Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1846-02-12


making would be useful and important; bu,
stated ii the same time that they had no direct
reference 70 such rupture, and would
have been made in die same way. and 70 the
same extent, without regard 70 The relations 81
Great Britain and the United States. He also
further stated Tint these preparations were
making and had been commenced before the
relations of the two countries had become 50
serious as they now appeared 70 be; and there
J fore could not at that time have had any con-
nection with difficulties which had grown on,
OF the Oregon question. He sand the prepara-
tons had been exagefated--he denied that they
related to distant service---they were for defence
of exposed situations al home, and were only
part Of wise and prudent system Of nation
al defence and protection, and Of preparing in
time Of peace for the exigencies Of war. lie
most emphatically disclaimed that they had
particular reference to rupture with the
United States on the Oregon question or any
other ground.
Mr.. McLane then gives his own opinions
and expresses the utmost confidence in the
frank and straightforward disclaimers Of Lord
Aberdeen and says il is altogetherprobable that
the possibility Of other difficulties from other
quarters of Europe may have its influence in
debating these extensive preparations. He
adds, that he is not prepared to say how far
we have right to expect an explicit disclaim-
Ter Of the character and purposes Of the war
/ like preparations making by Great Britain,
under the circumstances, but it is certain that
if rupture should grow out of our present
difficulties, England will be fully and eilectua-
ly prepared for il at all points, and for all pos
sible purposes, as if that and that alone, had
been the object Of all her warhke preparations.
In conclusion he adds that in case Of a rup-
ture, England will promptly and vigorously
exert her utmostpower to inflict the utmost in
Jury upon our country and all its interests.
The next letter dated Washington, Deer.
9th, is from Mr. Packenham to Mr.. Buchanan
in which he proposes [under instructions from
his Qhe Britsh) government the expediency
OF referring the whole question of an equitable
division of the Oregon territory to the arbitra-
ton of some friendly Sovereign or State. He
regrets the failure of all efforts to effect friend
ly settlement of the conflicting claims by direct
negotiation between the two Governments
He urges theimportance of an early settlement,
and under existing circumstances urges arb-
/ tbn Y,r,,Iant apH f,aehnps the
only feasible step that can now be taken. He
adds ssthe government Of the United States will
see in the proposal which the undersigned is
thus instructed to make, a proof of the conf
dence Of the British Government in the justice
of their own claim. They win also see in it a
proof OF the readinessofthe British Government
to incur the risk Of great sacrifice for the pre-
servaton of peace and oftheir friendly relations
with the United States II is made in a spirit
of moderation and fairness ofwhich the world
will judge. He considers the portion of terri
tory which in reality forms the subject of con-
troversy of small value to either, compared
with the importance of preserving peace and
good will between the two nations
Mr.. Buchanan replies under date ofJan. Sd
that the British Government do not propose to
refer to arbitration the question Of the title to
Oregon territory claimed by the two parties
spectively-but merely. TO refer TO friendly
Sovereign or State the partition or Equitable
division" of that territory between the par
ties. 1t assumes the fact that the title of Great
Britain to portion OF the territory is valid, and
thus takes for granted the very question in dis
pute. Under this proposition, the very terms
of the submission would certainly express ae-
acknowledgement of the right Of Great Britain to
portion of the territory, and would necessari-
ly preclude the United States from claiming
the whole before the arbitrator. This, too, in
the face of the note of the undersigned of the
30th of August last, by which the President
had asserted, in the most solemn form, the title
Even if there We're not other conclusive rea-
sons for declining the proposition, this alone
would be deemed sufficient. Mr.. B. renews
the hope that the natter may be adjusted with
out disturbing the peace or interruptng the
harmony of the two nations.
Mr.. Pakenham on the 9th of January re-
plies to Mr.. Buchanan, that he viii take an
early opportunity of submitting to his Govern
ment, his letter Of the 3rd, declining the refe-
renee of an equitable portion of the Oregon
territory TO the arbitration of some friendly
Soyreiun or State
Mr. Pakenham ON the 10th of January, af
ter having reflected on the contents of Mr..
Buchanan's note Of the 3rd, addresses him
again-recapitulating his views as expressed in
his letter of Dec 9th, and adds, she must,
however, beg leave, with reference to the OBJ
servaton which he has just quoted, remind
the United States Secretary Of State, that it the
Government ofthe United States have formally
avowed a claim to the whole of the Oregon
territory, it is no less certain that Great Brit
ain has, in a manner equally formal, declared
that she too has rights in Oregon territory, in
compatible with the exclusive claim advanced
by the United States.
He then states his object now to be, to ascer-