The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1846-01-07

Proeres, of the oregon Question.

Progress Of the Oregon Suestion.
/ In your remarks on my letter of January LIST, you
have taken very natural and proper view of the
position of affairs now existing between this coun-
try and Great Britain. coincide in opinion. that It
requires very nice discrimination for the conductor
of public print to judge correctly, from the ten
thousand rumors and reports in circulation. upon
any subject Of moment. l saw so many contradic-
tory statements from writers in Washington, con.
tanning SO much OF the "vor pretena nihl," that I
have sought to make your paper the medium of
communicating information to be relied on, as tho
only one OF extensive circulation in the country. uI
trammeLed by party.
am by no means an aarmist, nor u il my object
to misead you or the pubict-not being personal.
~ Interested IN any event that may transpire be-
tween me two countries, nor, indeed, a thorough
believer In the immaculate wisdom Of either of our
political parties; moreover, am fully convinced
that war at this time will bs the most nt
unwise and impolltic measure that can by any pos
sibity be dreamed of-the end does not Justify the
means. The idea put forth by the West, that war
with England would advance the United States,
needs no condemnation. That the wars incident
on the French revolution did give a great impetus
10 the arts and sciences In Great Britain, is true
for she became the workshop Of Christendom until
her revenue reached the enormous maximum of
ia millions sterling; but this fourshing state Of
trade arose from the fact that her merchant ma
traversed the seas with nearly the same security as
they do at this moment but this state of CONNER
cla prosperity could not exist in any rupture that
may hereafter ensue, and hence l argue that war
must clog the energy OF this country, most ruin
Gus and distressing manner.
stated III my former letter that war with Eng
land could not be avoided, except by arbitration;
without a. there Is some reason now to suppose the
President wall concede the right OF navigating the
Columbia river. This must be the basis Of any flu
ture arrangement; and be assured that the English
government will never relinqushstha right, except
by the force OF arms. / repeat that the ullimatum
OF Great Britain, (with possibly few trivial mod-
iicatlons,) has been made. The position laid down
byLord John Russell on behalf of H. M government,
was clear and positive that the most favorable pro-
posa had been offered to the United States in the
49th parallel, to the northeast branch of the Colum-
ba and thence 10 the Pacific. Our last proposal of
the 49h parallel TO the ocean, has been most empha-
noally rejected. No one can doubt but that Mr.
Pakenhams instructions would admit Of no mis-
construction, on this point, or that he could have
acted upon his own individual responsibility. Il
matters not which claim to the disputed territory is
best, the Hudson Bay Company have possession;
and as the most powerful and richest commercial
association IN the world it is of vital Importance TO
have tree and easy access for their trade to the
ocean probable that the English ministry will
torsake them. 1t now remains to be seen what is to
be the action of the United States government
The pulse of the House of Representatives has al
ready been felt by Mr.. Adams in the debate on the
Oregon, threesdays since, and there appears to be
little doubt but that the notice to cease the Joint oc-
cupancy, will shortly become law. In that event.
contend that rupture becomes inevitable, and that
If either government recedes before collision takes
place, II will be that Of Mr.. President Folks All
negotiation has ceased, nor will it be resumed. not
wlthstandlng MIR. Calhouns praiseworhy efforts for
peaceable adjustment, without the free navigation
OF the Columbia becomes the basis Of the treaty.
If the editor of the Herald deems my letters of
sufficient value by way Of the half dime postage to
find place in his columns, will convince him that
my information Is not chlmerical.
The structures OF the Journal Of Commerce upon the
Union are not only severe but just. The National
Intehigcncer is far more worthy of confidsnce--at
least as regards information concerning foreign re-
lations.
The entire cabinet is rabid for war. Mr. Buchanan
will not concede an inch of Oregon south of 81 40.
Bancroft, not for " the whole or none," but the
whole. The remaining distinguished statesmen,
relinqush the first cedar bush, and declares Great
Britain cannot be urged into war. Mr.. A. is hoary
with years and wisdom, but his judgment in this
particular should be received +" cum gran0 sails"