Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1846-02-06
FOREIGN EXTRACTS.
THE PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.
Opinions Of the British Press.
FroD Wilmer & Smiths Times.

England than any similar document from
the head Of the American Union has done
for years. Public feeling was directed to
the Message long before it arrived, its tone.
lIostileoE otherwise, formed abundant scope
for conjecture in the press, and even du-
ring the exciting time Of the Ministerial
crisis. journalists, overwhelmed by the inn
sportauce of our relations with the United
States, stepped aside TO discuss the ques-
ton, even in the absence Of the Presidents
views IT,. .-..-.. ....-, .
We have given elsewhere the spirit of
the English press on lI.is important docu-
nnent. our transatlantic readers will be
struck by the absence Of all irritation in the
remarks of the great organs of opinion in
sghis country, relative to the message; and
this reIsctance to- avoid giving offence,
arises altogether from the praisewo rihy
desire to heal, rather than to foment the
cause Of difference between us and the U.
States respecting Oregon. Some of the
articles we have given are able and COM
Prehensive views Of the question at issue,
argued, ofcourse, with an allowable amount
Of national feeling and prejudice, but pre-
scented, on the whole, just and generous
standard ofreason and logic.
One cause, perhaps, why the message
hasagFeeably disappointed expectation here
- is the we'll timed observations in which il
INDUCES respecting liberal tariff. If the
Oregon is the bane, the proposed reduc-
ton of the tariff is the antidote in the new
Presidents missive to Congress.
~~ Upon the whole, then, If the Message
has not given all the satisfaction, in Eng
land, which the friends and we'll wishers
of America desire, it has its favorable point
that of Free Trade; and the pending tri-
umph Of Free Trade principles will, in all
probability, be accompanied by satisfac.
tory adjustment of that bone of contention,
the Oregon. Polk and Peel agree as to
the necessity of the first, why not of the
last alternative!
The London Morning Chronicle says
But we will not believe that the question
can be brought to such an issue War. =
We do not think that Congress will make
provision for giving effect to Mr.. Polk.
insane coumsels. There are various con
siderations whichlead US to this conclusion
The policy of the Executive Government
in America is but the reflex of the opinions
. Of the party or interest predominant for tn
time being, changing as these opinions va
ry, and necessarily adjusting itself to ever!
difference as il arises. The great agricul
iural interest Of the West, is at this lnomen
in the ascendant, and Mr.. Polk is its typ
and its representative, both in its wishe
and its resentments.
The London Times says: Oregon
should the American population ever al
tain a substantial preponderance, wouI
not long remain British colony; but oc
cupancy, though an irresistible power, i
not a right. and depends on numbers, no
arms.
The terms of the Message imply, then
the alternative Of war, or conclusive nego
iiation. War is too monstrous to be tho
Of for moment. except after every e6ol
at compromise has been exhausted
Britain and America must be too sensibl
of their mutual benefits. mutual Deepen
dence, and mutual respect, 10 peril the su
sIantia blessings they now enjoy, and ar
daily multiplying in the relations of peace
p for the bloody and precarious glories {
war .a< ..-.
The Manchester Guardian says -
..r" With respect to the notice for lermins
ting the joint occupancy of Oregon, W
are not sure that President Polk may M
receive it from the British government b'
fore he can possibly be in condition
give it himself, But, whether given b
one side or the other, we do not concei,
that it will add materially, if at all. to tn
chances Of hostile collision. 1t has bee
obvious enough for some time past, tn
unless the question can be settled in vel
short period-say in twelve months at Il
latest-hardly any thing can prevent wa
The Journal des Debats. the Frent
government organ, says" The Messal
., Of the President of the United States e
presses itself, on the subject Of the Orego
III tone which shows that the spirit
Cancellation is not that which distinguis
es the present President. Mr.. Polk tai
sgood deal of his moderation. but he sho,
little enough of it, and his manner is sue
that if il were to be adopted in the rela,i
ofgovernments. every dispute between t,
States would be terminated by war"
An abstract Of the Message relative
the negotiations is then given, and it is
marked that Mr.. Folks manner ofspeaki
Of England, is "such as conqueror. in
heightOfhis power, would speak to til