The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1846-04-11

We have claimed up TO 40 deg, and nothing
beyond il. We have offered to yield every
thing north oft, II Is the boundary between
the two countries on this side the Rocky
Mountains, and has been since the purchase
of Louisiana from France.
do not think it important either to prove
or disprove the fact that commissioners I'M
der the treaty ofUuetcht established the 49th
parallel as the French possessions in America.
Ancient maps and descriptions SO represent
IL; some saying that this line of boundary is ia
run "ndefinitely west" others saying, in
terms, that it extends "to the northwestern
ocean" But, what IL more important we
have considered this boundary as established
by the treaty Of Utretcht, at least on this side
of the Rocky Mountains. Ii was on the
strength of this that we drove back the Brit
ish pretensions, after we had obtained Ln.,
north, from the head waters the Mississip-
pi to this parallel of49 deg.
This is indubitable. We have acted, there
fore, and induced others to net, OH the idea
that this boundary was actually established
II now so stands in the treaty between the
United States and England. II, on the gen.
eral notion ofconhguity, or continuity, this line
10 be continued "indefnitely west," For is allow
ed to run to the northwestern ocean," then
il leaves on oufside tho valley ofthe Column
bia, to which, in my judgment, our title is
maintainable on the ground ofGray's discov-
cry. ........
The Government of the United States has
never offered any line south of forty nine,
with the navigation of the Columbia,) and il
never will. Ii behoOves all concerned to re-
gard this as a settled point. AS TO the navi-
CATION ofthe Columbia, permanently or for
a term fyears, that is all matter for just, rem
| M. llt,F tip
49th parallel must be regarded as the gener-
al line ofhoundary, and not to be departed
from for any line further south. As 10 straits,
and sounds, and islands, in the neighborng
sen, all these are fair subjects for treaty stpu-
latior. lfthe general basis be agreed TO-
all the rest,t may be presumed, may be accom-
plished by the exercise of spirit of fairness
and amity.
And Mr. President, ifthis he so,why should
this settlement be longer delayed? Why
should either Government hold back longer
from doing that which both, think, can see
must be done, if they would avoid rupture.
Every hours delay is injurious TO the inter
ests of both countries. Ii agitates both, dis
turbs their business, interrupts their inter
course, and may, in time, seriously affect
their friendly and respectful feeling towards
each other.
ilhNliS Sultl tiils, WI ltslIlSill, IL Nouiu bC
needless for me, even ifit were proper, TO add
more. have expressed my own opinions
plainly and without disguise. think see
clearly where this business must end, if it is
to end without serious collision:and l earnest
" hope that those in whose hands power is,
on both sides,will exercise that power prompt
ly, in removing the great evils produced on
both sides by the tendency ofthis unfortunate
disturbing, and dangerous controversy.
II is not case in which either Government
should stand on matters ofform or etiquette.
The interests mt stake are too important for
that. 1t is not humiliation, it is not coude-
sceusion even, for either government, to sig
niiyto the other, its readiness to do at once
what it secs must be done intimately. Thus
far, the dispute does not touch the honor of
either Government. Let, then, the propi-
tous moment be seized; let candor, and fair
ness, and prudence rule the hour and let
these two great nations be restored TO the full
enjoyment oftheir vast, useful, and harmoni-
oug intercourse.