The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1846-03-05


claims are mere pretence, without foun
dalton or shadow OF title. We own the
whole; we demand the whole, we will
take nothing short ofhe whole; ond, in
so doing, we claim only what rishIfulIy
belongs TO US; aud it you choose TO go TO
war with US for taking only what is our
own, we will meet you as best we can.-
Let consequences take care ofihemseves.'
This is very much after The manner we
are now addressing ourselves 10 England
upon this subject; and how, think you, we
should be likel Y TO regard language of
this character by her TO US? | need not
say we should regard it and treat it as the
highest indignity which could be offered
lous 1t would be met with universal
response of condemnation; no, only from
The whole American people, but from ev-
cry civilized government on earth. No
alternative would be left us but tame and
dshonorable submission, or an appeal 10
arms, and 10 the God Of Justice, IN vindi>
cation Of our invaded rights and insul!ed
honor. Her tones of arrogance and insult
would find response in the united voice
OF an Indignant nations scorn and defiance.
Is England less sensitive in regard 10 her
rights and to her honor than we are2-
Will she be more likely than ourselves
quietly TO sa5mit TO acts of encroachment
upon her rights, or what she considers 10
be her hls2 This i: not the character
or spirit of the British Government. That
is not the character or spirit of any civil.
ICED government on earth. Whatever act
on her part, touching this conrover,ed
question, we should regard as offensive
and hostile, and as afordng just provo
cation and cause for war, will on our part,
be precise so regarded by her. Who
will venture to say we should declare war
against England, or consider it a JUS,
cause for war, in case she should give US
notice for the ubrogation Of the joint con.
venlion, and should asser, her exclusive
sovereignty over the Oregon territory; and
yet that England would not declare war
against US, nor consider i. just cause for
war, 10 case we should do the very same
thing? Is it wise, then, is it patriotic, is
II magnanlnous on our part, 10 address
ourselves TO England in tone and mans
ner which, coming from her, we should
so readily condemn and resent; or 10 do |
any act which, if done By her, we should
regard as offensive and belIigerent2 -
Should we not, by such a course OF con-
duct, even in good cause, place ourselves
in the wrong before the eyes Of the civiIs
lied world2 There is good old golden
rule, as applicable 10 the conduct OF nations
as of individuals: d. unto others as YOU
would that they should do unto you"-
There is an honor, glory, moral he>
rosm, in acting upon the principles OF
this rule, which never sprang from the red
fields of blood and carnage.
Mr. Chairman, believing as do that
this unfortunate and prolracted controver>
81 may yet be amicably adjusted; bcIiey>
Ing as | do that ii is the desire and the ex>
pe:talion Of the great bod of the Amer>
can peopl that it should be so adjusted,
canno. discharge what | deem to be nv
duty as representative upon this floor,
looking TO The best interests and the highs
est welfare OF the country without enters
ing my most earnest prolestalions against
every course of action, and every course
OF remark, which, in my judgment, shall
tend. in the slightest degree, to close the
door 10 such an adjustment; which shall
tend, in The slightest degree, to interrupt
or embarrass negotiation ); and, above all,
which shall tend in any degree to array
the Two Governments in hostile collision
upon such a question. In so ding am
sustained by the conscious assurance OF
the approval Of those for whom am au-
thorized here 10 speak AMI to act. How
could we more efectuaIly close The door
10 all further negotiation. and 10 all hope
Of an amicable ADJUSTMENT than 10 notify
England Of our determinations after the
expiration of twelve months, to lake ex,
elusive possession Of the whole Oregon
Will she De in better mood
10 negotiate by our informing her that she
has no shadow of claim 10 any portion OF
hat territory! Can we treat with her
upon better terms. and render an amicabIc
settlement! more probable and more speedy,
by telling her that she must quit possession
and abandon all preensioh of any title
there after one years notice., confess it
strikes mo very differently. | am not,
however, unwilling to vote for notice in
some qualified form, expressing our ear
nest desire still 10 negotiate settlement,
and giving assurance that it is given with
q view 10 more certain and speedy adjust.
ment.
However much gentlemen may be dis {
posed 10 decry and denounce the course Of (
former administrations, ia offering dvis- I
ion Of this disputed territory by The 49h /
parallel of latitude, and however they may {
denounce those who would now acqliesce t
in such division as fair and honorble {
settlement, | trust the friends of the present