The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1846-02-21
The Oregon Question.
THE CORRESpoNDENCE. E.


Representatives, in compliance with
their Resolutions of the Sd instant trans
mlttng copies of a correspondence
which lately occurred between Mr..
Pakenham and Mr.. Buchanan, as also
between Mr.. McLane and Mr.. Buch,
anan, on the subject Of Oregon. The
reading Of the letters produced pro-
found sensation in the House.
The frs. letter of the series is from
M. Buchanan t, Mr.. McLane, dated
December 3, and asking the meaning
ofthe warlike preparations in England.
The second letter is reply to this.
dated Jan. Sd. In thi, letter, Mr..
McI.ane states that he had had an in-
terview with Lord Aberdeen. who had
frankly admitted that they were max
ing preparations, but not exclusively
on account of the relations between
the two countries, though it was due to
frankness to say that the state Of these
relations were such as to render prep
aration necessary. Mr.. McLane, as
requested, gives his own opinion that
in case Of war Great Britain would
endeavor to strike severe blow at
the beginning.
The third letter is from Mr.. Paken-
ham to Mr.. Buchanan. dated 27th of
Dec. This letter inquiries whether an
offer would be accepted by our gov
ernment, if made by England, to sub
NIT the subject and an equitable div-
sion of the territory in dispute, to the
arbitration Of some friendly power or
State. ...
The faurM letter is from Mr.. Bu-
chanan to Mr.. Pakenham, dated Jan.
Sd, in which the proposal to arbitrate
is declined. Mr.. B. gives the reason
as follows: .....
"The British government do not pro-
pose to refer to orbtration the ques-
iion of the title to the Oregon Terrific
ry, claimed by the two powers, respec-
lively. 1t is a proposition to refer 10 a
friendly sovereign or State, merely the
partition or 'equitable division" ofthat
territory between the parties. 1t as
sumes the fact that the title of Great
Britain to portion of the territory is
valid, and thus takes for granted the
very question in dispute.
"Under this proposition, the very
terms Of the submission would contain
an express acknowledgements the right
of Great Britain to portion OF the
territory, and would necessarily pre-
cludc tie United States from claiming
the whole before the arbitrator.
"The President believes that any at
tempt to refer this question to third
power, would only involve il IN new
difficulties" i"
THE ffM letter is from Mr.. Paken-
ham to Mr.. Buchanan dated January
Sd, stating that he will send the answer
of Mr.. Polk. transmitted above by Mr..
Buchanan, to the British Minister in
London.
The sirM letter is from Mr.. Paken-
ham TO Mr.. Buchanan, dated January
10th, and in reply to MIR. BIS letter
of the Sd. Mr.. ?. declares that Great
Britain has rights in the whole Of Or
egon. He now asks if the United
States will be willing to submit the
question Of title TO mixed commission
or to a court of distinguished Civilians,
and earnestly presses the subject upon
the consideration Of the Secretary of
State.
The sepnM letter is from Mr.. Bu-
chanan to Mr.. Pakenham, dated Feb
ruary 6. Mr.. P.'s new proposition is
declined. The reasons given are as
follows. After alludIng to Mr.. P.'s
new offer, Mr.. B. proceeds
"There is, however, condition an
nexed to this offer which exposes it to
the same objection, in point of fact, if
not in form, which was prominently
presented IN the answer of the under
signed to Mr.. Pakenham's last propo-
sal. This condition is, "that il neither
[party] should be found, in the opinion
Of the arbitrator, to possess complete
title to the whole territory, there should
in that case, be assigned to each that
portion OF territory which would in the
opinion Of the arbltratlng power, be
called for by a just appreciation of the
respective claims of EACH" 1.-THE gov
eminent of the United States should
consent to an arbitration upon such
condition, this might, and probably |
would, be construed into IN intmation
ifnot direct invalion to the arbitra-
tor to divide the territory between the
parties.
"Were it possible for the President,
under any circumstances, to consent
torefcr the subject to arbitration. the