Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, IA [i.e. Ind.]) 1839-1854, 1846-06-02

I,pI YntYn6fYasts N common with ma14y
81 our fellow citizens. have regarded win '''c'i
.oIcit,de the controversy between our Bo'oiii-
-, and thnt Of Great Britain, III regard to fhor
...noc,;vc claims to tho territory OF Oregon. IL
.;,,a. ns much pain to hear that War IS spoken
r. ,osa;ble alternative for settling tho dispute
I,woen tho two nations War. with all us
,,Ioodsbed destruction and miseries; with all lis
r,;,,es and its horrors, between two OF the most
.ol;ob,ened and civilized nations Of the ear'h;
md making high profession of the holy rellg'on
Of tho Lord Jesus Christ, who was, and is. en-
phaticalIy tho Prince OF feace. i"' very
thought is shocking 10 US.
w. nomor;alists claim to be Christian pa
,r;o,s. lovers of tho peace, and seekers afer the
welfa.e and prosperity of the nation; and friends
70 its honor and dignity, III tho most exalted sense,
subjects 10 our government wishing 10 iiVo IN
obedionco to and support of all It's laws which
arc not repugnant to tho higher authority OF the
Divine Law surely believing tho ancient proVerb,
that Righteousness exalteth a nation, but sin IS
ronrooch TO any people, But religious
society of protesting Christians we have always
hold and maintained that all wars and hghiings
nre in direct violation Of the spirit, the commands
and example of our blessed Saviour, who taught
md now teaches his followers TO Love your,
enemies; TO bless them that curse you; to dc
good to them that despitcfully use you.
Christ strike at the very root of all War; 80 also
in practice, those who live, under tho Influence
and government of his blessed spirit IN thor
hearts, nro indlsposcd TO War: and if we are
enabled through his grace, TO keep his words
faithfully, and obey them without compromise,
we can take no par, in War; can VIC destroy
those whom we taught to love. or nJnrc those
whom wo arc commanded to bless!
To resort 10 tho use of deadly weapons, and
E,f+l fi, Il thor
Of great or small moment, in support of that
dclusive spirit of evil origin msnamcd honor,
would we believe DO descending greatly from
the true dignity and honor Of great people, and
as with individuals SO with nation, would be 4
wide departure from tho spiri. and principles OF
Christianity and true Christian viriuo. How could
we expect that tho many blessings of Heaven
heretofore 80 profusely enjoyed, should continue
TO visit our beloved country if without consulting
our better feelings, should give place 10 o
selfish and parsmonious spirit. and take measures
Of force, resentment and retaliation!
Fully believing that all wars arc tho offspring
Of mems wicked passions. that they arc barbar
Gus, ant.christan and unnecessary. and produc
tive Of inexpressibo evils to the parties involved
could greatly desire that nations, in their dis
putcs. might yiod TO tho pcaceable influence 9
the gospel. and settle their differences in sucl
manner rs they would be settled between lndlvl
dua's actuatcd bv n ,JgniGcl christian spirit an
under exalted senso OF justice, forboaranc
and brothcrlv kindness and who would soono
suffer wrong than do wrong.
To this end VIC could earnestly desire that Il
of difficulty, a course of negotiation entlrci
pacific and conciliatory should be pursued; and |
this should fail to produce agreement in terms
that reference might be made to arbi,ra.ors, nu
tunlly chosen; mon distinguished for their virtu
md ability; whose award should be faithfully an
scrupuousy adhered to- and carried out withot
hesitation or unnecessary delay. we nave enlif
confidence that such course would with II
Divine blessing never fail OF success: that
would DO highly becoming the dignity and tru
honor Of any nation. and operate as soverelg
example, not only to other nations OF the cart
but tho individual citizons of our own republic
To such n course Of proceeding with Il
British Government. in regard 10 tho dispute
claims in tho Oregon territory, and the scttIeme
of tho boundary limo IN that region. we won
respectfully, bu, seriously and earnestly. ure
upon the attention Of tho high authorities who
ii is our present, privilege TO address.
Such course would. we believe. accord Wi
The dignity and true honor which should actua
The statesman, tho patriot and the citizen; bo CO
tain and etIcctual in the settlement OF tho co
troversv. and productive of the happlest resul
TO both countries.
We conclude with expressing our fcrvent d
sire that YOU may be influenced IN all your de
borations by that wisdom described by tho Apo
tie, 'tha, is from above, aud IS first pure. the
peaceabIo, gontle and easy TO be ontreatcd. fl
Of mercy md good fruits; and that your &C
may tend to tho exalta,ion Of the blessed Nam
and the furtherance of truth, peace and right
business among mon; believing that this should
your great primary object, aim md end, in Il
performance of the high duties with which "
are entrusted
Signed in and on behalf Of the moo.ir
aforesaid. ELIJAH COFFIN.
Clerk 10 preseu, meeting.