Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1846-01-15

a display ofhis intelligence, his patriotism
and daring, which shall disgrace the ia
thegs of the Republic. The people have.
too, much intelligence to be thus misled.
The matter in controversy between
this country and England is, whether a
boundary line shall be run in one direc-
ton or another, making difference of
some miles Of territory, which is worth
but little! Now each Government doubt
less is equally sincere in the assertion Of
its claim. But the sensible men ofneither,
consider the mere matter Of territory Of
any Importance. The houor Of neither
Government is concerned in the result,
whether the boundary shall be established
at one point or another. The Inaugural
assertion of Mr.. Polk, that our right was
unquestonable, was injudicious, and un-.
true. 1t had always been questioned;
and every one knows that the true digDi-
ty and frmness Of a Government, do not
consist in bold assertion. The declara-
ton of Sir Robert Peel, in Parliament,
OH the receipt of Mr.. Folks address, was
equally exceptionable. Ills assertion,
that the right of Great Britain was un-
questionable to the same territory, was
also injudicious, undignifed, and untrue.
But if our President and the Prime Min
lister of England intended to say, that
each had rights in the said territory, which
were uaquestionable, their assertions were
both true For up to that time no one
had expressed doubt that each had rights
in the territory referred to. And it is, in
this light, | will consider the matter.
From the close of the Revolution until
lately, much more important part Of the
same boundary line was in dispute. But
the wise and elevated Administrations of
the first half century of the republic, did
not deem such difference as cause of war.
Washington had passed through the strug-
giles of a war, which established our indc-
pendencc and glory. But Washington
was more ayersc 10 war than James X.
Polk The men who surround and gov
crn the latter, viii hardly compare with
the companiona Of Washington. For
bearancc and an honest discussion of the
RESPECTIVE claims of each Government,
brought the first controversy to happy
issue. And, with half the talent and dis
cretion shown by Ashburton and Web
ster, the Oregon difficulty may be ADJUST
ed. Now if the two Governments cannot
settle this small matter, why not refer it
to some third party! But Crowned
heads arc objected to by some who have
put on the livery of progressive democra-
cy. Let the reference he made 10 others
than crowned heads, and let them settle
| it. This can be done with as much ease
and ccrtainty as the settlement ofdisputed
lines between individuals Here is the
whole controversy, and in this mode may
it be settled. Will my fclow-countrymc
agree toit! think they will. That the
political loaicrs, who have nothing to
lose, or to pay in the way Of taxes, will
oppose it is certain. They have their eve
on commissions in the Army, and profta-
bic contracts. They will oppose it. And
many who are in power and who believe
that nothing but war can enable them
to maintain their ascendancy, will also
oppose it. In this last ground of opposi-
ton, | have touc hed the recent movement
of the Oregon question. 1t has been and
is still agitatcd for political effect. Not
that war was at first designed, but war
rather than overthrow Of the party.
| address myself to those of my coun-
trymcn who ere engaged in carrying on
the great enterprises of the country
Farmers, Manufacturers, Mechanics, and
men engaged in Commerce, / speak to
you. Are you ready to go to war with
England about disputed linc-a territory
in itself of no value! Will you fight
Eng land rather than refer the controvcr-
sy to intelligent and impartial arbitrators
| am sure you will not. You have too
much good sense and discretion to bring
so heavy calamity upon your country.
What will bc the effects Of war Our
enemy before the end of three months
after it shall commence, will take possess
sion OF Oregon, and in twenty years, the
force of this nation cannot dislodgc him.
Nothing can enable us to do this but n
Naval superiority over our enemy. This
no sane mind could hope for or desire.-