The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1846-03-05

WASHINGTON, March !

there fortyhve out lOf fftyfour in that body Ia
Lvorabe TO 40 degrees, is ,sti in mos, untoward
state of confusion; nor is there any likelihood that
il will escape this condition of disorder, for some
time to come. At the end Of last week, several ef-
forts were made to take the questions upon various
proportions before that body, but both the great
parties were divided TO what course to pursue,
and the subject is still far from any probable ter
minaton as ever. There are nearly hall dozen
propositions relative to the "notce," before the
Senate and each of the fathers Of these propositions
is resolu,e in supporting his own offspring, recon-
mending what the course of this government shall
be regarding the ticklisn condition OF the negotia-
tons between the two countries
During the last wldays, certain friends OF the
President have endeavored to bring about some
common ground OF action among the democratic
Senator's but as yet these efforts have been attend
ed with no success whatever The debate will be
resumed Tomorrow, and the question will be taken
IN day or two or perhaps just as likely in week
or two.
This conflicting condition of things in the Senate
is most unfortunate for the country divided coun-
sells, divided opinions amongst the political friends
OF the administration take away from the President
that moral force and influence which he requires in
order to conduct the Oregon question with ability
and success. Thus far Mr.. Polk has been most
shockingy treated by his own political friends, in
both Houses Of Congress-, but particularly in the
Senate. They are weakening him and his admin
istration every day on this important subject, by
their struggles to manufacture popularity, each on
his own bottom, out of this Oregon affair. There
three, or four, or five cques in Congress, that
have produced, and continue these embarrassing
divisions from efforts amongst the democrats them
selves, to the visible injury OF the administration,
and all for their own Interior purposes Of President
making. Each Of these cliqMes with its Presiden-
tial candidates on hand, endeavors to make "hob-
by" of the Oregon question for the next election,
and is endeavoring to drag it out OF the hands OF
the Executive and to preciptae it before the world,
without entertaining any regard for the delicate po-
siton Of the country in relation to foreign power.
II Is an additional calamity to think that this state
Of things amongst the democratic party, has been
brought about by those who have attempted to head
oil Mr.. Polk. This family dispute the Oregon
matter is principally confined to the democratic par
ty-it has not affected the wings to the extent.
The efforts, made about month ago, to procure
settlement of this negotiation upon certain propos-
ed basis-that of MISUNDERSTANDING amongst
the whigs-was similar error to that which the
cques of the democratic party have fallen into The
wings, however, being in a minority, could not do
much in that line of business; and, accordingly,
when the recent correspondence was brought out,
their object was blown up, and there was more
to be heard OF it. Mr. Polk, under all circumstances
In this important question, has managed it with
great deal OF skill and sagacity. The correspon-
dence Of last summer was approved by the country;
and although there is a division of opinion on the
sc h. ho
allowed that the British government, in attempting
arbitration second time, indicated a desire to set
themselves right before the world more than that
their terms would be accepted by the United States
government. What the Executive required in all
this was, simply united action am VI all parties
in Congress, In reference to the "notice" and such
other measures as may be deemed suitable, in order
to bring this important measure to peaceful termi-
nation.
The original faut-the original error, in all this
business, in which Congress now stands-may be
traced to the unwsc and unskilful conduct OF the
newspaper organ Of the President IN this city Pre-
vious to the opening Of the session Of Congress
and while the negotiation was pendng-the Union
newspaper very improperly came out on the subject
Of the Oregon territory, and discussed that question
thus rudely taking it out of the hands OF
I
cordng to all rules Of propriety the govern
ment paper ought to have left it,. No doubt MIR.
Richie was governed by good motives, but the posi-
ton which he stood to the government as its or
gan, ought to have restrained him from any attempt
to wrest it from its proper hands, and precipate it
before the country as popular topic. When he was
SIMPLY an editor in Richmond, he might have done
what he pleased he owed no responsibility to the
propriety OF his position. Now, what has all this
done, or what is it likely to do butte produce state
of things that may be fatal TO the peace of the coun-
/ try!
In this state Of things, as Congress opened,
the various democratic clgues finding that the Union
newspaper here, was appropratng to itself the honor
of claiming the "whole or none" Of Oregon, became
somewhat jealous Of the popularity that was likely
to accrue therefrom; and hence the various move.
ments made by the democratic cliques to appropri-
ate to themselves portion Of the popularity.
They committed the same fatal error that Mr..
Richie did, and the result OF all these attempts to
appropriate, for Interior purposes, the thunder of the
Oregon question is now seen IN the state OF utter
confusion in which the whole democratic party is
brought towards the executive, at an interesting
crisis in the negotiation. 1t was great mistake on
the part Of the President, ever to permit the organ
to interfere in relation to the Oregon negotiation.
II was equally mistake for any OF the democratic
party TO make it question for Interior purposes
and it was unwise in the leaders Of each Of these
cliques to strut on their several "hooks," and at
tempt to take it off his hands.
On the other hand, 1t was the best way to have
consulted on the best and wlsest to be pur.
sued by the President and his Cabinet; and after
having agreed to place the same before the opposl
ton party, and procure their sanction to some poll
teal course Of action this being done, both parties
might have agreed give the notice, and present to
England and the world, perfect union between the
President and Congress, instead Of divided counse
and broken front.
I II, =. sad ,nJaod IN e,r,a ouartayr that the nye