Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1847-12-30
Oregon.
Oregon.
Document from the Department Of Stale Accompany
ing the Message
Washington Cifv, March %. is47.}


SIR:-On the eve of your departure for Oregon, the
President has instructed me to communicate to you
his views in regard to that territory, that you may
make them known 10 its inhabitants. He deems you
a suitable agent for this purpose, yos an
officer Of the United States, having been commission
ed Deputy Postmaster at Astoria.
The President deeply regrets that Congress did
not, at their late session, enact law establishing
territorial government in Oregon. bill for this
purpose passed the House of Representatives, on the
10Th of January last by vote of l33 to 35 Ii fail
ed in the Senate, not am firmly convinced, from
any want of disposition the part of the majority to
provide government for that interesting portion of
the Republic; but because other urgent and import
ant business connected with the Mexican war did
not allow the necessary me before the close Of their
short session, to- discuss and perfect its details. For
this reason alone it was laid upon the table on the
day Congress finally adjourned.
Ii is the intention of the President, in his message
to Congress in December next 10 reIterate the recon-
mendations in regard Oregon contained In his last
annual message No doubt is entertained that Con-
gress will, at early period after their meeting
create territorial government for Oregon extend
over 1t our laws relating to trade and intercourse
wifh the Indian tribes; establish custou-houses aud
make liberal grants of land TO those bold and patriotic
pioneers who, amidst great prvations and dangers,
have established their settlements upon the soil
An of this is afforded bl the recent act car
ryiBg into effect the recommendations of the Presi
dent far regards the extension of Post-Otce
laws and the grant of mail facilities to fellow
citizens in Oregon. Tits will appear from a certified
copy, now furnished to you, of part of the first
ton, and of the second sixth and seventh sections Of
the act. approved Sd March, lS47, to establish GER
tain post routes and for other purposes" | am au-
thorized by the Postmaster General to assure you
that all the provisions contained in these sections will
be carried into effect with little delay possible.
Thus you will perceive that the means have alrea-
DIV been provided for the conveyance of public infor
and nriva 70
zens in Oregon themselves, and between them and
the citizens of States and territories of the
Rocky Mountains.
Besides. the late Congress, at their first session. by
the act of 18th May, 1916, provided for raising
regiment of mounted remen for the express purpose
of afording passage through the Intervening
Indian territory TO emigrants their way TO Oregon,
and for the establishment of military posts along the
route for their protection.
The people of Oregon may rest assured that the
Government and people of, the United States will
never abandon them, prove unmindfu of their well
fare. We have given a sufficient pledge of this de-
termination by the zeal and irmness with which,
throughout quarter of century, just right to
that territory steadasty maintained against the
claims of Great Britain, until at last the question was
finally adjusted between the two Powers by the treaty
of June, 1916. That treaty has secured to us the
whole territory the continent south of the parallel
of 49, and this we shall never abandon.
We feel the deepest interest in the prosperity Of
the people of Oregon Their brethren this side of
the Rocky mountains regard them with affection and
with hope. We can perceive, in the not distant fu-
lture glorious States of this Conederacv
springng into existence the shores Of the North
ern Paci6c-States composed of our own kindred-of
a people speaking own language, governed bv
institutions similar to those which secure our own
happiness, and extending the blessings of religion
liberty, and law over that vast region. Their COM
merce and intercourse with the other States of the
Union will confer mutual benefits on all parties con-
cerned and Will bind them to u.s. and us to them in
bonds of reciprocal interest and affection more dura
bic than adamant.
Science has discovered and enterprise is now fast
establishing means of INSTRUMENTATION SO rapid
that at no distant day journey from New York to
Oregon will be accomplished in less time than was
once employed in travelling from that city to New
Orleans, and important news will be communicated
by telegraph with the velocity Of lightning Their
foreign commerce with the west coast of America.
with Asia and the Isles of the Pacific, will sail under
the protection of our common flag, and cannot fail to
bear back wealth in abundan nee 10 their shores
In the mean time, shall watch over their growth
with parental care.
The President will direct our vessels OF war IN
visit their ports and harbors as often as
end to afford them all the protection which thew ma
require: and Congress, doubt not will at this ne =,
session provide for them territorial government
suited to their wishes and their wants.
Yours, very respectfully,
JAMES BUCHANAN,
Secretary Of State
Appointed Deputy Postmaster at Astoria,
Oregon Territory.
| n. T.