain may view this subject
in the light especially within the last few rivers
have been explored and rcored north Of the parallel OF 40
degrees on which trade be conducted between the
interior and the without the Of the Columbia.
Whilst denying this privilege which has been hitherto
ofe ofJcred what hope