The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1846-02-28
Editorial Corrcspvndcnoe.J
Important from WASHINGTON.

Important from Washington.
WASHINGTON, D. c., Feb. Is, 1886.
most significant and important ebate on the
Oregon qnsstion has taken place in he Senate du-
ring the - two days, and it has been adjourned to
Monday. The last news from England has pro-
duced profound, as well as complicated impress
sion, upon the different elements Of the govern
ment, in this metropolis. All parties have now
read and conned over the Queens speech-the do
bates in the British Parliament, and in the French
Chamber Of Deputies-the articles in the public
press-and the various movements in France and
England, connected with the relations Of this coun-
try. All parties, and all public men, according to
their relative position, have made up their minds
to the character Of that intelligence. The extreme
war party in Congress look upon the news az any
thing but pacific; and, on the other hand, the ex-
treme peace party give highly favorable interpreta.
ton to the aspect OF this intelligence. This con-
ficting Interpretation Of the recent news, by our
leading public men, in both Houses Of Congress
has been particularly developed, during tho last
two days, in the Senate. What may be the impress
sion that has been produced on the minds OF the
President and his Cabinet, through their private adj
vices from the American Minister in London, 10
more difficult to ascertain. We have had strong
symptoms Of something important that is under
way, but nothing officially has yet been divulged,
from either our government or the British Embas-
sy, relative to the present position Of the negota
ton on the subject of the Oregon controversy be.
tween the two countries. We are expecting some.
thing important every day.
The relations Of the two countries are yet in a
most critical condition There is but very small
difference, in point of real value, between England
and the United States, on the subject of the Oregon
dispute and there is, also, strong disposition, in
the commercial interests OF both countries, to draw
closer the bonds of union-as may be seen from
tho tariff bill proposed by Sir Robert Peel, and that
proposed by Mr. Walker on this side. Yet, in
spite OF the minute difference the Oregon ques-
ton, and the strong bond Of union which it is so
desirable should exist in our commercial affairs,
it 10 possible that the turning OF a straw amongst
some Of the factions in Congress- may lead to Sc
ries Of consecutive events, that may produce such
differences between both countries as will lead to
long and a terrible war. I am perfectly salts
fed, from everything zee and hear, both at
Washington and amongst the people, that, II the
Oregon qusstion is not settled during this sesson Of
Congress, the di6ieMltss Of settling 1t hereafter,
pM be increased, and insvitaHy tCiA lead to the
utter imposability of accomplishing it, under any
other basis than that of 40. II this question shall
remain an open one, and be thrown before the peo-
pie at the elections during the next year, 1t will
not be in the power Of any government of the
United States to settle it on the basis of compro
mise. No matter what the result may be on the
destiny Of the nation, hereafter-no matter what
wars may be caused-no matter how much the
British Government may threaten about Ore
gon, or conciliate on commerce, am per-
fectly satisfied this is the time to settle this
question on the basis of compromise between
the two countries And, if the present session
be allowed to pass away without such settle
ment, it never can be done hereafter, on less than
81 deg. 40 min. and that being the case, ultimate
collision between the two countries is trembling on
the weight Of hair.
This singular position Of the relations between
England and the United States, ARISES from the pc
cular form and action of this government. Even
during this session, the war party, or that portion OF
the members Of Congress which affect to be the
war party for ultenor purposes, are comprised Of
certain portions Of the two old parties and although
they may be unable to effect any thing leading to
these results from what has been already indicated
during this session Of Congress, 1t is just sure as
day that the postponement of the Oregon question
to another period-another sessions looked to,
from consideration that it will give them an in
Of power and activity in the Legislature here
after. Mr. Folks influence over that portion of his
party 10 not very great; and his influence over his
whole party, which is nominally in a majority,
Is, in consequence of the peculiar position Of
Of the Presidential ciquss In their operation for the
succession-this influence is diminishing every day.
he drnln tofYa INN mart
democratic-is divided into number OF Presiden-
tial cquss, each with Its leader. and guided, prlnci
pay, IN their legislative action, by no other motives
for President. In fact, Mr.. Polk and his Cabinet
have already in this early period OF the Presidency,
entered upon that isolation from their own party
that marked the Tyler administration. There Is an
ominous want Of confidence between the President
and the great leaders OF the democracy. The
oppositon-the whigs-are united more FIRMLY, and
can thus throw every embarrassment IN the way OF
Mr.. Polk and his measures. They have been very
cautious, and some what divided, on the Oregon
question-avoiding the unpopular side AZ much az
possible. They are holder and more open, and less
divided on the tariff question. On the other hand,
the democratic section 10 divided into several fsag
ments, each taking different directions, more less,
on all the Leading questions.
II this disorganized state of parties that produces
delay, and causes difficulties in the action OF our
government, on the Oregon and other questions.
What the result may be, no one can tell. Every
one thinks that war cannot take place between the
United States and England on the insignificant
points Of difference involved in the Oregon ques-
ton; and these impressions are increasing, by
looking to the commercial revolution proposed by
Sir r. Peel, which il il expected will eventually
turn out so favorably to this country. Bot, in the
face OF this, there yet turks an inward fear that,
from the peculiar tendencies Of the various factions
in Congress, and the impracticability OF the British
government getting full knowledge, through their
Minister here, OF the peculiar position OF this gov
eminent, that this condition OF affairs may lead,
step by step, and bit BY bit, from ons point to an