The Columbian fountain., 1846-03-31

passed the notice, and followed il up with 9th
er measures recommended by the President, in
his opinion, we should have had the whole
but while the Senate is faltering ,hus-has
ialtered SO far, and distinguished Senator
proposes 10 fall back TO the Columbia river TO
avoid fight-this, all this, is almost TO invite
her 10 claim the whole.
When Great Britain sees hesitation, fear
three months time wasted-the Executive arm
OF Government parsliZed --she will not depart
from her well-known and established line of
policy. Three months time thrown away and
now we ought TO drop the subject for month.
For what purpose2 Till another steamer ar
rlves 10 say whether Queen Victoria is pouting
at us or not. 1t is species of national humi-
llauon he was not prepared for. 1t was time
we should act as representatives OF real free
men. Not 10 hesitate, afraid of what another
country might think of our actions. Mr.. w.
had made this proposition with extreme eau
ton, it was digesed and prepared before hand,
and meant much preconsideration.
Mr.. A. concluded his inspiring and unpre-
meditated speech by stating as his solemn con-
viction, that if there is war-if war does come
on this Oregon questionable cause ofthe war
would be found in the hesitating course of this
Senate. We oughoto have sustained our rights
mantully as freemen should.
| Mr.. Webster answered. 1t is alleged that he
had used premeditation in his decision. If he
had it IS OF importance to be precse-and it
would not be far out Of the way if other gen
temen would take the same pains. (Great
laughter.)
| As to Queen Victoria poutng at what we
were doing now, she would be more likely
pouting or iadulging in sarcastic smiles at the
other side Of the Senate chamber not at his
side. He did not say he was in favor of the
boundary being established at the Columbia
river What he took care to say, and had put
down was, that in his opinion, public senti-
ment was strongly tending to settlement on
the basis of 49,
Mr.. Allen said that he had no idea that pub
lie opinion in this country is SO settling on 49,
or any line short OF the Russian line.
Mr.. w. would state that the line Of 40 he
spoke Of as a line Of demarkation. "On the ba-
SIS OF 49'' he said. He further had said that
the temporary use Of the Columbia river and
straits and islands would be proper subject Of
friendly negotiation. If that be the basis, it
matters little what may be surrendered tempo
rarlly. England must not expect more than
Az pc ermanenuy There is, he thought ten
dency OF opinion that we ought TO stand by our
offer IN 1926 that England refused then. This
provides for the extent of her claim-that must
be settled on the 49lh parallel, but the naviga-
lion OF straits and island seas and adjacent
islands should be the subject of negotiation.
Mr.. M. Clayton explained at length his
motives for making the inquiry, and yielding
10 Mr.. Webster's desire that it should lie over
informally for some days, he moved the spe-
clal order on the main question OF the Oregon
notice
Mr. Barrow took the floor in an able speech
against the Administration and the course of
It's friends here and elsewhere. He was in
favor OF the notice as peaceful measure He
should be in favor of giving it tomorrow by
the Presidential all events, he should be in
favor OF giving it before Congress adjourned
for this session.
Mr.. Cass moved an adjournment.
Mr.. Fairfield obtained leave to make few
remarks in relation TO the communications from
The heads of Navy bureaus to the Committee
on Naval Affairs. He reported them now,
though he had been averse to il before, because
he was afraid OF the effect on the Senate and
the public, the recommendations were so ex-
travagant; but now he wished them all pub,
lished
After some unimportant formal business,
they were ordered 10 be printed, and after a
motion TO go into Executive session had been
negatived, Mr.. Cass's adjournment was carried
--and the Senate adjourned.